Original equipment manufacturers and packagers wishing to implement the OMAC PackML state model in their control systems now have a new source for help. Elau Inc. (www.elau.com), which provides control systems for the packaging and converting industry, is offering a tutorial CD, source code and a half-day seminar covering the topic.
Elau has developed a best practice for implementing the PackML state model in its IEC 61131-3-based PacDrive automation system using Sequential Function Chart (SFC) language. SFC is ideal because it lends itself to replicating a state machine and visualizing changes in state, Elau says.
“The same principles used by our developers can be readily applied as best practices by other controls suppliers,” says Patrik Hug, Elau president. “We want to encourage the automation industry to implement PackML in the most consistent and effective way across control platforms.”
The PackML state model was released as a guideline by the OMAC Plug-and-Pack Workgroup as part of its interoperability initiatives. The model is based on the ISA S88 standard.
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