IEN: How can/will this sector meet benchmarks for enterprise connectivity and real-time systems?
Coughlin: There are many ways we are already meeting and exceeding benchmarks for enterprise connectivity. By working with the customer to define their vision, we adopt our technologies to meet or exceed their benchmarks. We are incorporating open standards as the foundation of our systems (OLE-DB, SQL, XML , OPC, VBA,VBS, etc) and incorporating open networks, such as Ethernet, as the mechanism for communication. This is enabling our systems, today, to provide real-time data from the sensor to the enterprise.
IEN: . . . Accommodate regulatory requirements such as TREAD and 21CFR Part 11?
Coughlin: Looking at all these requirements (TREAD, 21CFR Part 11, Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act [the Bioterrorism Act] etc), and regulatory bodies, (i.e. FDA, EPA, NHTA, etc), there are really four common areas that are critical to be compliant. They are data security, data integrity, secure login, and change procedures. By providing these critical pieces to our new and existing systems, as well as providing audit trails so we can see who did what, where, and when, we are meeting the intent of all these regulations in both our hardware and software solutions.
IEN: Will HMI/MMI shift from client-server to device-based architectures?
Coughlin: In 1994, we started with a true client-server architecture based on Windows NT. The project resided on the server as well as the database for the system. Clients were just view nodes into the system.
In early 2000, there was a shift to a web-based client, where Internet Explorer is used as the client. This gave increased flexibility and access into the system through the utilization of browser technologies.
Today, we see thin client architectures (device-based architecture) starting to become more prevalent. With the advent of terminal services in Windows 2000 Server, we are now able to use devices, such as touch panels, that have the ability to display everything that was on a traditional client without running any of the software. This provides huge benefits to the end customer because no software resides on the panel. If there is a failure in the panel all they need to do is replace it and power it up. There is no loading of software or reconfiguring, and downtime is minimal. To extend the functionality, thin client technology can be used in conjunction with wireless technologies to include handheld devices and mobile devices.
Customers now have the ability to implement any of the architectures that meet their system requirements.
IEN: What innovations are in store for HMI/MMI users?
Coughlin: There are many exciting innovations to come for the HMI/MMI user in the coming years. Just like the PLC, overtime, functionality, and power drops into a smaller footprint, we are starting to see SCADA-like functionality in panels (such as client-server architectures and web-based functionality) and we are starting to see some MES functionality dropping into SCADA systems (increased analytical and analysis tools). Web-based functionality will continue to provide more flexibility and creativity in the way customers are approaching their applications and maintaining them.
Another interesting and evolving area is the integration of diagnostics from the controller into the HMI. In addition to its normal visualization functions, this enables the HMI to become a diagnostic node for the maintenance personnel in a down condition. Messages, Ladder Logic, and other important diagnostic information is displayed directly on the HMI instead of having to get a laptop or programmer. This eliminates a lot of downtime and insures more uptime for the machine.
IEN: How important is embedded intelligence?
Coughlin: Embedded intelligence has been and will continue to be more prevalent in not only the automation world but in every aspect of life. We have seen tremendous changes in the way we look at our homes (i.e. Smart Houses), our cars (i.e. navigation systems utilizing GPS technologies), and our communications (i.e. cell phones in every pocket). Automation systems are no different. There have been similar advances in drive technologies, sensor technologies, RFID systems, and HMI . We will continue to see advances in embedded intelligence down at the device level.
IEN: . . . Collaborative manufacturing? Collaborative Production Management?
Coughlin: Collaborative Manufacturing and Collaborative Production Management will remain extremely important in the way customers implement their business and manufacturing strategies. As competition continues to press companies for new ways to reduce costs, collaborative manufacturing and collaborative production management allow all aspects of the enterprise to work together to maximize efficiencies. HMI and SCADA systems will continue to be a valuable window into the collaborative efforts manufacturers choose to implement.
IEN: . . . The role of de facto standards (ActiveX/OPC, XML/SOAP, etc.)?
Coughlin: The role of de facto standards such as ActiveX/OPC, XML/SOAP, etc. will continue to provide the interoperability of systems from different vendors to work together. In addition, as these standards are adopted throughout the enterprise, from factory floor to enterprise systems, it will allow for much more vertical integration.
IEN: What are the R & D hotspots?
Coughlin: There are many exciting things to come in the future. For instance, Siemens engineers just received a U.S. patent for the apparatus and method for creating an HMI. Today this is a complex process taking many hours. Generating a user interface with the press of a button is still inconceivable. . . . But with the aid of the invention, it will soon be possible.