An industrial automation manufacturer has released aPAC, a mobile application for managing its SNAP PAC System on Android devices. Opto’s app provides real-time control system access and information to workers with wireless phones or tablets. They can use the application to discover SNAP PAC controllers and I/O systems and then view, debug, and fine-tune them, trimming time and cost from commissioning and maintenance, the company says.
Users can monitor temperatures, pressures, machine status, voltage, and PIDs. They can also change setpoints, turn lights on and off, and control motors. For quick reference, specific values in a control system can be retrieved, viewed, and saved to a watch list.
The company says aPAC is the first Android-based mobile app for automation and control that requires no initial configuration. Unlike mobile HMI apps where it’s necessary to first build an operator interface for the mobile device, the company says aPAC retrieves all information as soon as it is connected to a SNAP PAC control system. Opto 22 wireless controllers and I/O are not required.
The mobility of aPAC opens new opportunities for control system diagnostics, maintenance, and troubleshooting, Opto says. Workers carrying Android-based devices in the field or on the plant floor can inspect their SNAP PAC System controllers and I/O processors, as well as view, start, or stop any control strategies running or saved on their controllers. They may also check firmware.
Opto 22
www.opto22.com
Windpower Engineering & Development
Filed Under: Green engineering • renewable energy • sustainability
