Automation system change management

More integration, better support and extended functionality, including email triggers, are key developments with the latest version of automation giant GE Fanuc’s Proficy change management software for automation systems, now at v5.5. It’s aimed at monitoring software and data assets, protecting against device failure or operator error and meeting regulatory requirements. Attributes include version control, audit trails, central storage, security and automated backup and recovery. Specifically, it’s designed to look after systems involving Proficy, iFIX and Cimplictiy HMI (human machine interface) and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems. We’re talking about automated reporting of changes made in tag databases, screens and picture files, as well as the ability to schedule automatic upload and compare operations so users can ensure that PLC programs match a master version on the server or make sure they have a backup of what’s running on the PLC.