Rockwell integrated architecture field business leader Clive Barwise says that there is an inequality in the manufacturing environment between production and control and the information technology (IT) departments regarding the use Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP).

“Essentially, Rockwell is the expert in the control space and Cisco is the expert in the IT and Ethernet space. By collaborating in this arena, both companies can use their individual industry knowledge to assist in controlling both fac- tories and IT staff, to successfully merge these two areas and obtain advice on the use of Ethernet,” he adds.

The modular managed cobranded switch line is, according to Rockwell, the first of its kind. The company says that it uses the current Cisco catalyst switch architecture and feature set, along with powerful configuration tools. This assists in providing secure integration with the enterprise network. The line also features a simplified set-up and allows comprehensive diagnostics from within the Rockwell integrated architecture.

Barwise notes that the collaboration also enables IT and manufacturing companies to improve their efficiency and agility, and creates a competitive advantage for manufacturers.

“It assists manufacturers in realising the benefits of a completely integrated network architecture that unites production intelligence with the rest of the enterprise, reliability and quality across the organisation, as well as the deployment and maintenance of security,” he adds.

He remarks that owing to the collaboration with Cisco, Rockwell has created reference architecture, which is a formal document that details design and implementation guidance and best practices for converged-network architecture.

“It brings together relevant applications, technologies and principles, enabling manufacturing and IT organisation departments to successfully collaborate and implement a truly integrated system.”

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