Rockwell Automation TechED 2016 @ROKTechED #ROKTechED Copyright © 2016 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1

Products derived from seaweed for• People• Plants• Animals

Private company, founded in 1981Family businessExport products to over 80 countries globally

Background - Acadian SeaplantsWho Are We?

The GoalMarket Demand – Required significant expansion

Relocate seaweed extract process from a 15,000 sq. ft. to 105,000 sq. ft. facility

Increase capacity by installing additional equipment

Significant increase in technology and automation

No stoppage in production & tight timeline

Continually increase production & optimize process

The Goal – Old Facility to New Facility

WAREHOUSEPRODUCTION

Challenges – IP AddressesNetwork grew rapidly Rapidly approached 255 unique addresses Tried to divide network into different subnets Communication issues: Getting 2 subnets to talk Short-term solution: Reclaimed unnecessary addresses (switches, un-used

equipment) Longer term plan is to use multiple subnets

• L45 controllers have two communication modules• 4 communication modules between two controllers• Use 3 different subnets – one common subnet between the two controllers to

facilitate communication

Challenges – Human FactorsOperator knowledge of process and automation

• Initially intimidating to some operators• A shift was required in mindset and operating culture• Training – formal and on-the-job• Gradual acceptance and confidence

Huge success• The operators now have time to understand and monitor

the process more effectively

FOR THE REST OF THE STORY…ROKTechED 2016 System ROKTechED 2016 Control