SINGAPORE -- Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology, software, and consulting firm, announced that it has successfully implemented the "first mesh control network" for Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS).
Under the terms of the agreement, IPS worked closely with APBS to deliver an automation solution that upgrades and replaces copper-based communication networks and increases APBS' overall computing processing capacity. IPS also provided operating system upgrades and optimization for batch control processes, with the entire project brought online with nearly zero production-line downtime.
APBS is the "first brewery in Southeast Asia to use this technology to substantially improve their automated production speed and efficiencies while improving their ability to control and monitor more simultaneous processes."
"For many forward-looking producers, such as APBS, mesh networks provide whole new levels of automating and controlling production and quality processes," said Mr. Tony Ho, Vice President of Sales for IPS, Asia Pacific. "Mesh networks bring high availability and fault tolerance to production lines. Their inherent configurability and adaptability allow APBS to bring to market new beer products faster, while maintaining high quality and consistent taste standards."
The mesh control network has greatly improved the network process communication loading compared with previous Ethernet copper cabled network. This is achieved with the IPS Foxboro Field Control Processor 270 (FCP270) and Field Device System Integrator Module, 10/100 MBPS Ethernet, Single (FBM232). The installation of FCP 270, a distributed and field-mounted controller that performs and monitors process control, according to the user-defined strategy, provides an additional 25% spare blocks and 40% more CPU loading. Coupled with FBM232, this provides Ethernet Modbus communication that is many times faster than the previous serial Modbus. This allows for quicker response and provides APBS the flexibility to add on more I/O points in AB PLC side when required.
"APBS is glad to work with IPS in the upgrade and replacement of our legacy systems and to take the lead in implementing the region's first mesh control network," said Mr. Juan Candau, Technical Manager, APBS. "The increased capabilities and operation improvement powered by IPS systems are in line with APBS' modern product processes and methodology that deliver consistent, high-quality beverages to customers all over the world."
About IPS
Invensys Process Systems, headquartered in Plano, TX, is a global technology, software, and consulting firm, leading significant change in process manufacturing, plant optimization, business operations, and enterprise performance. IPS clients are some of the world's most important industrial organizations, companies that operate large oil refineries; plants that process chemicals, gas, LNG, power, pharmaceuticals, and minerals; and pulp and paper mills. IPS solutions, used at over 50,000 locations around the globe, include field devices and controls from Foxboro and Triconex, advanced applications from SimSci-Esscor, operations management from Avantis, and the "world's first truly open enterprise control system, InFusion."
IPS' approximately 7500 employees integrate these capabilities to create solutions that impact and increase efficiency, boost productivity, and accelerate performance. These results help industrial companies run safer, operate more efficiently, and extract useful knowledge from their operations to make faster, better decisions.
In Asia Pacific, IPS serves more than 2400 customers, across 21 countries, in 10 major industries, providing safety and automation solutions, manufacturing operations and optimization software, and plant-to-business intelligence solutions.
The Invensys Group is headquartered in London, with approximately 25,000 employees working in 60 countries.
Invensys, Avantis, Foxboro, SimSci-Esscor, Triconex, InFusion, and the IPS logo are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.