Posted to News on 14th Jul 2007, 00:00
Intelligent automation platform delivers integrated manufacturing
Mitsubishi has addressed today's business needs for more flexible, efficient and integrated processes with the introduction of the iQ Platform. This builds on the power of Mitsubishi's Qn series programmable automation controller (PAC) with a range of control modules that interface directly with business information systems to deliver true top-to-bottom plant and enterprise control.
Advanced hardware and software tools deliver comprehensive production data management as part of the iQ Platform strategy. This provides a revolutionary means of connecting data from the shop floor control systems to the management IT databases feeding the control and reporting systems. The MES connectivity makes it easy to track, measure and control critical production data and activities, providing information such as increased traceability, productivity and quality improvement.
Importantly, in devising the strategy for MES connectivity, Mitsubishi has recognised that MES systems vary greatly in scope and scale, from simple work-in-progress reporting right through to full end-to-end manufacturing control and monitoring. The iQ Platform is scalable to meet the requirements of all of these approaches. Based on industrial PLC design standards, the MES module removes the need for any intermediate PC interface and associated specialist software. This significantly reduces development costs through ease of installation, as control engineers can integrate data directly into and from the management databases.
