Machine Builder (OEM) Solutions
What Matters
Networks Matter
As IT and manufacturing network technology converge to improve information flow across the enterprise, forwardlooking OEMs are turning to open networking technologies like Ethernet, to help improve time to market and reduce the Total Cost To Design, Develop and DeliverSM informationenabled machines.
Managing Information Flow
While they were once decidedly distinct domains, manufacturing and IT network technologies have increasingly converged to help improve business performance and achieve operational efficiencies. OEMs are in a unique position to facilitate this network convergence by leveraging open networking technology for real-time machine control and seamless, top-floor to shop-floor integration. New networking tools, such as the Rockwell Automation Stratix portfolio of industrial Ethernet switches, are available to help OEMs effectively manage this real-time information flow by helping to reduce network latency and jitter.
As technologies advance, EtherNet/IP™, which is standard unmodified Ethernet, allows OEMs to accommodate improvements as well as current capabilities like safety, time synchronization, voice and video. EtherNet/IP, along with DeviceNet™ and ControlNet™, provide a complete network offering within the Integrated Architecture™ system, which supports the connection of all components in an automation system from the simplest device within manufacturing to the enterprise. This seamless connectivity, combined with the ability to use ring, star or linear topologies, helps machine builders take advantage of best practices. Additionally, by simplifying network design and reducing wiring, machine builders can ultimately lower their design costs and attain faster time to market.
After a machine is installed and commissioned, OEMs can harness EtherNet/IP technology to quickly react to changes in machine performance. Technicians can securely connect to the machine through remote access to monitor critical parameters and take action before a machine fails.
As machine builders seek to differentiate their products, incorporating open networking technologies for faster integration, more efficient troubleshooting, and improved information collection can result in a major competitive advantage.
Product and Services Highlights
Rockwell Automation offers a wide range of solutions that can help OEMs incorporate networking technologies into their machines. They include:
EtherNet/IP
EtherNet/IP delivers major benefits for machine builders and end users. By using a single, open protocol for plantfloor devices to IT environments, the network gives users the flexibility to control, configure and collect data from any point in the system to help simplify communications and boost productivity. EtherNet/IP delivers real-time I/O, motion, safety and drive control, and allows IT capabilities like video, data and telephony. In addition, it can also communicate seamlessly with ControlNet and DeviceNet as well as other networks such as FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus or Data Highway Plus™.
Single Communication Protocol From Plant Floor to the Enterprise — Streamlined communication results from leveraging a common language, called the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP™), across the plant floor. With no translation, routing or special programming required, users get the real-time information they need, accessed through a communication network that supports critical business decision-making. EtherNet/IP easily interfaces with end devices and connects to other networks via access points and gateways. Selecting this network allows end users to plug and play for faster installation and commissioning.
Today, over 250 vendors — including three of the leading automation vendors in the world — have recognized the advantages of EtherNet/IP and are providing products to OEMs and end users alike, solidifying it as the network of choice. This is further evidenced by a 2008 study conducted by the ARC Advisory Group, which states that shipments of devices below the controller level totaled just over 1 million nodes and are expected to more than triple by 2012. More information.
Stratix Portfolio of Switches
To effectively manage real-time control and information flow throughout the manufacturing and IT enterprise, Rockwell Automation developed the Stratix portfolio of industrial Ethernet switches and media.
Stratix 8000™ Modular ManagedSwitch
The Stratix 8000 modular managed switch directly addresses the network convergence activities in manufacturing and IT organizations today and is the first of its kind. The switch uses the current Cisco Catalyst® operating system, feature set and user interface, making IT professionals feel at home. At the same time, it provides easier setup and comprehensive diagnostic information from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture. Users have the benefits of CIP tags and configuration screens in Rockwell Software® RSLogix™ 5000 software, as well as diagnostic faceplates for FactoryTalk® View software, which is the preferred way for controls and automation professionals to integrate networked devices. Modular and industrially rated, the product line scales from six to 26 ports with options for copper and fiber to meet a variety of applications. More information.
Stratix 6000™ Fixed Managed Switch
Ideal for applications with small or highly distributed networked devices or devices connecting to the controller, the Stratix 6000™ fixed managed switch gives users control over their EtherNet/IP network in a cost-effective way. Designed to help ease deployment of EtherNet/IP on the plant floor, the Stratix 6000 switch requires minimumconfiguration yet delivers maximum functionality. Setup and diagnostic information is integrated into Logix programs and tags are updated automatically. Users can continuously monitor networks for configuration changes, traffic overload, and unauthorized access, as well as proactively implement changes to prevent a major reduction in performance or unplanned downtime. The small, fixed form-factor of the Stratix 6000 switch provides four or eight copper ports with an option for a fiber uplink to higher-level networks. More information.
Embedded Technology and Unmanaged Switches
The portfolio also includes Embedded Switch Technology,as well as the Stratix 2000™ unmanaged switch line and physical media. The entire Rockwell Automation Stratix portfolio uses standard, unmodified Ethernet and is optimized for use in EtherNet/IP applications and the Integrated Architecture system. The Cisco operating system, user environment and feature set is exclusive to the Stratix 8000 line. More information.
Network Services
Rockwell Automation Network Services can help OEMs develop and maintain a fully integrated communications network with the speed, volume and other functionality required of today's more sophisticated and complex industrial automation and control environments. More information.