COPA-DATA brings new software versions to market
18.08.2017
With the new version of its automation software systems, zenon 7.60 and zenon Analyzer 3.10, COPA-DATA is presenting further milestones for ergonomic working for project engineers and operators in manufacturing companies and the energy sector.
New features in zenon 7.60:
Fully traceable processes
A significant new feature is the zenon Process Recorder module. It records individually definable processes in full, and provides them on request at a later point in time. Past processes can be played back, forwarded or reversed step by step, or stopped, as often as you like. The findings gleaned in relation to possible causes of errors can be used to increase effectiveness and quality. The zenon Process Recorder is not just suitable for manufacturing companies such as food and beverages manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies; it is primarily suited to power supply companies. The improved traceability of process in electricity grids or substations supports grid operators in maintaining critical infrastructure reliably.
Bundled individual information in a structured manner
With the new Context List screen type, zenon provides improved support for users when structuring manually entered data and information. Entries made by different users can be harmonized with the new context lists, which is particularly beneficial for the analysis of alarm causes. Uniform, pre-defined descriptions ensure that alarm causes are subsequently evaluated – with zenon Analyzer for example – and can be used for quality management.
Quick location of statuses and errors
Project engineers can easily integrate 3D models into a visualization project with the new 3D Tool in zenon. The three-dimensional view of production machines increases user friendliness for users and promotes intuitive working. In the model, variables that call up the detail screens in a machine part can be linked or created. This makes it possible to locate certain states in the machine more quickly.
zenon 7.60 also offers a new possibility to combine data from geoinformation systems (GIS) and zenon visualization. With the GIS editor and GIS control, users can display electricity grids in the zenon visualization in geographical mapping material. Current statuses, such as alarms, are shown on the map directly. Users can thus localize certain states and events more precisely and handle alarms more efficiently.
The impedance-based fault locating is also new in zenon. This functionality plays a vital role in energy automation. Using the impedance measured (alternating current resistance), it is possible to localize errors in the grid with great precision. The employees at energy supply companies can thus react quickly and with focus, thereby significantly reducing power outages.
Efficient planning, documenting and analyzing
The new zenon Shift Management integrates staff planning into the production environment. The shift calendar allows the planning and documentation of shift-based production processes. Shift-dependent production analyses can now be carried out in zenon Analyzer. Shift management is integrated into the zenon Message Control module, allowing an efficient communication chain to be built in the event of a problem, because only the people in charge of the respective shift are informed.
Easy add-in integration
Software users who want to amend or expand the performance of zenon with their own self-developed functions – Add-Ins – can use the Microsoft Visual Studio programming platform in zenon 7.60 for this. Individual, code-based development for the zenon Editor and zenon Runtime can thus be integrated in a simple and professional manner on this basis. This also expands the range of possibilities for automated engineering.
New features in zenon Analyzer 3.10:
Ergonomic report configuration
The user interface of zenon Analyzer Management Studio (ZAMS) has been completely redesigned. In addition to the user-friendly ribbon menu, the creation of reports in zenon Analyzer 3.10 is even more intuitive and flexible. The person creating the report is guided through configuration by the software. Report designs can be freely compiled according to user requirements. Different reports can be combined on an overview sheet. Users thus have all important key figures, tables and graphics available at a glance.
Increased equipment availability
In zenon 7.60, the Context List screen type has been implemented, which makes it possible to structure alarm causes in a uniform manner. The alarm causes can be evaluated in detail in zenon Analyzer, and thus contribute to better quality management. On the basis of the findings in relation to recurring errors and the causes of these, users can act in a more targeted manner, limit the sources of errors and increase equipment availability.
Flexible benchmarking
In the new software version, comparative reports can be created easily and individually in accordance with the user's requirements. Time periods, lots or shifts can thus be compared to one another flexibly; for example, actual values can be compared to “perfect” values from the past. Based on this data analysis, processes can be optimized and costs can thus be saved.
International cooperation and communication
Labels and descriptions in the report can now be easily translated in the language table. Pre-prepared entries can be amended or enhanced as desired. For the translation process, the list can be transferred to a translator by means of an XML export and re-imported again by means of an XML import.