IT AND HARDWARE

BEYOND DATA BREACH AND TOWARDS CYBER RESILIENCE

SHINING BRIGHT: TURCK EXPANDS TX700 HMI/PLC INTERFACE OPTIONS

In doing business online, multi-dimensional challenges have come from an increasingly sophisticated cyberspace landscape with hackers, ransomware and malicious attacks being part of the package.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) which monitors this activity records a cybercrime every 10 minutes, highlighting the need for business to ensure their systems are secure.

More than a third of the incidents reported are related to federal and state government bodies – a serious problem, given government is responsible for the delivery of the country’s critical infrastructure, electricity, communications, water, education and health.

In the financial year ending June 2020, ACSC responded to 2266 cyber security incidences, averaging 164 cybercrime reports per day, including a severe Category 1 attack involving the “sustained targeting of Australian governments and companies by a sophisticated state-based actor”, believed to be China.

As a result, the government announced a $1.35 billion Cyber Enhanced Situational Awareness and Response (CESAR) package to boost protection and cyber resilience for all Australians.

The main focus of CESAR is to improve advanced detection of widespread cybercrime campaigns and facilitate sharing of cyber security advice to Australians, as well as forecasting threat intelligence.

A serious need for industry preparedness against a cyber attack became a main focus of the 2020 Virtual Cyberweek conference in October. It was attended by at least 600 virtual participants and sponsored by industry leaders in energy, communications, logistics, transport, health, security and manufacturing.

The conference was told that maintaining stringent security online and digital trust had become front of mind, with calls to make it an urgent priority in the coming year.

As data breaches become bigger or more common, digital trust becomes a valuable commodity. Increasingly, businesses are waking up to the idea that healthy security enables good business and customer loyalty.

From overseas, the Global State of Online Digital Trust Survey and Index 2018 from US CA Technologies shows that “taking security and privacy seriously can have a positive financial impact beyond avoiding costly breaches”.

The report surveyed consumers, cyber security professionals and business executives, which highlighted consumers’ lack of confidence in the way organisations collect, store and use their digital information.

It found that “consumer digital trust in Australian organisations ranked the lowest in the world (54 points out of 100)”, compared to the US at 61 points, for example.

In Australia, IT security professionals (73 per cent) and business executives (50 per cent) both admitted to using consumer data containing personally identifiable information.

CA Technologies say that the study “clearly shows that trust is fleeting if organisations do not do their due diligence to protect consumer data from getting into the wrong hands”.

“Now, more than ever, business need to understand that success in the digital economy requires a security-first mindset… and organisations owe it to their customers and shareholders to get it right,” the company said.

At the 2020 Cyberweek Virtual Conference there was general acknowledgement that a great user experience meant addressing business customers’ need for security and privacy.

A hypothetical cyber security scenario, as part of the segment wrapping up the conference, pointed to the need to increase digital trust, as well as ramp up preparedness during cyber attacks.

The Australian Information Security Association sponsored the hypothetical scenario event, which was addressed by a panel of experts from Toll Holdings Group Information Security, Cohealth, Cybersecurity Siemens Digital Industries and the Australian Energy Market Operator.

The recommendations at the end of the discussion and the hypothetical scenario included:

1. Recognition that cyberspace attacks have real and serious impact on the physical environment of business operations, for example on logistics, transport, supply chains and business operations and efficiency.

According to Serge Mailett, the head of cyber security at Siemens Digital Industries (Australia and NZ), it’s a lot like “having an insurance policy”.

“I don’t think we can really afford as a business to just respond after an attack has happened.,” he said. “At that time it’s really a little too late. Prevention is better than cure and that applies also from a cyber safety perspective.”

2. That value chains in business, which impacts on supply chains, are related to each other. The interconnectedness of an online-based environment was a focus in the hypothetical; urging strong suggestions from the panel that all sectors need to come together in strengthening cyber security infrastructures, information and skills learning exchanges.

3. Recognition from industry and business that due to serious impact of cyber attacks on effective operation, a cyber security policy and strategy is essential not only for quick response but also for mitigation and prevention of subsequent attacks.

Automation and interface technology specialist Turck has unveiled new options for its TX700 family.

As an expert in sensor, fieldbus, and connectivity – as well as interface technology, human-machine interfaces (HMI) and RFID systems, Turck leads the way, making them ideal for modern automation systems in a wide range of industries.

Turck’s new programmable TX700 series of HMI/PLCs has a range of available communication interfaces ranging from Modbus RTU to OPC-UA and support for a variety of industrial Ethernet field buses.

It now offer special versions of its TX700 HMI/PLC devices with two new variants for food and beverage applications (TX700FB, Food & Beverage) and two variants with high brightness displays for sunlight readability (TX700HB, High Brightness). The FB devices are available in 7” and 15” screen diagonals and the HB variants in 7” and 10” screen diagonals.

The FB devices were developed to comply with hygienic design requirements (DIN EN1672-2, EHEDG/FDA 21 CFR 177.2006) and come with a stainless-steel front with a polyester coating.

The device front has been designed with protection to IP69K so that the devices are waterproof at high pressure up to 80 °C. The FB products are also resistant to acids and chemicals.

The HB devices with their extra bright display up to 800 Cd/m² are particularly suitable for outdoor applications.

The displays are manufactured with liquid bonding (LOCA) – a screen bonding process that improves screen contrast and increases brightness through reduced reflection and refraction. The HB devices with the full metal housing are resistant to mechanical influences.

The TX700 family uses multicore processors at an operating frequency of 800 MHz and a modern Linux based platform. This makes it possible to implement complex control tasks and visualizations.

The TX700’s all-glass capacitive touch display provides intuitive operation with gesture control similar to that used in smartphones, increasing flexibility.

With their range of interfaces, the TX700 units offer versatile use for visualization and control in distributed applications such as at conveyors and other automated applications. overall system complexity is reduced through the single device functioning as both the HMI interface and logic controller.

The TX100, TX200, TX500 and TX700 device series enables Turck to offer a flexible range of HMI devices for visualisation, as well as HMIs with Codesys PLCs and a cloud connection, thus opening up the possibility of new application fields.

Turck 1300 132 566 www.turck.com.au

Power continuity for your winning edge.

In these times, ensure the availability of backup power for your critical IT infrastructure with Vertiv’s range of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions. Our robust UPSs are built for even the harshest environments, providing the highest level of efficiency so you can focus on what matters the most: growing and protecting your business. That’s your edge.

Liebert® GXT5

Intelligent, Versatile, and Reliable Power Protection for Your Critical Applications

Features and Benefits • Available in 750VA, 1-1.5-2-3 kVA & 5-6-8-10 kVA ratings • Unity output power factor (PF=1) • On-line (VFI) mode efficiency up to 95% • Active ECO mode efficiency up to 98% • Controllable and programmable output sockets

Liebert® GXT RT+

Essential, Affordable UPS for High Performanc Protection

Features and Benefits • Available in 1-1.5-2-3 kVA ratings • High output power factor (PF=0.9) • Compact dimensions (2Us height) including batteries • External battery cabinets (upto 6) for applications requiring long runtime • Flexible communications via USB, Serial port or SNMP and relay card options

Liebert® ITA2

Compact, Efficient, & Robust UPS for Critical Applications

Features and Benefits • Eco-Mode provides a superlative efficiency of up to 99% • Integrated Ethernet port with HTTP protocol compatibility & streamlined remote monitoring • Robust structure with cutting edge channelized airflow design • Dust and moisture resistant • Can now be used as a dedicated power conditioner with no battery connected for harsh industrial environments

Liebert® EXS

Optimized and integrated three-phase UPS solution with high efficiency power protection

Features and Benefits • Output power factor up to 1 • Double conversion efficiency up to 96.2% • ECO mode efficiency up to 99.3% • Compact footprint with multiple internal runtime configurations • Available in 3/3 and 3/1 versions (10-20kVA)

ESSENTIAL GUIDE IN UPS SELECTION AND BUYING CRITERIA

As today’s businesses increasingly rely on IT systems and data to keep operations running at peak efficiency, it is more important than ever to ensure those systems can function even in the face of power disruptions.

That is why a quality uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can mean the difference between business as usual and lost data and hours. UPSs can provide anywhere from a few minutes of backup power – enough to safely shut down workstations and servers or allow backup generators to kick in – up to several hours for certain equipment. Understanding how to choose a UPS that is the best fit for your organisation requires having a firm handle on how much power your IT and other critical systems draw and your tolerance for downtime for each application.

In this UPS buying guide, Vertiv and Atrix – a Vertiv partner for 10 years – walk you through the UPS essentials and the buying criteria to consider.

Buying the right UPS: key considerations

1. Determine the size of the load that needs UPS protection, and, hence, the capacity of the UPS

Step one is assessing which IT or electronic devices warrant UPS battery backup protection and the power required by each device so that you can calculate the required UPS capacity. Assess what applications each component supports and how the loss of that application will affect your organisation. The required UPS capacity is the sum of the power consumption of the devices to be connected to the UPS.

2. Assess the required UPS runtime for critical devices and applications

Step 2 is to determine the desired UPS runtime for continued operation in case of a power failure.

If you have a generator for extended backup power, the required runtime of the UPS may only be a few minutes (~5 minutes) to safely start-up and transition to the generator. On the other hand, your primary goal may be to have enough runtime (~5 to 10 minutes) to safely shutdown servers and workstations to avoid any data loss or corruption.

Keep in mind that, in general, the more equipment you connect to a single UPS, the shorter its overall runtime will be. An alternative may be to use separate UPS’ for certain applications.

3. Determine the number of outlets required

Add up the number of devices that you need the UPS to support, and make sure the UPS has enough outlets to meet your immediate needs, and leave some room for growth.

Alternatively, you can use a power distribution unit (PDU) to provide additional outlets, but be careful not to overload the UPS.

Some UPS models also include outlets that only support surge protection. These outlets do not provide battery backup. Make sure you understand the features of the UPS you are buying and that it has enough battery backup outlets to meet your needs.

4. Consider UPS installation requirements

UPSs come in a variety of sizes and form-factors. Tower models are standalone units that sit on the floor, or a desk or shelf, and often backup desktop computers, servers, and routers in an office environment.

Rack-mount UPS models are typically designed to fit in a standard 19-inch IT rack along with other IT equipment. Rackmount UPSs vary in size, and their height is measured by how many vertical slots it occupies in the rack. Each space is known as a “U” and measures 1.75 inches.

UPSs designed to use lithium-ion batteries tend to be smaller and lighter than similar models that use traditional lead-acid batteries, enabling you to fit more backup power capacity in the same space – or the same capacity in a smaller space.

UPS Advanced Features

UPSs can differ considerably in the exact set of features they support. The following are additional common features found in modern UPSs that you may want to consider.

Remote Monitoring and Management

UPSs with built-in network ports or support for network management cards (NMCs) can be monitored and managed remotely. This is especially important for UPSs installed in branch offices or edge locations with limited or no IT staff on site. In this case, a centralized IT or facilities group can monitor the status of all UPSs and be notified of issues such as batteries that need replacement.

Remote UPS Outlet Control

or outlet groups that can be managed remotely, including the ability to monitor energy usage, and cycle power or turn off these outlets or outlet groups. This can enable someone in a remote operation centre to reboot a hung server or network switch, for example.

LCD Control Panel

From a local perspective, an LCD screen on the UPS can display useful information such as battery health and power conditions, and facilitate local management and control of the UPS.

User Replaceable Batteries

No battery lasts forever, and UPS batteries are no exception. Consider models that feature a removable panel that makes it easy for the user to replace the batteries, rather than having to call a service technician.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more common in UPSs and for a good reason. They can easily last twice as long as traditional lead-acid batteries yet weigh far less and take up less space. In many cases, the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of a UPS with lithium-ion batteries will make them well worth the additional up-front cost.

Extended Runtime

Some UPS models support external battery packs that can provide extended runtime beyond what a UPS’s internal battery offers.

ECO-mode for Energy Savings

UPS Eco-mode seeks to save energy by bypassing the voltage regulation and/or energy conversion processes of the UPS if it determines that the utility input power is of good quality, to save energy.

Atrix Business Products Pty Ltd has been a Platinum Solutions Partner of Vertiv for more than a decade, and it can help you in selecting and installing the best UPS in any location in Australia. To talk to an Atrix representative, please contact Anthony Searle at Anthony@atrix.com.au.

HMS LAUNCHES NEW CLOUD-BASED EWON DATAMAILBOX

NEW WITT OBCC SOFTWARE FACILITATES DATA MANAGEMENT DATA#3 SECURES DELL TECHNOLOGIES CLOUD PLATFORM CERTIFICATION FOR ANZ

HMS Networks has launched Ewon® DataMailbox, a secure freemium cloudbased solution allowing machine builders and factory owners to easily access data from their machines anywhere in the world.

The DataMailbox is an online data buffer that enables easy retrieval of data from machines. It is a part of the Ewon Talk2M cloud service.

The Ewon routers connect to a remote machine and send data via ethernet or cellular connection to the Talk2M cloud.

Customers can collect data from multiple machines anywhere in the world in a highly secure process in order to analyse this data at their convenience. This allows for big data analytics and dashboards for predictive maintenance and operational intelligence.

It is possible to set up a data connection in a couple of hours, no matter how complex the IT environment, and also scale up when necessary. Users can add machines to the process in a couple of clicks.

With the DataMailbox as a data buffer, users will avoid losing data, no matter how many sites they are collecting from as data is automatically stored and forwarded if the internet connection is down.

Users also always have access to a clean historical dataset for analytics applications.

The DataMailbox is a freemium service within the Ewon Talk2M cloud, meaning that customers can utilise it for free for an unlimited time. By moving to the Pro version, customers are covered by a unique Service Level Agreement and can process even more data.

The freemium approach and ease of access in no way compromises the security as Ewon solutions are trendsetters in cybersecurity.

Ewon www.ewon.biz/support.

The new OBCC software from Witt promises to make life much easier for quality managers in the food sector.

With its state-of-the-art user interface, and its clear structure, managers say it is intuitive to use.

The Windows application enables professional data management, from rapid data analysis to complete digital archiving. Customers can download a free 30-day trial version.

OBCC is the ideal complement to a Witt gas analyser of the OXYBABY® 6.0 and PA series. The core of the application is the clearly arranged dashboard, on which all data is shown. At a glance, a quality inspector can grasp the analysis results and the master data from the connected analyser.

Graphical analysis tool and digital archiving

The graphical presentation of the results allows easy and rapid data analysis. Various filter options, for example by date, product or packaging line, help to evaluate the measurement results and to identify quality issues. This way, the work is done efficiently. OBCC also provides various export options. In addition to the csv format, for example for further processing in MS Excel, PDF reports can be generated in one click. Exports are based on the individual filter settings, and include graphics. The user thus generates the quality control documentation exactly as specified. This is particularly valuable for customers’ communications and certification audits.

Cross-device master data management

Another advantage of OBCC is the convenient master data management. Products, users and packaging lines can be created directly in the user interface and automatically related to the connected device. Created master data can be exported in one click. Data including device listings can also be imported. This enables true cross-device master data management and transfer, in the simplest possible fashion.

OBCC can be used with the Wittdevices OXYBABY® 6.0, OXYBABY® Med and PA 7.0. Data transfer is done via USB. Any number of Witt devices can be managed with one licence. A free 30-day trial version is available for download at www.wittgas.com

Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, has been named the first AustraliaNew Zealand partner to attain the Dell Technologies Cloud Platform (DTCP) Certification.

Available only to Dell Technologies’ Titanium Partners, the certification represents significant achievement and numerous accreditations amongst the specialised Data#3 team, gained through verified training across a range of Dell Technologies certification requirements.

DTCP certification holders are accredited to implement and manage cloud and hyper-converged solutions offering across the Dell Technologies portfolio and cloud solutions offering, providing customers with the ability to accelerate cloud transformations through powerful, flexible, and secure foundations for business agility.

A global Dell Technologies initiative, the certification recognises the most qualified cloud partners globally, and is evidence of the Data#3 capability to deliver transformational and powerful cloud solutions. Through attainment of the accreditation, Data#3 has extended its significant cloud expertise and offering to the Australian market.

“We’re pleased to represent the first ANZ partner to receive this certification from Dell Technologies,” said John Tan, Data#3 General Manager for Infrastructure Solutions. “In line with our recent Transformational Partner of the Year award, this certification represents yet another step in our strong relationship with Dell Technologies, and our cloud specialisation for our customers.”

“These awards are an achievement for the Data#3 business, and further strengthen our customer offering,” said Laurence Baynham, Data#3 chief executive and managing director. “We look forward to our continued relationship with Dell Technologies, and our partnership in the delivery of dynamic and innovative solutions.”

In August 2020, Data#3 was announced the Dell Technologies Transformational Partner of the Year for the APJ region, as well as the ANZ 20192020 Server Partner of the Year. These awards followed Data#3’s 2018 and 2019 recognitions as Dell Technologies ANZ Solution Provider of the Year and a global President’s Circle Award.

In partnership since 2012 and spanning network, data centre, workplace and cloud, Data#3 and Dell Technologies help customers maximise IT by combining skilled resources with robust and secure technologies from across the entire Dell Technologies portfolio.

ATG® GLOVES GET A GRIP ON WORK SAFETY

As any tyre manufacture will tell you, certain conditions require specific tyres. They have to be optimised to suit the surface condition of the road. Gloves are no different.

ATG® Gloves, in association with sales partner Mayo Hardware, continue to innovate with the MaxiFlex® range of industrial work gloves.

A key innovation in the gloves is the AD-APT® cooling technology. This remarkable cooling system embedded in the fabric helps keeps your hands cool during use.

The AD-APT® technology is activated by the movement of your hands and the increased temperature within the glove, releasing a natural cooling agent that keeps your hands dry and make them cooler.

Mayo Hardware Product Manager, Graham Honeyman, says keeping your hands cool – and your gloves on – ensures you are always protected at work.

“The big thing about people who wear gloves at work is half the time they take them off, because their hands get too hot,” Graham tells Industry Update.

“The main time when people get injuries is when they take their gloves off. Not because they don’t have the right glove on.”

AD-APT® works using a process called microencapsulation, or to put it simply, surrounding one substance within another substance on a very small scale. This creates capsules ranging from less than one micron to several hundred microns in size.

Magnified many times, think of the technology looking like a golf ball with every dimple on the ball being a heatsensitive membrane.

It’s activated by the movement of your hand and the increase in temperature. These membranes within the dimples are triggered allowing cooling agents (essential oils) built into the fabric to be released, that keep your hands dry.

“This technology helps, in that your hands are 31 per cent cooler than a standard glove. So people will keep it on and they stay protected,” says Graham, who maintains that his customers have proven to be the biggest advocates of the gloves.

“That’s the thing about these gloves. Once people try them on, they won’t wear anything else,” he says.

“So if people go to some kind of inferior technology, the workers almost go on strike. Because once they’ve had the best, they won’t go anywhere else.”

According to SafeWork Australia, the most common workplace injuries in NSW are to the arms, shoulders and hands. In data collected between 2012 and 2015, there were 145,000 workers injured as a result of manual handling.

ATG® has no less than eight different glove types in four distinct categories, each with their own specific work-related requirements and tested to industry standards.

The MaxiFlex® class focuses on precision handling in dry environments, MaxiCut® has assured protection in cutting environments, MaxiDry® keeps hands from slipping in wet or oily workspaces, and MaxChem® helps with handling products safely where chemicals are present.

Focused on innovation and quality, ATG® designs, develops and manufactures gloves that “enhance the performance of the most sophisticated work tool, the hand”. ATG® believe in keeping it simple and offer products that are skin friendly, extremely comfortable and highly durable.

All its gloves are dermatologically accredited by the Skin Health Alliance and are post washed prior to packaging. All ingredients used in the production of the gloves are according to REACH standards and none of the products contains SVHC.

The MaxiFlex® Ultimate™ glove has outstanding durability, tested to more than 18,000 abrasive cycles. AIRtech® technology delivers 360o breathability, while an optimised palm delivered KEEPING HOT HANDS COOL, DRY & through their micro-cup finish allows for a controlled grip. Made to class-leading form, fit and feel it reduces hand fatigue PRODUCTIVEand increases comfort.

The MaxiFlex® Ultimate™ is designed for use in dry environments requiring precision handling such as primary, secondary and final assembly as well as maintenance jobs. Only the MaxiFlex® Ultimate™ contains the AD-APT® technology.

The team at Mayo Hardware work hard to maintain its position as market leaders, with its primary objective to drive growth with innovative solutions that deliver safety security and entertainment from the jobsite to the backyard.

It services the mining industry and miningrelated workplaces, as well as small, medium and large manufacturing companies.

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