FlexNet Machine Integrator
Adaptive Automation Connectivity
Automated plants and warehouses require real-time connectivity between industrial automation equipment and manufacturing execution systems (MES) to properly synchronize work processes. Manufacturers operating with a distributed network of factories and supply chain partners are particularly challenged when an automation system’s work processes require modification.
In the past, adjusting machine automation and control systems was achieved only through painstaking "brute force" programming and maintenance of machine connections to disparate human-machine interface (HMI) systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), test equipment and scales. The resulting combination of systems is not only expensive to maintain, but lacks flexibility for a fast-paced, highly competitive business climate.
A balance is needed to support manufacturing automation with standardized manufacturing execution processes, while enabling real-time changes to those processes as the need arises, which can then be configured for rapid, worldwide deployment.
Application Layer vs. Automation Layer:
Where to Locate Business Process Automation?
Apriso pioneered the development and deployment of standardized machine to business process integration. By approaching this configuration from a software automation perspective, Apriso provides a ubiquitous platform to unify disparate equipment systems from leading factory automation vendors into a single operations execution system. Apriso FlexNet® easily integrates with existing automation technology and equipment, using OPC, PLCs, RS 232 and ASRS as applicable.
FlexNet Machine Integrator provides a critical link between enterprise applications and automation and control systems via an operations execution layer, delivering a seamless gateway facilitating data acquisition and direction for machines, tools, devices and sensors. By keeping business process logic out of the machine automation layer – within FlexNet – it is easy for you to create, update and manage business processes across operations, throughout your entire supply chain network. And, you can make changes in real-time, across multiple locations. Automation vendors simply can’t deliver this level of flexibility and adaptability.
Key Functionalities
- Acts as an information broker between enterprise applications (ERP, PLM) and data acquisition sources, throughout the enterprise
- Integrates with all FlexNet applications plus any Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) human-machine interface (HMI) system and OLE for Process Control (OPC) server, as well as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), test equipment and scales
- Links machinery, equipment, instruments and scales to standard receiving, cross-docking, manufacturing, picking and shipping processes
- Allows real-time views of values and status of any data acquisition source end point
- Localizes time and dates automatically according to client's device settings
- Dispatches alarm notifications based on user-defined subscriptions applied to point values or any other element of the data acquisition hierarchy
- Supports remote system configuration and monitoring
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