Rockwell Automation Advances FactoryTalk Optix Portfolio with DataReady Smart Machine Application

MILWAUKEE - Oct. 15, 2024 - Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, announces the advancement of the FactoryTalk Optix portfolio  through DataReady smart machines. This update to the FactoryTalk Optix portfolio enables contextualized machine data that’s ready to deliver operational value.

“Rockwell is innovating rapidly with the FactoryTalk Optix portfolio, introducing significant enhancements that give customers real benefits,” said JP Wright, director of Production Automation Visualization at Rockwell Automation. “The FactoryTalk Optix platform value extends beyond HMI to support edge data collection and exchange with enterprise applications such as analytics to optimize production and connectivity with operations management applications such as DataMosaix, the Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform and Fiix maintenance software to accelerate digital transformation. The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio is one of the most complete HMI and data platforms in the industry.”

DataReady smart machines improve machine-level visualization, enabling seamless data transfer and providing real-time insights. With FactoryTalk Optix, users not only get HMI functionality but also the ability to collect, organize and contextualize data. This data can then be sent to cloud applications, offering valuable insights for operational efficiency and enterprise analytics.

FactoryTalk Optix offers users modern development practices that are proven to speed time to market, lower total development costs and improve quality through concepts such as continuous integration and continuous deployment, automated test, system simulation, multi-user collaboration, version control system integration and several others. Additionally, users benefit from flexible licensing options, allowing them to pay only for the features they need, based on the specific capabilities of their applications.

“FactoryTalk Optix allows us to deliver solutions on a single platform,” said Jim Tolbert, senior controls engineer, Tessy Automation. “Before Optix, we needed to use other data platforms to effectively integrate components and machines together. Optix provides a centralized and accessible platform for data exchange and visualization.”

The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio allows users to choose their own technology mix, where new Rockwell customers can design HMI applications that natively communicate with both Rockwell and third-party systems and run on a wide range of hardware and web interface options. FactoryTalk Optix applications can connect to diverse software, devices and systems - through seamless interoperability and full OPC UA support.

“Today's OEMs are increasingly playing a more significant ongoing role, with proactive involvement to ensure that machines and equipment are successful,” said Mark Hobbs, senior software product manager at Rockwell Automation. “This capability from Rockwell is not only built for a single application. It’s flexible, meaning these machines are designed to be modular and capable of sharing data in a usable format with a variety of applications.”

FactoryTalk Optix portfolio includes five core solutions:

• FactoryTalk Optix Software

• FactoryTalk Optix software is an HMI visualization platform that a user can access from their browser or download to their computer. It delivers flexibility, scalability and interoperability and enables users to design and deploy an HMI that meets their needs. This new platform includes features such as multi-user collaboration, web-based design and test, and integrated version control.

• OptixPanel

• OptixPanel graphic terminals are sealed HMI appliances that come pre-loaded with FactoryTalk Optix and FactoryTalk Remote Access software licenses. This means that the device is an all-in-one solution that’s ready to run at first power-up. The pre-installed, closed OS reduces risk in implementation and maintenance.

• FactoryTalk Remote Access solution

• FactoryTalk Remote Access enables secure connections to equipment, allowing teams to respond to needs faster and rapidly resolve production issues from anywhere. FactoryTalk Remote Access quickly connects domain experts to critical issues, no matter the physical location of either, increasing responsiveness and reducing the costs associated with travel and asset downtime.

• ASEM 6300 Industrial PC

• ASEM 6300 Industrial PCs are available in box and panel form and allow for greater customization. Innovate with FactoryTalk Optix software and a FactoryTalk Remote Access Runtime license to seamlessly deploy your HMI solution to the ASEM 6300 device that best fits customer needs.

• Embedded Edge Compute Module

• The Embedded Edge Compute Module builds on Rockwell's recent history of enabling PC or compute functionality with the power of Logix. This Edge solution provides key scalability and remote support functions to today’s workforce. At first release, the Embedded Edge Compute enables FactoryTalk Optix software and provides a communication path to REST API, OPC UA and MQTT to meet the needs of a variety of applications. Embedded Edge Compute also comes with a FactoryTalk Remote Access Runtime license.