GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms (www.gefanuc.com), Charlottesville, Va., has released Cimplicity 8.0, the latest version of its Proficy HMI/SCADA control and visualization software. Version 8.0 of the human-machine interface/supervisory control and data acquisition software delivers a number of new features designed to improve the developer and operator experience through better graphics, increased usability and enhanced decision support.
Like earlier versions of Cimplicity, version 8.0 is built on high availability client/server architecture with vector-based graphics for dynamic zoom and integrated change management. With a multi-server configuration, Cimplicity can be scaled for applications of more than 1 million tags, or configured for applications as small as 50 tags.
Contextual menus
Cimplicity 8.0 supports Microsoft Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Its CimEdit development environment, based on Microsoft-fluent User Interface (UI) technology with Ribbon Bar concept, allows developers to create activity-based screens with custom contextual menus.
A new graphics-rendering engine has a larger development canvas, useful in creating screens with sufficient resolution for crisp, high-contrast graphics, even when the operator deploys the CimView rubber-band zoom tool to drill down into a specific component. Anti-aliasing, improved gradient shading and native picture support enhance the visual experience for operator and developer.
For security protection, Cimplicity 8.0 requires only a Microsoft Windows Vista/Server 2008 standard user account. It has been tested to ensure full operation while using a standard user account with no User Account Protection (UAP) security prompts, thereby reducing the risk of operator interruption by unauthorized file/program access and core system issues.
Just hit replay
Two additional features—core Universal Time Constant (UTC) support and Digital Graphical Replay (DGR)—allow users to monitor events in local time and review past events for troubleshooting and root cause analysis. The UTC support, which references GMT, gives Cimplicity 8.0 dynamic time handling capability, meaning it can change time zones “on the fly.” With applications being accessed globally, this capability is key for multinational manufacturing companies and is useful in transit applications, such as shipping, where data is literally moving through multiple time zones.
With DGR 2.0, users can replay and analyze past events in slow motion, real time or up to 10 times the speed—enabling them to identify and troubleshoot issues and prevent repeat occurrences. DGR 2.0 provides the ability to replay trend data for more intelligent decision-making and accelerated issue resolution. This feature is useful in unmanned applications, or where the operator is not present 100 percent of the time, such as in energy, water/wastewater or SCADA applications.
For more information on Cimplicity 8.0, visit www.gefanuc.com/cimplicity.
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
www.gefanuc.com
