THINK STRAIGHT!

How many times have we personally had to fight against contorted reasoning, indecipherable thoughts and obtuse logic! What is thought for humans is the PLC software for systems.

At A.E.I. we have chosen to create the SW for our systems using a simple, easily understood language that is commented properly. Software compiled in this way makes maintenance, future builds and/or system modifications easy.

SW TESTING WITH A SIMULATOR

At A.E.I. we address commissioning with software that is complete and tested. This is achieved by continually requesting the information needed and pre-testing the software written, including with the use of virtual simulation software in the more complex cases. Specifically, we use Siemens SIMIT software in A.E.I., which can perform real-time process simulation and emulation in order to examine the automation solutions fully. These systems also us to carry out effective testing to detect and eliminate potential faults or errors before the actual system is available.

HMI SOFTWARE

“Speak well, think well, do well” Zarathuštra.

If the PLC is the brain, the HMI system is the eyes, mouth and ears of the machine. It tells operators what is happening so that they have all the information they need to control the machine. Therefore, the human-machine interface (HMI) must be simple, user-friendly and complete so that operators can monitor and control the machine promptly.

Our experience means we can offer an interface that gives operators simple, clear control based on easy-to-read graphic elements. A layout based on progressive zooming means the main data can be viewed and set from the system level down to the individual component level. The HMI is created using SCADA packages available on the market or using dedicated software.

Our HMIs are based on:

  • Especially configured personal computers
  • Touch screen control panels
  • Supervisors installed on virtual machines

Full, linear management of enable signals, active alarms and the alarm log simplifies operation and allows faults to be identified quickly for efficient maintenance.

REMOTE DISPLAY

For unattended systems or those with long processing cycles, we at A.E.I. have implemented the ability to view the system status (including any active alarms) remotely, even on a mobile phone.

This allows operators/maintenance technicians to check the situation and organize the required visits at the most appropriate times.
These solutions are implemented in agreement with customers, considering above all the safety of these kinds of system.

LEVEL 2 AND 3 AUTOMATION

Our experience means we at A.E.I. can build structures from basic level 0 (process automation) to the highest level 3 (factory automation). We implement data exchange with the company database. In particular with Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server and IBM DB2 databases. We also make ERP/MES and CRM interfaces.

INDUSTRIAL COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

Nowadays, industrial communication is the basis for controlling machines or systems. Data and parameters within a machine or system are exchanged via industrial networks. This communication is normally referred to as the “Operative Technology” (OT) network. Modern machine and system management requires the data generated in the machine to be made available and analysed in the broader company data network, the so-called Information Technology (IT) network.

Optimal use of the data generated in production therefore requires the operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) networks to interact perfectly. The long experience we at A.E.I. have gained in this field allows us to help the customer define the best equipment and philosophies to ensure fast, efficient and secure communication.