New Allen-Bradley Controller Steers Operators to Better Production Decisions

PBSI DCS AB Controller 400

Febraury 6. 2019

Industrial workers can strengthen their grasp of production and make more informed operating decisions with the new Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5480 controller by Rockwell Automation. The controller marries a Logix control engine and the Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system in a single platform, allowing workers to view machine information at its source.

“The controller can collect raw machine data and reveal it to workers as useful information, right at the machine level,” said Jason Shaw, global product manager, controllers, Rockwell Automation. “Providing these insights close to where they’re produced allows workers to make smarter and faster operating decisions. As a result, they can better react to issues and ultimately increase productivity in a Connected Enterprise.”

The controller can reduce latency by performing real-time data collection at the machine level. Users can view control information at its source, and other information can be sent upstream to the enterprise or cloud. The ability to run Windows applications on-premises can also reduce the need for a separate PC on the plant floor and shrink a machine’s footprint.

“Companies deploying Industrial IoT technologies no longer have the luxury of choosing between cloud or on-premises architectures – they need both,” said Matthew Littlefield, president and principal analyst, LNS Research. “The ability to access control-system data at the machine level and access insights from the cloud can deliver the agile decision-making that many companies desire.”

The CompactLogix 5480 controller can support applications with up to 150 axes of motion. This makes it ideal for large packaging and converting, printing and web applications that would benefit from a simplified architecture and smaller footprint. The controller also provides faster scan-time execution and motion-loop updates to help improve machine throughput.

The controller incorporates multiple security functions, including user authentication and authorization, role-based access and digitally signed encryption. And because the Windows operating system runs independently from the control engine, any disruptions to the operating system will not affect machine or line control.

Microsoft is a Strategic Alliance Partner in the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork program.

Go HERE for more information

Related Articles

  • Innomotics – Launch of a New Leading Motors and Large Drives Company

    Innomotics – Launch of a New Leading Motors and Large Drives Company

    Effective July 1, 2023, Innomotics will operate in Germany as a legally separate company, with operational headquarters in Nuremberg March 10, 2023 A new, leading motors and large drives company will be called Innomotics. Under this name, Siemens is combining its business activities in the areas of low- to high-voltage motors, geared motors, medium-voltage converters and… Read More…



Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one of the main components of any automated system. A typical control system has inputs, outputs, controllers (i.e., PLCs), and some type of human interaction with the system, a human machine interface (HMI), for example.

Read More



Latest Articles

  • Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

    The heart of every automation is the control system March 15, 2023 Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one… Read More…

  • Guillevin Greentech Delivers Custom Solutions & Reliable Inventory with Decentralized Model

    March 3, 2023 Guillevin Greentech is one of Canada’s largest distributors of renewable energy solutions. Established in 2016, this division of Guillevin offers Canadians everything they need to achieve their green tech goals through years of expertise, experience and service, as well as the company’s access to reliable inventory. We sat down with experts Ndiaga Mbaye, renewable energy… Read More…