GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms Announces Proficy HMI/SCADA - iFIX WebSpace Providing “Real-Time Data For Everyone”

Web interface and easy set up allows knowledge workers to have real-time connection to what is happening on the plant floor

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.- GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, today announced Proficy® HMI/SCADA – iFIX WebSpace, a new full-featured web client for the company’s iFIX visualization solution that enables informed decisions from anywhere, anytime -- “real-time-data-for-everyone.” iFIX WebSpace enables full control and visualization capabilities over a company’s intranet or Internet system without the need to change or alter the iFIX application. iFIX screens and functionality are delivered seamlessly into a web browser requiring no additional development effort and can be set up within minutes. Like all GE Fanuc software products, iFIX WebSpace complies with the company’s open and layered configuration and, therefore works with a user’s existing infrastructure.

“People need to make real-time information concerning their operations available to employees across their organizations,” said Claire Cerrato, General Manager of GE Fanuc’s Automation Software Products. “They need to accomplish that with a minimum of setup, new infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance – all barriers to gaining value and widespread use of information. iFIX WebSpace’s plug-n-play capability expands a customer’s existing iFIX investment and provides real-time information across the organization. Most importantly, the iFIX WebSpace product expands the native integration of iFIX with our other Proficy software products and, ultimately, the solution possibilities for the user.”

iFIX WebSpace caters to the need for easy-to-use, remote operational clients that are fast gaining importance in a market that is focused on delivering higher productivity through informed personnel. It provides companies with the option to extend their operational information to key stakeholders, who need it to plan, analyze, solve and ensure the least number of interruptions in their daily task executions to raise the overall efficiency of the organization.

“The web interface and easy set up now make it very realistic for knowledge workers who are not directly on the plant floor to have a real-time connection to what is happening there,” continued Cerrato. “And, iFIX WebSpace is easily used in low-infrastructure-requirement, low footprint applications like building automation and security.”

iFIX WebSpace enhances the users’ system experience by enabling them to run multiple iFIX WebSpace clients – viewing many systems from one point. They can also launch multiple sessions from one iFIX system to view different aspects of a single application from one point.

This new application has many flexible configuration topologies and features the ability to be installed on an independent dedicated server or on the main iFIX server. A dedicated server setup is typically used when a large number of clients are expected, allowing for iFIX WebSpace to utilize all of the server’s power to serve the connected clients. Additionally, multiple WebSpace servers can be installed to scale the total application to a larger distributed architecture and serve the customer’s stakeholders on a global scale. iFIX WebSpace screens are ported instantly from the iFIX application requiring no interaction, conversion, alteration or additional development, and this includes screens from prior versions of iFIX/FIX32 as well. The unique capability of iFIX WebSpace to be a full-featured HMI/SCADA client, provides for the following:

* Real Time Data Updates – Client is updated directly, so users can react in real-time.
* Multiple Sessions – Multi-tab browsers are supported.
* Secure Containment – Third-party controls are accommodated similarly to iFIX Workspace.
* e-Signature – e-Signature provides enhanced security and audit trails through the web.
* Animations – Support for iFIX displays with animations and scripting is included.
* Control Elements – All control elements are operable and security setup is inherited from iFIX.
* Alarms and Warnings – View, act and acknowledge just like a thick client.
* Third-Party Applications – Launches third-party applications triggered from within iFIX.

“iFIX WebSpace provides a full-featured SCADA client delivered over the web,” concluded Cerrato. “Users don’t have to compromise on functionality and they don’t have to re-write any of their current applications to get that accessibility. GE Fanuc is continuously looking for ways to add value to real-time data and increase the agility of our customers. iFIX WebSpace provides a significant tool for customers to achieve greater consistency and efficiency in their operations.”