1 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2011 www.ROckwELLAUTOmATiON.cOm/THEJOURNAL

Easier How to Make Buying Automation

Free configuration and product selection software helps you identify and configure the right hardware and software for your control system.By Theresa Houck, Executive Editor

A Special Section in the August 2011 Issue

>> Lots of things in life are easy. walking. Talk-ing. Reading. Breathing. Purchasing automa-

tion technology. Yes, buying control system products now falls in that category, thanks to free software tools that help you figure out what you need for your system.

At first, deciding what technologies you need might not seem like an easy task. How do you know which products will work best for your installation? Or which technologies will integrate with each other and your sys-tem? Or how to configure the most cost-efficient system that also does what you need, and even allows for possible future expansion?

To help with all these choices, Rockwell Automation offers product selection and system configuration tools to help you choose and apply its Allen-Bradley® products, and it’s free to Rockwell Automation customers. These tools — ProposalworksTm, integrated Architecture Builder

(iAB) and motion Analyzer — leverage the power of the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetworkTm by also including technologies from many Rockwell Automation Encom-passTm Product Partners.

These tools are for anyone who wants to identify hard-ware or software to create a valid configuration with Rock-well Automation products for a sales order. This includes Authorized Allen-Bradley Distributors, local Rockwell

Numerous Encompass Product Partners participate in the Rockwell Automation Configuration and Selection Tools to give you with a broad choice of products. Learn more at www.rockwellautomation.com/go/tjencompass.

HMS Industrial Networks ABHMS Industrial Networks EncompassTM products have been added to the Integrated Architecture Builder. The Anybus® Communicator and Anybus® X-gateway prod-

ucts provide an easy to use, reliable and flexible solution to connect industrial devices to EtherNet/IP™, ControlNet™ or DeviceNet™, and they enable

connectivity to almost any other serial, fieldbus or indus-trial Ethernet-based network.

IAB users can easily find and specify the options to con-nect serial devices and other industrial networks to Logix-based control systems. The Anybus gateway products can be added to the IAB system configuration, listed on the Bill of Materials, and included in the project report.

The Anybus Communicator allows users to integrate devices such as sensors, process instrumentation, barcode scanners or any other devices that use RS232, RS422, RS485, DF1 or CAN-based protocols to the Logix-based control systems over EtherNet/IP, ControlNet or DeviceNet. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-hms

Online Development Inc. (OLDI) – We Make Data Exchange EasyOLDI’s appliance transaction modules optimize the Allen-Bradley® ControlLogix® platform from Rockwell Auto-mation by making it easy to enable bi-directional data

exchange for enterprise-to-controller and control-ler-to-controller applica-tions. Their inclusion in the Rockwell Automation

Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB) software make it easy for you to create a ControlLogix chassis configura-tion.

Easy to Install: These modules simply snap into a ControlLogix programmable automation controller (PAC) chassis to access backplane data, and connect a com-puter or another controller via front-mounted Ethernet ports.

Simple Data Configuration: Each module features a “configure-and-go” setup tool. Instead of time-consuming programming, this tool uses drag and drop operation to select data and configure trigger parameter for data exchange.

Secure Operation: Each module can be password protected to limit access only to authorized users. They inherently protect against viruses or hackers.

To learn more, visit www.oldi.com.

>> Highlight: Encompass Product Partner Technologies in the Configuration and Selection Tools

“Online Development’s inclusion in

the Integrated Architecture Builder

means our products are shown in the

same format as Rockwell Automation

products, including bill of materials

and graphics output.”

— Bob Muniza, Vice President,

Online Development Inc.

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Automation sales engineers, OEm sales engineers, system integrators (including Rockwell Automation Solution Pro-viders) or a manufacturer’s own engineer.

By including these complementary technologies from Encompass Product Partners designed to integrate with Rockwell Automation solutions, the product selection and system configuration tools provide you with a potent prescription for designing an automation system that best fits your need and budget.

All three tools are integrated, so you can use each individ-ually or together. You can download the software at www.ab.com/e-tools, and you can access it in the office or via mobile devices. Let’s look at what each tool can do for you.

What is Integrated Architecture Builder?The iAB is a graphical software tool to help manufacturers create a valid configuration for Logix-based automation systems — controlLogix®, FlexLogixTm and compact-LogixTm. it allows users to create a system configuration quickly to visualize and quote a solution.

You can select hardware and generate bills of mate-rial (BOm) for applications that use controllers, i/O, networks, PowerFlex® drives (www.rockwellautomation.com/go/tjpowerflex), On-machineTm cabling and wiring, motion control and other devices. configurations can include physical media for NetLinxed-based networks, such as EtherNet/iPTm, controlNetTm and DeviceNetTm. more than 30,000 users already are taking advantage of this powerful tool.

“iAB lets users run different scenarios, like with differ-ent i/O or types of network, and do comparisons before they contact Rockwell Automation or their distributor with a request for quote or sales order,” says Peter Baron, manag-er, integrated Architecture Builder, Rockwell Automation.

>> Where to Download the Configuration and Selection ToolsLearn more about Rockwell Automation Configuration and Selection Tools and download them free at www.ab.com/e-tools.

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“customers can generate BOms for different scenarios so they can get pricing and do comparison shopping. it’s an incredible time saver.

“Plus, if the user needs other devices to complete the configuration, the iAB provides a drop-down list with Encompass Product Partner products and association rules so that only products compatible with that configuration will be selectable,” Baron explains.

including Encompass Product Partner technologies in iAB gives you more options when considering various control system configurations. For example, Online De-velopment inc.’s (OLDi) Enterprise Appliance Transaction module, eATm, is part of iAB.

“OLDi’s inclusion in iAB means our products are shown in the same format as Rockwell Automation prod-ucts, including bill of materials and graphics output,” says Bob munzia, Online Development inc. “OLDi informa-tion-management products expand the choices available to users to create the best solution for their application.”

iAB’s features include:• Rules-based performance for checking controller,

i/O and network capacity, including Ethernet.• Comprehensive hardware configuration for con-

trollers, i/O, networks, network physical media, On-machine cabling and end devices, Encompass Prod-uct Partner products, PowerFlex drives, ArmorStart motor controllers (www.ab.com/go/tj-armorstart) and more.

• Detailed hardware, network and architecture views.• Individual device-level configuration, including

“costed” BOm, graphics and customized report.• Integrated with other selection tools, with export

to Proposalworks and RSLogixTm Architect (www.rockwellautomation.com/go/tjrsl) and one-click launch to motion Analyzer and RAiSETm configurators.

• Built-in learning aids, including product documenta-tion, lab exercises, quick starts.

• Control platform wizards to simplify system design.Two versions are available for download. The full

version includes all files. The lite version is a much

smaller download that’s fully functional, but doesn’t in-clude the product documentation. Lite version users can get the product documentation via current Updater if desired.

What is Motion Analyzer?To help machine builders find a faster way to design, develop and deliver machines optimized for each end user’s application, motion Analyzer software uses sophisticated optimization tools to maximize ratios, inertia and mechan-ical alternatives for motion control applications. The result allows machine builders to analyze, simulate and select various motion control systems, including the correct mo-tor, drive and gearbox. it makes it easy to evaluate design alternatives so designers can optimize motor and drive size and maximize energy usage.

“The software is part of a set of mechatronic design tools used to provide mechanical, electrical and controls engineers the ability to collaborate efficiently to digitally prototype machines,” explains Rachel Jacobs, mecha-tronics Product marketing, kinetix motion control, Rockwell Automation.

manufacturers benefit when their machine builder uses motion Analyzer because an optimized machine design can help increase machine throughput at no additional cost. motion Analyzer also includes an efficiency analysis that can help decrease energy consumption and reduce waste, helping to make the manufacturer more sustainable while cutting costs.

in addition, simulation and digital prototyping features help identify and reduce risk by predicting the likely out-come of design changes before they occur.

The software integrates with Solidworks® from Rockwell Automation Strategic Alliance Partner Das-sault Systèmes (http://bit.ly/2N2kfc). Solidworks allows machine builders to simulate the physics of a moving system, calculate the torque and inertia, generate digital prototypes, and then send the torque or force results back to motion Analyzer to determine the most efficient size of the motor and drive.

Products related to mechanical motion from several Encompass Product Partners are included in motion Ana-lyzer. wiTTENSTEiN, inc., STOBER Drives, inc. and Apex Dynamics gearboxes allow users to evaluate the effect that a gearbox will have on the system, to ensure thermal performance and optimize the gear ratio. Also, wiTTEN-STEiN high-torque, low-speed servo actuators and Elwood corp.’s explosion-proof servo motors expand the number of application needs Rockwell Automation can accommodate.

“The ProposalWorks and IAB tools

simplify the quoting and configuring of

a Rockwell Automation system. IAB in

particular helps users design a control

system, from racks to modules and

devices on the network.”

— Ken Roslan, ProSoft Technology

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“Using motion Analyzer can greatly simplify the job of the modern engineer,” says Andrew Stock, application engineer at wiTTENSTEiN, inc.

“Our company has received positive feedback from users on the benefit of mechanical component integration into this software.

“Because the models for gear-related products can differ greatly from standard motor and drive models, wiTTEN-STEiN is able to impart its expertise into the software, en-

suring that these tools can accurately model gear products for sizing and selection purposes,” he says.

“These software packages allow the engineers to easily input relevant application data and select appropriate products in return. A design process which previously took hours of manual labor now takes minutes,” Stock explains. “motion Analyzer is unparalleled in its ability to examine an entire motion system, from the mechanics to the drive.”

What is ProposalWorks?Proposalworks also is designed for ease of use. it’s a proposal-generation tool that gives quick access to product information and pricing so users can create a BOm easily and generate a proposal.

The software includes Allen-Bradley product and configuration tools and project document templates, and complementary Encompass Product Partner products so customers can generate a complete request for quote (RFQ) for a project. its easy-to-use interface makes it a snap to

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• Spectrum Controls I/O modules are selectable via Integrated Architecture Builder and ProposalWorks™ online tools.

• The Rockwell Automation TechConnectSM team is Spectrum’s authorized tech support center. Enjoy one-stop tech support, included with the purchase of your I/O module.

• All Spectrum I/O modules are licensed and approved by Rockwell Automation, allowing easy set up and consistent look, feel & functionality with your other Rockwell Automation products.

• Add-on profiles are available for seamless integration into your Logix environment.

• Spectrum Controls I/O modules are selectable via Integrated Architecture Builder and ProposalWorks™ online tools.

• The Rockwell Automation TechConnectSM team is Spectrum’s authorized tech support center. Enjoy one-stop tech support, included with the purchase of your I/O module.

• All Spectrum I/O modules are licensed and approved by Rockwell Automation, allowing easy set up and consistent look, feel & functionality with your other Rockwell Automation products.

• Add-on profiles are available for seamless integration into your Logix environment.

This Is What Partners DoThis Is What Partners Do

“Using Motion Analyzer can

greatly simplify the job of the

modern engineer.”

— Andrew Stock, Application

Engineer, WITTENSTEIN, Inc.

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identify the catalog number and current list pricing for the item needed. “The software is customized to how people work — it makes life easier,” says Jennifer Jones, com-mercial engineering manager at Rockwell Automation. “it takes any time you might’ve spent selecting products or creating proposals and cuts that time down by getting the answers for you quickly.

“whether the product is from Allen-Bradley or from an Encompass Product Partner, selection is easy so you can spend more time on your core competencies instead of

searching through catalogs or possibly selecting an invalid product,” she says.

Here’s an example of how it works. if your engineer wants to look up an Allen-Bradley part number to configure a drive, he or she can open the drive wizard to be guided to the correct product. Once the engineer makes all selections based on what the drive will do, he or she will get part numbers, pricing information, cAD files and any supplemental information wanted about the product.

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Numerous Encompass Product Partners participate in the Rockwell Automation configuration and product selection Tools. This provides you with a broad choice of complementary products that are assured to integrate successfully with your Allen-Bradley solutions. You can learn more about the Encompass Partner Program at www.rockwellautomation.com/go/tjencompass.

Partners in the Integrated Architecture Builder:

• Advanced Micro Controls, Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-amci

• Hardy Instruments www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-hardy

• Helm Instrument Co. Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-helm

• Hiprom Technologies www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-hiprom

• HMS Industrial Networks AB www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-hms

• Mettler-Toledo, Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-mettlertoledo

• Molex www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-molex

• Online Development Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-odi

• ProSoft Technology www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-prosoft

• Pyramid Solutions, Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-pyramid

• Spectrum Controls, Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-spectrumcontrols

• Western Reserve Controls www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-western-reserve

Partners in ProposalWorks:• Bonitron

www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-bonitron

• Cooper Bussmann www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-cooper

• FreeWave Technologies www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-freewave

• Grace Engineered Products, Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-grace

• MTE Corp. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-mte

• Panduit Corp. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-panduit

• Post Glover Resistors www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-postglover

• Powerohm Resistors Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-powerohm

• ProSoft Technology www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-prosoft

• Service Wire www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-servicewire

• Spectrum Controls Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-spectrumcontrols

• TCI, LLC www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-tci

• WITTENSTEIN, Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-wittenstein

Partners in Motion Analyzer:• Apex Dynamics Inc.

www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-apex

• Elwood Corp. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-elwood

• STOBER Drives, Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-stoberdrives

• WITTENSTEIN, Inc. www.rockwellautomation.com/go/p-wittenstein

>> Which Encompass Partners Participate in the Configuration and Selection Tools?

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wiTTENSTEiN’s Andrew Stock notes. “Through its robust simplicity, Proposalworks allows users to verify part numbers, configure products, check current list pricing and export information in easy-to-manage formats such as a word document. Feedback from users highlights the benefits of simplified purchasing and easier project management.”

“Users can work with Proposalworks online or offline, and it’s updated every month, so pricing and part num-bers are always current,” Jones notes. “And the product database is available globally, so customers can build documentation and get local pricing no matter where they’re located in the world.”

Rockwell Automation Encompass Product Partner ProSoft Technology, inc. is one of the partners partici-pating in Proposalworks and integrated Architecture Builder, with more than 70 products in iAB and 300 in Proposalworks.

“Because many of our products reside directly in the rack, there are some considerations that must be taken into

account to design a system,” says ken Roslan, commercial marketing manager with ProSoft Technology. “we worked closely with the Rockwell Automation iAB developers to address these considerations, including module capabilities, power and backplane requirements, memory and network speeds, etc.

“All of these factors were accounted for and documented so that when users design their systems, they will be alerted of any discrepancies if they are overstressing the capabilities of the system, allowing them to resolve these issues before purchasing any hardware. it’s a technical validation tool,” Roslan adds.

Making Automation Buying Easier Now that you can add “purchasing automation technol-ogy” to your list of easy things to do, use the configu-ration and product selection tools software every time you need to change or add to your system. Rockwell Automation Configuration and Selection Toolswww.ab.com/e-tools

A S I A P A C I F I C | A F R I C A | E U R O P E | M I D D L E E A S T | L A T I N A M E R I C A | N O R T H A M E R I C A

Where Automation Connects™

+1-661-716-5100For the whole story, go to: www.prosoft-technology.com/earplugs

More than 75 of ProSoft’s extensive list of protocol interface products can be found in ProposalWorks and Integrated Architecture Builder.

To protect their astronauts from the intense heat of take off and landing, the United Space Alliance needed insulation produced according to rigid product specifi cations. Thanks to ProSoft’s Modbus module they were able to achieve the precision required.

Our Modbus module is thrust into action

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