Product category:
Drives, motors and power transmission, couplings, clutches
News Release from: Bosch Rexroth | Subject: Drive and control software back-up service
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 31 May 2005
Protect your valuable drive and control
software
Factory managers can now protect their companies against the costly consequences of software loss thanks to the introduction of a drive and control software back-up service.
Factory managers can now protect their companies against the costly consequences of software loss thanks to the introduction of Rexroth's new drive and control software back-up service Given the true cost of machine downtime (from lost manufacturing capacity to dented customer confidence), the modest cost of securely archiving copies of control software becomes a shrewd investment
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 31 Dec 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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In practice, a Rexroth service engineer visits the customer's site, mirrors the control and drive software, burns copies to CD and sends the back-up to the customer.
Then, as an option, the company will add an extra layer of security by placing a copy of the CD in a fireproof safe at its headquarters.
The service can be applied in any factory environment, with Rexroth listing machine tools, vehicle production, food packaging, newspaper printing, steel manufacture and kitchen unit fabrication as typical examples.
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In the personal and office computer sectors, companies offering software and data back-up services abound.
Yet, in the industrial arena the subject is rarely discussed.
Given the potential cost of machine downtime in an industrial environment, coupled with the probability of unexpected software loss, the importance of failsafe back-up procedures becomes clear.
Typically, a machine or factory automation system is installed, commissioned and regularly maintained throughout its working life.
A preventative maintenance schedule, as its name suggests, aims to avoid a catastrophic event by ensuring wearing components are replaced prior to failures.
As a 'non wearing' item, software usually falls outside conventional maintenance programmes.
However, for reasons ranging from static damage or hard disc drive failure, to flood or theft, companies should recognise the real potential for software loss.
Rexroth's service manager, Richard Chamberlain explained further: "After a company installs a machine there is no guarantee they will automatically back-up the drive and control software.
In the worst case scenario, software loss might be followed by the sudden realisation that even the original machine manufacturer can't supply a replacement.
This problem is compounded if the software is bespoke or modified.
Without a back-up the only answer could involve days or weeks of effort rewriting the software.
With a back-up the machine could be back in action in hours.
To prove the service's value, one Rexroth customer in the lighting industry has already invested several thousands pounds in multiple back-ups for its numerous control and drive systems." The service was originally conceived, developed and launched as a result of Rexroth's regular team briefings, which are designed to let engineers in the company's field service division share and discuss ideas.
To add extra value to service visits an engineer suggested offering a software back-up facility.
The value of the idea was recognised and developed into a commercial offering on three levels.
Firstly, if a service engineer is already onsite, the cost of providing the back-up service is just GBP 100 (UK).
Secondly, if a customer requests a specific back-up service visit, there is a GBP 240 set-up fee followed by GBP 70/hour.
Finally, for an additional GBP 10/year (for a five year period) the company will provide the added insurance of storing a spare CD copy in its safe.
When the five-year period expires the customer is contacted and re-offered the service." The back-up service is managed by a technical co-ordinator (via a call centre/telephone helpdesk) who is responsible for copying and issuing the CDs.
Customers can request the back-up service to coincide with a pre-planned service visit or alternatively book a specific visit depending on their requirements.
An engineer can be onsite in 24h.
In addition to end-users, machine manufacturers are also using the service.
For example, Rexroth provides software back-up services for Mazak machine tools.
The back-ups are held by the Service Divisions supporting key geographical regions including France, Germany, Holland, Italy and the UK, ensuring rapid availability from a local source.
Thanks to Rexroth's size and global presence, original equipment manufacturers without an international presence are actually using the service as a strong selling point when promoting their machines.
Chamberlain concluded: "With our team of professional, skilled electronics and software engineers, Rexroth is offering customers a proactive value-added back-up solution that directly complements their existing mechanical and electrical maintenance procedures.
Our message is simple but effective: back it up and keep it running.".
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