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The acquisition expands FactoryTalk plant-wide information software offerings.Rockwell Automation Inc. has an agreement to buy Datasweep Inc., a privately held company that supplies manufacturing production management software solutions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Located in San Jose, Calif., Datasweep currently serves major customers in the pharmaceutical, high-tech electronics, automotive and medical device industries. ArvinMeritor, Johnson & Johnson, Lucent and Qualcomm are a few of the world-class companies that use Datasweep’s production management software.
The Datasweep management team and their employees will join the Rockwell Software organization. In addition, Milwaukee-based Rockwell Automation will integrate and then rebrand Datasweep Advantage software products into its newly unveiled FactoryTalk integrated production management and performance suite.
Matt Bauer, Rockwell Software business manager, told Automation World editors during an interview at Automation Fair—Rockwell’s annual user event, held Nov. 16-17 in St. Louis—that the products gained by the acquisition will fill out the company’s portfolio of collaborative manufacturing software products. The products will be branded “Rockwell Software” for a few months until they can be brought technologically into the FactoryTalk architecture. More than just Manufacturing Execution Software (MES), said Bauer, the suite provides services beyond what most companies define as an MES solution.
Data makes knowledge
“This strategic acquisition emphasizes our commitment to deliver a world-class, plant-wide information software suite that drives manufacturing excellence,” said Steve Eisenbrown, senior vice president of the company’s Automation Control and Information Group. “Incorporating Datasweep technology with the FactoryTalk production disciplines enables us to help manufacturers convert day-to-day operations data into business knowledge for timely decision-making—and that means lower costs, better quality, higher productivity and improved flexibility.”
“This acquisition is a key milestone in developing the FactoryTalk suite into a multi-industry, multiplant capable enterprise manufacturing software platform,” said Kevin Roach, vice president, Rockwell Software. “Datasweep has a demonstrated track record for helping manufacturers dramatically improve production information tracking, visibility and control across an entire enterprise.”
Vladimir Preysman, founder and chief executive officer of Datasweep said, “I am very excited about this business combination, which will bring to market a broad range of solutions based on our joint vision. The combination of Datasweep enterprise systems with the Rockwell Automation information software and plant-wide solutions will bring unprecedented value and scale to our existing and future customers.”
Datasweep Inc.
www.datasweep.com
Rockwell Automation Inc.
www.rockwellautomation.com
