ANSWERS
COVER: CLOUD APPLICATIONS Jim Meyers, Inductive Automation
SCADA, HMI, MES projects produce results, recognition System integration case studies from several industries show lower costs and greater efficiency in projects using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), human-machine interface (HMI) and manufacturing execution systems (MES). These won awards and can add functionality with cloud connections.
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upervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), human-machine interface (HMI) and manufacturing execution systems (MES) projects that brought significant improvements for organizations were highlighted with Inductive Automation’s 2020 Firebrand Awards. Six winning projects in a variety of industries used Inductive Automation’s Ignition industrial application platform. The projects included large organizations such as Toronto Pearson International Airport, AriZona Beverages, and Waste Management. Most projects were implemented by system integrators. Following is a brief overview of each SCADA, HMI and/or MES project.
Three ways to add cloud functionality SOFTWARE CAN reside in a cloud server, locally, or in combination. Some local software can add functionality with a cloud connection. Three examples follow about how automation software can interact with cloud capabilities. 1. Cloud-based servers: Placing an Ignition Server from Inductive Automation in the cloud requires little extra effort and can provide a more flexible setup than a standard server. Cloud providers can be Amazon EC2, Windows Azure, or Rackspace for a hosted Ignition Server. 2. Tags for SCADA software: Cloud services, such as those provided by Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, can leverage SCADA software tag data, securely, to enhance operations. 3. Information sharing: A free online repository of cloud templates, hosted by Inductive Automation, provides a location to share automation software templates publicly or privately. Using templates from others can help advance a project more quickly.
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November 2020
control engineering
Brock Solutions/Toronto Pearson International Airport SCADA
Brock replaced seven SCADA systems with one for the airport’s baggage handling system. Toronto Pearson is Canada’s busiest airport and served more than 50 million passengers in 2019. Its ambitious Baggage 2025 program aims for improvements throughout the process. It will have an early baggage storage system that’s the first of its kind in North America. With the SCADA software’s unlimited licensing model, the system has more than 280,000 tags. It’s connected to 128 programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which is done with seven redundant gateways. Each part of the system was brought online in parallel with existing ones, so it could be tested thoroughly without affecting operations. The system also provides more efficiency and greater datasharing with partners. “The airport is reimagining its baggage handling systems,” said Mark Holbrook, SmartSuite business manager for Brock Solutions. “The new system is much better, because it has one look and feel and is the perfect platform for future expansion.” Jose Salamo, associate director of baggage system capacity and infrastructure at Greater Toronto Airports Authority, agreed. “We’re finally here, working in one large control room with the suite of software applications,” he said. “It’s been a massive step forward in efficiency for baggage services here.”
Vertech/AriZona Beverages SCADA/MES
Vertech provided a SCADA/MES system in a large greenfield plant for AriZona. The plant has six production lines and will produce more than 60 million cases of beverages per year. Six distinct SCADA and/or MES projects were created, including ISA-88 batch control, screens for mobile phones, and dashboards. AriZona has complete visibility of its business and production processes, www.controleng.com
