Advantech Illustrates The Perfect Pyramid Of Automation

8th October 2013

Jacqueline Regnier

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Advantech has described the architecture of control systems using an easily understood, visual automation system pyramid. The model describes the role that Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition technology (SCADA) plays in relation to automation hardware, in acquiring and managing information from the field. This allows better control and decreases the cost of maintenance by storing and managing all data in a single control room.

SCADA links the top and bottom layers of the automation system pyramid. The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) layer, situated above SCADA, represents the interface between the lower SCADA and HMI (Human Machine Interface) layers and the top level Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) layer. Because the MES is an interface between the pyramid rows, reliability is essential.

To ensure accuracy, Advantech uses Embedded Server technology with strict revision control, which guarantees a stable platform for a long period of time. Some key features of server technology are Xeon CPU, ECC Memory, RAID and redundant power supply support. Furthermore, Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) is used to monitor the system in real-time, obtain alerts and manage the system from a remote location.

In the bottom layers of the pyramid, HMI must be present to allow the exchange of information between machines and operators. The diversity of plant topology requires flexible HMI systems and strong, yet supple equipment, which can operate in harsh environments, both from the temperature point of view and from an electric environment point of view.

By creating a unique Graphical User Interface (GUI) for all the operators in the production line, SCADA systems allow users to perform operations in an efficient and effective way.

Advantech is able to deliver complete solutions, from operator interfaces, to high computational power IPC (Industrial PC), as well as reliable and transparent communication solutions for the SCADA and MES layers of the pyramid.

All the architecture depicted in the pyramid requires a reliable communication layer that must be transparent, providing no interference with device communications, and reliable. Because communication infrastructure is the backbone on which all the devices are connected, a communication issue can interfere with all the pyramid functionality.