"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 use 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—This feature 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."
About GE Fanuc
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a joint venture between General Electric Company and Fanuc Ltd. of Japan, is an experienced high-performance technology company and a global provider of hardware, software, services, and expertise in automation and embedded computing. We offer a unique foundation of agile, advanced, and ultra-reliable technology that provides customers a sustainable advantage in the industries they serve, including energy, water, consumer packaged goods, government and defense, and telecommunications. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is a worldwide company headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, and is part of GE Enterprise Solutions.
About GE Enterprise Solutions
GE Enterprise Solutions elevates customers' productivity and profitability with integrated solutions using sensors and nondestructive testing; security and life safety technologies; power system protection and control; and plant automation and embedded computing systems. Enterprise Solutions' high-tech, high-growth businesses include Sensing & Inspection Technologies, Security, Digital Energy, and GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. The business has 17,000 problem-solving employees in more than 60 countries around the world.
Proficy is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.