Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Batch software

Rockwell Automation has expanded the application development capabilities of the FactoryTalk Batch software to help users design and run batch applications more rapidly. The software features new intelligent recipe capabilities, secure operator overrides, expanded data collection and reporting, and improved material management capabilities. Seamlessly integrated with the scalable PlantPAx Process Automation System, the FactoryTalk Batch software provides solutions ranging from small, basic sequencing to large, complex batch applications.

The need for greater agility and responsiveness is driving manufacturers away from custom-engineered batch software applications to standardised, open technology. FactoryTalk Batch software, based on ISA-88 standards, is designed to meet that demand, while providing batch operators with more control during runtime.

The software includes intelligent recipe features - when defining a product, recipe authors can now reference system-wide data, such as previous ingredient feed-actuals or material properties, to simplify recipe development. The use of expressions based on this historical data rather than entering specific defined values allows the system to adjust run-time setpoints to accommodate variable batch activity.

The run-time user control has been improved by giving operators with security clearance the ability to move a batch forward in the process. In the past, procedural flexibility had to be designed into the system. With the latest version of the FactoryTalk Batch software, operators have more control to advance a batch based on real-time conditions - without time-intensive system engineering.

This release continues to expand the system data logged into the electronic batch record. This includes information on shared equipment such as pumps and other processing equipment, to help manufacturers further meet track-and-trace compliance requirements.

Rockwell Automation is also adding context to data within the batch system. System designers can now associate a material setpoint with the actual amount delivered - without relying on naming conventions or other complex association methods. The simplified data analysis enables more sophisticated, global reporting.

FactoryTalk Batch Material Manager brings just-in-time material management to batch execution systems, allowing more effective management of materials and recipes. The latest version of the FactoryTalk Batch software helps increase flexibility by allowing late binding to material inventory. This is critical for batch applications where some materials are in transit or not available at the start. In the past, batch applications required custom engineering to accommodate these situations.

FactoryTalk Batch version 11 is now shipping as part of the PlantPAx Process Automation System.