InSource Solutions Employee Spotlight!  Learn More About the People Dedicated to Serving You!

 

Introducing Rufus Handsome, Wonderware Southeast System Consultant!

Rufus has been with InSource for about a year and a half now. With over 15 years of professional experience with computers, communications, and information technology, Rufus serves as a System Consultant to the Western Region. He currently works out of Hazel Green, Alabama.

Rufus enjoys working for InSource Solutions because of the people and the environment. He considers it a blessing and a pleasure to work with diverse people, who have faith, ethics, and family values.

Rufus is originally from Hazlehurst, Georgia. He is the third child out of seven. Rufus graduated from Colorado Technical University with a MSCS degree in Software Systems Engineering. He also graduated from Bellevue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration of Technical Services. Here are some more interesting facts about Rufus:

 

      • Rufus and his wife Sharon recently celebrated their 2-year anniversary.
      • Rufus has a 17 year old daughter, Amarra, who is an honors student.
      • He served in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army.
      • He enjoys listening to audio books, especially Sci-Fi Fantasy novels.
      • Rufus has a passion for studies and conversations relating to Theology, Philosophy, Astronomy, and Physics.
      • He is referred to as Ubuntu Man.
      • He also enjoys playing with gadgets.

 

InSource Solutions is very happy to have Rufus as part of our team!

 

Back to Top


 

 

Wonderware InBatch 9.0 Simplifies Complex Batch Operations Across Existing Systems

 

On February 17th, Wonderware announced the release of InBatch 9.0, an enhanced, flexible and scalable batch management solution.

InBatch software addresses the needs of the most complex batching processes that require a high level of flexibility and the ability to easily manage batch operations on top of existing systems. Consistent with the ISA S88 flexible batching standard, InBatch software offers comprehensive batch execution and equipment history, material genealogy, stringent security, Web-based reporting and the ability to facilitate the design and implementation of systems that are compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulations.

"InBatch 9.0 represents a continued commitment to the evolving needs of the batch market," said Maryanne Steidinger, MES and EMI marketing program manager for Wonderware. "Wonderware has not only taken flexible batch capabilities beyond traditional offerings, but has also provided customers easier and less costly ways to add these capabilities on top of existing automation system and PLC applications - thanks to new integration with the latest release 3.1 of Wonderware System Platform software for development and Wonderware Information Server for reporting."

Tight integration with Wonderware System Platform enables reusability, scalability and extensibility that facilitate the development and deployment of standardized, multi-plant system implementations. Substantial savings in engineering effort can be realized as InBatch software offers the ability to quickly and easily add additional processing lines, manufacturing cells or operator nodes, and provides remote development capabilities in a very simple and straightforward manner.

ArchestrA technology provides the tight integration of InBatch 9.0 and Wonderware System Platform 3.1, enabling customers to utilize a logical ISA S88 plant model on top of existing PLC or automation system code. Other new features include an enhanced environment display, a new system configuration manager and reporting integration via the Wonderware Information Server.

"ArchestrA technology enables InBatch customers to utilize standard services such as security, common namespace and device integration," Steidinger said. "This provides lower cost of ownership and the ability to develop batch applications on top of existing processes as well as distribute these applications on an enterprise-wide basis."

Timely reporting of equipment downtime and efficiency inside InBatch software is accomplished through the Wonderware Information Server Web reporting and data visualization software. This makes it easy to extend report templates that utilize Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, saving time when creating and distributing batch reports.

For more information on this new Wonderware release or any other Wonderware product, please contact your Wonderware Southeast Account Executive or the marketing department at marketing@insourcess.com.

 

Back to Top


 

 

Ask the Infrastructure Experts - Lesia's I2 Q&A Corner

 

Thin Clients versus Fat Clients

Some people would say this topic has been discussed too many times but there are still people that struggle with what a Thin Client and a Fat Client are. Thin clients have their share of fans just as fat clients do and like everything they both have their respective pros and cons. To know which client is suitable for your application, you first need to have a better understanding of the two approaches, and what their benefits and drawbacks are and assess your particular application.

A thin client is a computer or client software running on a PC in a client-server architecture network which depends primarily on the central server for processing activities, and mainly focuses on communicating the status of inputs (keyboards, mice, etc.) and outputs (video, etc.) between the thin client user and the remote server. Thin clients typically do not have disk drives, USB devices, or other persistent storage that could store or introduce viruses. Because their operating systems are available from a shared, centrally managed server, there are few pieces of software to manage on an ongoing basis. These factors reduce security risks and can improve some major cost and time consuming aspects of manageability.

Some benefits to using thin clients are:

      • Lower initial hardware cost
      • Lower power consumption (typically 10-20% of PC Power Requirements)
      • Lower cooling requirements
      • Smaller in size
      • Replacement is fast and more simple – IT friendly
      • Operable in Hostile Environments – can be used in dusty environments without the worry of PC fans clogging up and overheating and burning up the PC.

 

Some drawbacks to using thin clients are:

      • Relies on the existence of a network
      • Limited Flexibility – no remote storage
      • High-performance, scalable servers required – higher server cost (though server costs have dropped dramatically over the past 2-3 years)

 

A thin client solution would be most suitable in an application where there are a large number of operator terminals though recently InSource has run into many applications where the payback has been warranted on systems as low as 2-3 Thin Client Terminals.

A Fat client is a computer that performs the bulk of any data processing operations itself, and does not necessarily rely on the server though in industrial applications will communicate to a server for communication to PLC networks or to Historians for data storage and reporting. The fat client is most common in the form of a personal computer, as the personal computers or laptops can operate independently. A fat client still requires at least periodic connection to a network or central server, but is often characterized by the ability to perform many functions without that connection.

Some benefits to using a fat client are:

      • Ability to work offline, continuous connection to the network not needed
      • Lower server costs
      • Flexibility – remote storage & accessibility

 

Some drawbacks to fat clients are:

      • Higher initial purchase cost
      • Higher power consumption than Thin Clients (typically 5-10 times as much as Thin Clients)
      • Security risks
      • Virus Intrusion risk
      • Distribution of latest updates can be difficult to coordinate
      • Require additional cooling in industrial applications

 

Fat client solutions are more suitable in a corporate office environment or industrial applications where network availability is unpredictable or the user applications do not lend themselves to running on a Terminal Server. For more information about this topic or to discuss your particular application, please contact your I2 Infrastructure Specialist or Lesia Bell at lbell@insourcess.com and 443.683.8031.

Don’t forget to submit your questions for next month!  Submit your industrial infrastructure questions to Lesia’s Q&A Corner by phone 443.683.8031 or email lbell@insourcess.com.  

Lesia Bell has been with InSource since February of 2007.  To learn more about Lesia, click here and read her Employee Spotlight, originally published in the July 2008 Issue of InStep.

I2 Infrastructure, an InSource Solutions Business Unit, focuses on the specialized, rigorous application of standard commercial IT infrastructure technology to situations that have specific industrial requirements.  The I2 Infrastructure team works with your Wonderware Southeast representative to complement Wonderware software solutions by offering products and services that keep your Wonderware software running continuously and efficiently.

 

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New Completely Sealed Industrial Computers from Arista

 

The I2 Infrastructure Group is proud to feature a brand new Completely Sealed Industrial Computer from one of our premier partners, Arista Computers. The 5500 Series computer is a robust VIA C7 1.5GHz Touch screen computer with 1 GB DDR-400 RAM and 80 GB HD standard. It features USB 2.0 and Fanless Cooling, in a Stainless Steel package, which comes complete with a NEMA 4X rating and is RoHS Compliant. 

The unit is now available in the InSource Solutions Webstore in 15 inch, 17 inch, and 19 inch models. Also available are various mounts that allow the unit to be installed in desktop, ceiling, pole mount, wall, and VESA configurations.

Download a PDF datasheet about the 5500 Series by clicking here.

To take a look at this new release on our Infrastructure Webstore, click here. If you have any questions about this new release or any other Arista products, please contact your I2 Infrastructure Specialist or the marketing department at marketing@insourcess.com.

 

Back to Top


 

 

InSource Solutions Infrastructure Webstore Product Focus - Flat Panel Monitors

 

Introducing the new InSource Solutions I2 Infrastructure eCommerce site
You can now research and purchase infrastructure products online by visiting our secure shopping site at http://store.insourcess.com or by visiting our homepage at www.insourcess.com and clicking on the link to the store.
 
In the Infrastructure Webstore, we have plenty of industrial infrastructure products all just a click away!  For example, our webstore offers a variety of Industrial Flat Panel Monitors and by drilling down, you can find exactly what you need.  Or you can use the search box to get you started. 

 

 

  

 

While browsing our new site, if you have any questions or comments or would simply like to offer your appreciation for such a wonderful site, please contact the marketing department at marketing@insourcess.com

 

Back to Top


 

ACP Now Offering ThinManager Training in May!  Register Now!

 

ACP is offering ThinManager training in Atlanta this May! This class is ideal for anyone deploying or managing Thin Clients and needing to improve their skills. It is also an excellent opportunity for anyone who is investigating a Thin Client purchase. At the end of the session, students will fully understand the underlying technology, and if you aren't already using Thin Clients, you can decide if they may be the right choice for you.

The two-day class schedule has been divided into three sections that cover the expanding features of ThinManager and ACP's latest products, TermSecure and MultiMonitor. Students who attend will create and configure complete systems and be able to talk with ACP employees about their particular installation. The class begins with basic theory and adds layers of detail with each successive lab.

The schedule is as follows:

      • Monday, May 4th 8:30am - 5:30pm : ThinManager, terminal services, hardware, modules
      • Tuesday, May 5th : 8:30am - 3:30pm : Terminal Server Groups, WinTMC, and TermSecure

 

Meals include Monday breakfast through Tuesday lunch and a lodging package is also available for Sunday and Monday night.

For more information and to register for this ACP ThinManager training course, please contact your InSource Solutions I2 Infrastructure Specialist or the marketing department at marketing@insourcess.com

 

Back to Top


 

International Society of Automation: Video Security Travels on Existing Control System

 

In February, the International Society of Automation published an article entitled Video Security Travels on Existing Control Systems. This article, written by Al Larson and Steven Rubin, is about Madison Water Utility (MWU) trying to comply with the government’s regulations. Below is an excerpt from this article; please click here to ISA’s website to read the entire article.

On 11 September 2001, terrorists attacked America and the U.S. quickly acknowledged vulnerabilities at our airports, borders, food supply, and water supply systems.

Soon after, the government required vulnerability assessments (VAs) for all municipalities—with large cities required to go first. In 2002, Madison Water Utility (MWU) in Madison, Wisc., underwent its VA and saw a need for video cameras at many locations, including 32 remote sites. 


Two obstacles stood in the way of Madison meeting this need:

      • Technology, as in whose cameras, network, and communication system to use? How can video work with our SCADA system?
      • Money, as in who will pay to protect Madison’s water supply?

 

While this is a high-level synopsis of the challenges Madison faced, many municipalities still face these same obstacles.

Our experience shows video security surveillance is possible over an existing SCADA network at a reasonable cost, and that funding is available to cover most of the expense.


The ISA is a nonprofit organization that helps its members and other automation professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. For more information on the ISA, please visit their website at www.isa.org. To finish reading this article, please click here.

 

Back to Top


 

New Wonderware Tech Alerts and Notes

 

Tech Alert 121: Possible Historian v9.0 Failure When HoursPerBlock=3 During Daylight Saving Time Change
Tech Alert 122: Serious Problem when HideSelf Function is Used in a While Down Pushbutton Action Script

 

Tech Note 571: Launching Report Builder from a Different Domain
Tech Note 572: Upgrading Factelligence Script Libraries for Wonderware Application Server
Tech Note 573: Using SQL Server Agent to Run Scheduled Reports
Tech Note 574: Boot Options for the Symbol 9090 Mobile Computer
Tech Note 575: Adding Your 9090 Wireless Device to a Wireless Network
Tech Note 576: DAServer Does Not Appear in the DAServer Manager of the System Management Console (SMC)
Tech Note 577: Tips for Resolving Demo Mode with ActiveFactory and WIS
Tech Note 578: Migrating DNC Professional™ to a New Computer
Tech Note 579: Connecting a dbPruftechnik VIBTOOL to a Symbol 9060 or 9090 Mobile Computer

 

Registered users can view and download archived Tech Notes and Alerts from the Wonderware website at http://www.wonderware.com/support/web/secure/selfsupport/estechalerts.asp.

 

Back to Top


 

New Wonderware Software Patches and Device Integration Releases

 

      • InTouch 7.1 Patch 08a (English)

 

Registered users can view and download this and other patchfix releases on the Wonderware eSupport
website at http://www.wonderware.com/support/web/secure/downloads/esdownload.asp.

 

Back to Top


 

Upcoming Events

 

Join Us at the 6th Annual ISPE CASA Life Sciences Technology Show!

 

Booth 28
When: April 1, 2009
Where: RBC Center Raleigh, North Carolina

Take Our 30 Second Challenge!

 

Do you think you can change out your Process Computer System Workstation from a failure and have it running in less than 30 seconds?  We think you can and will reward you for your efforts!
 
All it takes is for you to complete the swap in 30 seconds or less and you will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 dinner gift certificate!
 
Visit the InSource Solutions booth #28 to take part in the challenge!  While at the booth, you can also see the latest in Wonderware Software and Industrial IT Infrastructure, including Industrial Thin Clients and Strongarm Industrial Enclosure Systems.

If you haven't registered for this event, registration is free! Please click here for information and to register.

 


 


2009 Wonderware Innovation Road Show!

The 2009 Wonderware Innovation Road Show is coming to a city near you. Join us for this full-day seminar to learn how to Get More from your equipment, your personnel, and your Wonderware assets.
 
In just one day you will learn how to:

      • Extend your existing Wonderware IT infrastructure and reveal information that will improve your bottom line
      • Get more from your current plant floor systems with little or no additional investment
      • Quickly expand your capabilities and improve your OEE, downtime, utilization and quality by layering performance monitoring, condition-based maintenance monitoring, and more
      • Easily increase productivity of your mobile workforce and simultaneously capture information about your non-networked or “stranded” assets 

 

Come see New Products designed to help you “Get More” including: 

      • HMI Reports 3.4
      • Wonderware Performance 3.5
      • Mtelligence Condition-based monitoring
      • WW Mobile Solutions-IntelaTrac
      • InTouch 10.1
      • System Platform 3.1

 

Seminar Details
There is no fee to attend this seminar. The session starts at 9:00 am and ends at 4:30 pm. Lunch will be provided for you.  Click here for more information and to register!

 


 

ACP Road Show 2009

 

More information coming soon!  Check ACP's Events Website for more details!

 


 

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InSource Solutions Employee Spotlight!  Learn More About the People Dedicated to Serving You!

 

Introducing Rufus Handsome, Wonderware Southeast System Consultant!

Rufus has been with InSource for about a year and a half now. With over 15 years of professional experience with computers, communications, and information technology, Rufus serves as a System Consultant to the Western Region. He currently works out of Hazel Green, Alabama.

Rufus enjoys working for InSource Solutions because of the people and the environment. He considers it a blessing and a pleasure to work with diverse people, who have faith, ethics, and family values.

Rufus is originally from Hazlehurst, Georgia. He is the third child out of seven. Rufus graduated from Colorado Technical University with a MSCS degree in Software Systems Engineering. He also graduated from Bellevue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration of Technical Services. Here are some more interesting facts about Rufus:

 

      • Rufus and his wife Sharon recently celebrated their 2-year anniversary.
      • Rufus has a 17 year old daughter, Amarra, who is an honors student.
      • He served in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army.
      • He enjoys listening to audio books, especially Sci-Fi Fantasy novels.
      • Rufus has a passion for studies and conversations relating to Theology, Philosophy, Astronomy, and Physics.
      • He is referred to as Ubuntu Man.
      • He also enjoys playing with gadgets.

 

InSource Solutions is very happy to have Rufus as part of our team!

 

Back to Top


 

 

Wonderware InBatch 9.0 Simplifies Complex Batch Operations Across Existing Systems

 

On February 17th, Wonderware announced the release of InBatch 9.0, an enhanced, flexible and scalable batch management solution.

InBatch software addresses the needs of the most complex batching processes that require a high level of flexibility and the ability to easily manage batch operations on top of existing systems. Consistent with the ISA S88 flexible batching standard, InBatch software offers comprehensive batch execution and equipment history, material genealogy, stringent security, Web-based reporting and the ability to facilitate the design and implementation of systems that are compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulations.

"InBatch 9.0 represents a continued commitment to the evolving needs of the batch market," said Maryanne Steidinger, MES and EMI marketing program manager for Wonderware. "Wonderware has not only taken flexible batch capabilities beyond traditional offerings, but has also provided customers easier and less costly ways to add these capabilities on top of existing automation system and PLC applications - thanks to new integration with the latest release 3.1 of Wonderware System Platform software for development and Wonderware Information Server for reporting."

Tight integration with Wonderware System Platform enables reusability, scalability and extensibility that facilitate the development and deployment of standardized, multi-plant system implementations. Substantial savings in engineering effort can be realized as InBatch software offers the ability to quickly and easily add additional processing lines, manufacturing cells or operator nodes, and provides remote development capabilities in a very simple and straightforward manner.

ArchestrA technology provides the tight integration of InBatch 9.0 and Wonderware System Platform 3.1, enabling customers to utilize a logical ISA S88 plant model on top of existing PLC or automation system code. Other new features include an enhanced environment display, a new system configuration manager and reporting integration via the Wonderware Information Server.

"ArchestrA technology enables InBatch customers to utilize standard services such as security, common namespace and device integration," Steidinger said. "This provides lower cost of ownership and the ability to develop batch applications on top of existing processes as well as distribute these applications on an enterprise-wide basis."

Timely reporting of equipment downtime and efficiency inside InBatch software is accomplished through the Wonderware Information Server Web reporting and data visualization software. This makes it easy to extend report templates that utilize Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, saving time when creating and distributing batch reports.

For more information on this new Wonderware release or any other Wonderware product, please contact your Wonderware Southeast Account Executive or the marketing department at marketing@insourcess.com.

 

Back to Top


 

 

Ask the Infrastructure Experts - Lesia's I2 Q&A Corner

 

Thin Clients versus Fat Clients

Some people would say this topic has been discussed too many times but there are still people that struggle with what a Thin Client and a Fat Client are. Thin clients have their share of fans just as fat clients do and like everything they both have their respective pros and cons. To know which client is suitable for your application, you first need to have a better understanding of the two approaches, and what their benefits and drawbacks are and assess your particular application.

A thin client is a computer or client software running on a PC in a client-server architecture network which depends primarily on the central server for processing activities, and mainly focuses on communicating the status of inputs (keyboards, mice, etc.) and outputs (video, etc.) between the thin client user and the remote server. Thin clients typically do not have disk drives, USB devices, or other persistent storage that could store or introduce viruses. Because their operating systems are available from a shared, centrally managed server, there are few pieces of software to manage on an ongoing basis. These factors reduce security risks and can improve some major cost and time consuming aspects of manageability.

Some benefits to using thin clients are:

      • Lower initial hardware cost
      • Lower power consumption (typically 10-20% of PC Power Requirements)
      • Lower cooling requirements
      • Smaller in size
      • Replacement is fast and more simple – IT friendly
      • Operable in Hostile Environments – can be used in dusty environments without the worry of PC fans clogging up and overheating and burning up the PC.

 

Some drawbacks to using thin clients are:

      • Relies on the existence of a network
      • Limited Flexibility – no remote storage
      • High-performance, scalable servers required – higher server cost (though server costs have dropped dramatically over the past 2-3 years)

 

A thin client solution would be most suitable in an application where there are a large number of operator terminals though recently InSource has run into many applications where the payback has been warranted on systems as low as 2-3 Thin Client Terminals.

A Fat client is a computer that performs the bulk of any data processing operations itself, and does not necessarily rely on the server though in industrial applications will communicate to a server for communication to PLC networks or to Historians for data storage and reporting. The fat client is most common in the form of a personal computer, as the personal computers or laptops can operate independently. A fat client still requires at least periodic connection to a network or central server, but is often characterized by the ability to perform many functions without that connection.

Some benefits to using a fat client are:

      • Ability to work offline, continuous connection to the network not needed
      • Lower server costs
      • Flexibility – remote storage & accessibility

 

Some drawbacks to fat clients are:

      • Higher initial purchase cost
      • Higher power consumption than Thin Clients (typically 5-10 times as much as Thin Clients)
      • Security risks
      • Virus Intrusion risk
      • Distribution of latest updates can be difficult to coordinate
      • Require additional cooling in industrial applications

 

Fat client solutions are more suitable in a corporate office environment or industrial applications where network availability is unpredictable or the user applications do not lend themselves to running on a Terminal Server. For more information about this topic or to discuss your particular application, please contact your I2 Infrastructure Specialist or Lesia Bell at lbell@insourcess.com and 443.683.8031.

Don’t forget to submit your questions for next month!  Submit your industrial infrastructure questions to Lesia’s Q&A Corner by phone 443.683.8031 or email lbell@insourcess.com.  

Lesia Bell has been with InSource since February of 2007.  To learn more about Lesia, click here and read her Employee Spotlight, originally published in the July 2008 Issue of InStep.

I2 Infrastructure, an InSource Solutions Business Unit, focuses on the specialized, rigorous application of standard commercial IT infrastructure technology to situations that have specific industrial requirements.  The I2 Infrastructure team works with your Wonderware Southeast representative to complement Wonderware software solutions by offering products and services that keep your Wonderware software running continuously and efficiently.

 

Back to Top


 

 

New Completely Sealed Industrial Computers from Arista

 

The I2 Infrastructure Group is proud to feature a brand new Completely Sealed Industrial Computer from one of our premier partners, Arista Computers. The 5500 Series computer is a robust VIA C7 1.5GHz Touch screen computer with 1 GB DDR-400 RAM and 80 GB HD standard. It features USB 2.0 and Fanless Cooling, in a Stainless Steel package, which comes complete with a NEMA 4X rating and is RoHS Compliant. 

The unit is now available in the InSource Solutions Webstore in 15 inch, 17 inch, and 19 inch models. Also available are various mounts that allow the unit to be installed in desktop, ceiling, pole mount, wall, and VESA configurations.

Download a PDF datasheet about the 5500 Series by clicking here.

To take a look at this new release on our Infrastructure Webstore, click here. If you have any questions about this new release or any other Arista products, please contact your I2 Infrastructure Specialist or the marketing department at marketing@insourcess.com.

 

Back to Top


 

 

InSource Solutions Infrastructure Webstore Product Focus - Flat Panel Monitors

 

Introducing the new InSource Solutions I2 Infrastructure eCommerce site
You can now research and purchase infrastructure products online by visiting our secure shopping site at http://store.insourcess.com or by visiting our homepage at www.insourcess.com and clicking on the link to the store.
 
In the Infrastructure Webstore, we have plenty of industrial infrastructure products all just a click away!  For example, our webstore offers a variety of Industrial Flat Panel Monitors and by drilling down, you can find exactly what you need.  Or you can use the search box to get you started. 

 

 

  

 

While browsing our new site, if you have any questions or comments or would simply like to offer your appreciation for such a wonderful site, please contact the marketing department at marketing@insourcess.com

 

Back to Top


 

ACP Now Offering ThinManager Training in May!  Register Now!

 

ACP is offering ThinManager training in Atlanta this May! This class is ideal for anyone deploying or managing Thin Clients and needing to improve their skills. It is also an excellent opportunity for anyone who is investigating a Thin Client purchase. At the end of the session, students will fully understand the underlying technology, and if you aren't already using Thin Clients, you can decide if they may be the right choice for you.

The two-day class schedule has been divided into three sections that cover the expanding features of ThinManager and ACP's latest products, TermSecure and MultiMonitor. Students who attend will create and configure complete systems and be able to talk with ACP employees about their particular installation. The class begins with basic theory and adds layers of detail with each successive lab.

The schedule is as follows:

      • Monday, May 4th 8:30am - 5:30pm : ThinManager, terminal services, hardware, modules
      • Tuesday, May 5th : 8:30am - 3:30pm : Terminal Server Groups, WinTMC, and TermSecure

 

Meals include Monday breakfast through Tuesday lunch and a lodging package is also available for Sunday and Monday night.

For more information and to register for this ACP ThinManager training course, please contact your InSource Solutions I2 Infrastructure Specialist or the marketing department at marketing@insourcess.com

 

Back to Top


 

International Society of Automation: Video Security Travels on Existing Control System

 

In February, the International Society of Automation published an article entitled Video Security Travels on Existing Control Systems. This article, written by Al Larson and Steven Rubin, is about Madison Water Utility (MWU) trying to comply with the government’s regulations. Below is an excerpt from this article; please click here to ISA’s website to read the entire article.

On 11 September 2001, terrorists attacked America and the U.S. quickly acknowledged vulnerabilities at our airports, borders, food supply, and water supply systems.

Soon after, the government required vulnerability assessments (VAs) for all municipalities—with large cities required to go first. In 2002, Madison Water Utility (MWU) in Madison, Wisc., underwent its VA and saw a need for video cameras at many locations, including 32 remote sites. 


Two obstacles stood in the way of Madison meeting this need:

      • Technology, as in whose cameras, network, and communication system to use? How can video work with our SCADA system?
      • Money, as in who will pay to protect Madison’s water supply?

 

While this is a high-level synopsis of the challenges Madison faced, many municipalities still face these same obstacles.

Our experience shows video security surveillance is possible over an existing SCADA network at a reasonable cost, and that funding is available to cover most of the expense.


The ISA is a nonprofit organization that helps its members and other automation professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. For more information on the ISA, please visit their website at www.isa.org. To finish reading this article, please click here.

 

Back to Top


 

New Wonderware Tech Alerts and Notes

 

Tech Alert 121: Possible Historian v9.0 Failure When HoursPerBlock=3 During Daylight Saving Time Change
Tech Alert 122: Serious Problem when HideSelf Function is Used in a While Down Pushbutton Action Script

 

Tech Note 571: Launching Report Builder from a Different Domain
Tech Note 572: Upgrading Factelligence Script Libraries for Wonderware Application Server
Tech Note 573: Using SQL Server Agent to Run Scheduled Reports
Tech Note 574: Boot Options for the Symbol 9090 Mobile Computer
Tech Note 575: Adding Your 9090 Wireless Device to a Wireless Network
Tech Note 576: DAServer Does Not Appear in the DAServer Manager of the System Management Console (SMC)
Tech Note 577: Tips for Resolving Demo Mode with ActiveFactory and WIS
Tech Note 578: Migrating DNC Professional™ to a New Computer
Tech Note 579: Connecting a dbPruftechnik VIBTOOL to a Symbol 9060 or 9090 Mobile Computer

 

Registered users can view and download archived Tech Notes and Alerts from the Wonderware website at http://www.wonderware.com/support/web/secure/selfsupport/estechalerts.asp.

 

Back to Top


 

New Wonderware Software Patches and Device Integration Releases

 

      • InTouch 7.1 Patch 08a (English)

 

Registered users can view and download this and other patchfix releases on the Wonderware eSupport
website at http://www.wonderware.com/support/web/secure/downloads/esdownload.asp.

 

Back to Top


 

Upcoming Events

 

Join Us at the 6th Annual ISPE CASA Life Sciences Technology Show!

 

Booth 28
When: April 1, 2009
Where: RBC Center Raleigh, North Carolina

Take Our 30 Second Challenge!

 

Do you think you can change out your Process Computer System Workstation from a failure and have it running in less than 30 seconds?  We think you can and will reward you for your efforts!
 
All it takes is for you to complete the swap in 30 seconds or less and you will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 dinner gift certificate!
 
Visit the InSource Solutions booth #28 to take part in the challenge!  While at the booth, you can also see the latest in Wonderware Software and Industrial IT Infrastructure, including Industrial Thin Clients and Strongarm Industrial Enclosure Systems.

If you haven't registered for this event, registration is free! Please click here for information and to register.

 


 


2009 Wonderware Innovation Road Show!

The 2009 Wonderware Innovation Road Show is coming to a city near you. Join us for this full-day seminar to learn how to Get More from your equipment, your personnel, and your Wonderware assets.
 
In just one day you will learn how to:

      • Extend your existing Wonderware IT infrastructure and reveal information that will improve your bottom line
      • Get more from your current plant floor systems with little or no additional investment
      • Quickly expand your capabilities and improve your OEE, downtime, utilization and quality by layering performance monitoring, condition-based maintenance monitoring, and more
      • Easily increase productivity of your mobile workforce and simultaneously capture information about your non-networked or “stranded” assets 

 

Come see New Products designed to help you “Get More” including: 

      • HMI Reports 3.4
      • Wonderware Performance 3.5
      • Mtelligence Condition-based monitoring
      • WW Mobile Solutions-IntelaTrac
      • InTouch 10.1
      • System Platform 3.1

 

Seminar Details
There is no fee to attend this seminar. The session starts at 9:00 am and ends at 4:30 pm. Lunch will be provided for you.  Click here for more information and to register!

 


 

ACP Road Show 2009

 

More information coming soon!  Check ACP's Events Website for more details!

 


 

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