Software solutions provider Wonderware released a new visualisation module this month, called InTouch Access Anywhere, which allows operators to view plant operations and control plant equipment over the Internet using mobile devices such as smartphones, says Wonderware technical director Deon van Aardt.

The module improves productivity, as operators can view plant operations from anywhere and should there be an issue at the plant, operators can identify and potentially solve the problem using a mobile device with an Internet connection from anywhere, he notes.

Van Aardt highlights that the module is compatible with all Web browsers and is also firewall protected, which limits access to plant information to authorised personnel only.

The InTouch Access Anywhere module is compatible with Wonderware’s Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) software package, which is tailored to the requirements of the food and beverage industry and comprises three other modules.

“One such module is the performance module, which measures overall equipment effectiveness,” notes Van Aardt, adding that the module measures the throughput and availability of the equipment, as well as the quality of the products produced.

The operations module tracks materials and process history. It provides data with regard to product movement at the different processes of the plant, he explains.

The quality module helps oper- ators set up sample plans that perform quality checks on a prod- uct that has completed a process so that it may move on to the next process, adds Van Aardt. This helps ensure that a product, such as a beverage, meets the necessary requirements, he notes.

“Operators use the quality module to define the sampling plans and then perform statistical processes to ensure that the product conforms to specifications,” Van Aardt says.

The MES software helps to measure productivity and provides users with a framework to identify bottlenecks or problem areas within the facility.

Wonderware also provides companies with a full record of its production process.

Locally based brewing company South African Breweries (SAB) has used MES for more than 16 years, says Van Aardt, adding that the software helped SAB become more efficient.

“The software monitors every batch of beer – the raw ingredients which are used and the process conditions, such as the temperature profile during the brewing process,” he explains.