Plant Engineering Software – 2002-07-15 – 2002-07-15

By Staff July 15, 2002

Free software figures motor operation cost

BE$T software calculates annual electricity cost of an existing motor or group of motors, based on nominal efficiency, compared to the annual electricity cost of Baldor motors. It then recommends by catalog number the best of the company’s motors for the application and notes the payback period in months for replacing the existing motor. The software accepts data entry through keyboard input, import of a project through Microsoft Excel, and the import of data from a PDA. If motors in question are candidates for adjustable speed drives, added energy savings are automatically calculated. The software is free. Baldor Motors and Drives baldor.com Write 213 on PE card

HMI/SCADA features historical data management

Lookout 5.0 is HMI/SCADA software that features enhanced historical data viewing and management capabilities. Users have greater control over their user interface along with more options for viewing historical data. The software includes features that offer users increased flexibility in archiving, analyzing, and organizing historical data. Data can be saved to a remote server or database. Historical data can also be merged. National Instruments ni.com Write 214 on PE card

Asset management tool rides several buses

PRM is an integrated software product that unifies the monitored data from intelligent and nonintelligent field devices, facilitating their management and maintenance. The software can run with the CENTUM CS3000 R3 control system or as a standalone solution. It provides access to automatically-collected data and allows integration using a common database. The software consists of a database server, client, and field communication server. It works with FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, or Profibus field networks. Yokogawa yca.com Write 215 on PE card

System guides AGVs without wires

Q-CAN is a standard PC program that allows an operator to design, demonstrate, and implement an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) system within days. The system requires no site-specific or custom software. It can be easily reconfigured as requirements change. The system provides methods in designing nonwire AGV path layouts and defining system operation. It supports AGV call and dispatch functions. The software requires no CAD or software experience, featuring a Windows-like graphical user interface (GUI). The system demonstration function allows users to test a system’s operation on screen and fine tune its parameters before implementation. Siemens Dematic siemens-dematic.com Write 216 on PE card

EAM goes all internet

InSite combines internet components, decision support tools, and dynamic language translation capabilities within a multinational collaborative asset management solution. The software is a pure internet application, rather than a web-enabled extension of an existing product. It is delivered via a hosted, subscription-based model for affordable and rapid implementation. The software is designed for mid-market industries, such as discrete manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, and facilities/property management. Indus International indus.com Write 217 on PE card