Product category:
Control systems, panels, HMIs, interfaces, screens
News Release from: Eurotherm | Subject: Visual Supervisor Version 3.1
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 20 February 2002
Batch management software added to
control suite
An updated and improved version of an innovative multi-function control and display product includes powerful batch management and logging facilities.
Eurotherm has introduced an updated and improved version of its innovative Visual Supervisor multi-function control and display product Designated Version 3.1, it offers a number of significant additions and improvements over previous versions, including powerful new batch management and logging facilities, which will meet the FDA's 21CFR11 requirement for electronic storage of process records
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 6 Feb 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Visual Supervisor has proved to be one of Eurotherm's most successful control products since its introduction in July last year.
The combined process controller, data logger, setpoint programmer and interactive touch screen display has been widely specified across a diverse range of industries and applications.
The new operating software incorporates an optional Batch Manager application, designed to allow an operator to control (i.e load, start, hold, restart, abort) a batch, and monitor its progress from standard displays.
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Up to four batches can run simultaneously, each batch being identified by either a unique number (automatically generated) or a batch ID entered by the operator.
Each batch can be configured to include up to six operator entry fields such as Job number, Charge number, Customer name, Product type and Order number.
The application can also be configured to automatically start and stop batch logging whenever a batch process is started or finished.
In this case a detailed Batch Log file is created at the end of each batch with a unique ID.
Besides logging process values, the logging feature within Batch Manager can be configured to include alarm and event messages, as well as operator notes with full time/date information.
It can also track any changes to specific parameters in the database made from User Screens.
The batch log files are available in a "tamper proof" format.
This is a very powerful feature for regulatory industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical, heat treatment, etc., and will meet the requirements of 21CFR11.
Other system enhancements include support for barcode readers and magnetic card scanners.
Information entered automatically from barcodes or magnetic cards can be used in a variety of ways including automatic login, loading of appropriate recipes or recipe parameters, providing product or part ordering information for batch logs, or even initiation of actions within the system database.
Version 3.1 can also generate and display custom designed "Panel Messages", requiring an operator response via up to four buttons within the panel displayed on the touch screen.
Similarly, a "Panel Dialogue" can also be generated, which requires immediate operator response.
Panel Dialogue is intended for critical operator input, which is needed before the operation can progress and before any other screen navigation can occur.
The new software incorporates an Introduction Application, consisting of a suite of five "new user" screen-based tutorials designed to help new users get started.
The tutorials cover important operating issues such as security and access, creating new applications, data logging and developing setpoint programs.
Launched by Eurotherm in July 2000, Visual Supervisor is capable of performing both continuous and sequential control.
It features comprehensive alarm and event management, powerful trending, setpoint programming and local data logging facilities.
It can be used either as a stand-alone system, or as a building block within a larger system.
Truly open I/O networks are possible, as it provides support for both PROFIBUS and MODBUS.
It can also be connected to Eurotherm's proprietory ALIN local network, allowing both peer-to-peer and system communications.
Because of its open network architecture, Visual Supervisor may be connected to a wide range of process interface I/O modules, including those from Eurotherm's 2500 System and other third party devices.
Separating the processing from the I/O has also allowed physical distribution of the modules, which saves on wiring costs.
The operator interacts with Visual Supervisor using the touch-screen, which is available in both a standard 1/4 VGA size, or an exceptionally large SVGA format.
Either offers a simple configurable 'pop-up' navigation menu, which enables users to access its wide range of functionality.
Up to 99 user-screens can be configured by utilising the User-Screen Editor provided with Project Studio, part of the EurothermSuite, family of integrated hardware and software solutions.
The User-Screen Editor has a library of pre-defined graphical objects, and any user- screen or other page may be selected as the 'home' screen.
A built-in trending capability allows trending of digital and analogue values, allowing process trends to be accessed via group displays.
The Trend functionality offers both online and historical trends.
Programmes are configured from a PC using the Setpoint Programme editor provided with Project Studio.
Eurotherm is part of the Automation Division of Invensys plc, one of the world's leading automation and controls companies.
Eurotherm manufactures at a number of locations in Europe and the USA, and is a major supplier to the world's processing and manufacturing industries.
In the UK, design and assembly is carried out at the company's sites in Worthing, West Sussex.
Product offerings include temperature and process controllers and indicators, data recorders and data acquisition systems, and complete process automation solutions.
Eurotherm are an ISO9000 approved Company, and operate TickIT protocols for software management.
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