Rockwell Automation has expanded the application development capabilities of its FactoryTalk Batch software to help users more rapidly design and run batch applications. The software features new intelligent recipe capabilities, secure operator overrides, expanded data collection and reporting, and improved material management capabilities. Tightly integrated with the scalable PlantPAx Process Automation System from Rockwell Automation, the FactoryTalk Batch software provides solutions ranging from small, basic sequencing to large, complex batch applications.
When defining a product, recipe authors can now reference systemwide data, such as previous ingredient feed-actuals or material properties, to simplify recipe development. The use of expressions based on this historical data rather than entering specific defined values allows the system to adjust run-time setpoints to accommodate variable batch activity.
Rockwell Automation also has improved run-time user control by giving operators with security clearance the ability to move a batch forward in the process. In the past, procedural flexibility had to be designed into the system. With the latest version of the FactoryTalk Batch software, operators now have more control to advance a batch based on real-time conditions without time-intensive system engineering.
This latest release continues to expand the system data logged into the electronic batch record. This includes information on shared equipment, such as pumps and other processing equipment, to help manufacturers further meet track-and-trace compliance requirements.
For more information on the FactoryTalk Batch software, please visit www.rockwellautomation.com/rockwellsoftware/production/batch.
