COPA-DATA announced the release of the latest version of its OT/IT (operational technology/Information Technology) convergence-promoting industrial software platform, zenon 15. Instead of replacing the control, communication, and processing capabilities of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and Industrial PCs (IPCs), COPA-DATA’s zenon 15 software augments and optimizes their functionality by providing customers with a central and secure hub that links PLCs, IPCs, and other industrial equipment.
Industrial data is collected, compiled, and centralized for analysis and insight generation to inform decision making. Image used courtesy of COPA-DATA
Centralized Management and Collaboration
Users can observe visual representations of factory floor data in real time with zenon 15, employing advanced HTML 5 web visualization.
Users don't need to install anything locally to view and engage with projects thanks to web technologies like HTML5. Teams are capable of monitoring and managing systems in real time. Several engineers can collaborate effectively when projects are maintained centrally through cloud-based version control systems (such as Git) or shared workspaces. Simplified data sharing and centralized monitoring are supported by integration with cloud systems like Microsoft Azure and AWS, which provide safe data storage, sophisticated data analysis, and remote troubleshooting.
Enhanced Security
The zenon system also incorporates enhanced security features such as Access Level Control (or Authorized Login Control) for user-defined level access (e.g., Administrator, Operator, Engineer) and Multi-Client Authorization. In the latter's case, a person using a mobile device might access specific process data on the system dashboard. In contrast, another person at a control room workstation would be able to issue directives.
COPA-DATA has expanded its user management system to accommodate more than 65,000 permission roles. In accordance with the IEC 62443-4-2 cybersecurity standard, projects may now be connected to particular equipment roles. This facilitates certifying a customer's zenon application for compliance with security standards.
Installation Options
Installation is automatic upon device connection (such as USB or DVD), or customers can boot up by selecting START.exe from within the primary folder of the zenon software installation device. Physical installation locations include computer servers, such as zenon Service Engine runtime software, which users can set up as a process server in mixed OS (operating system) settings. Users can also set up zenon on client machines linked to the server.
zenon Web Server and zenon Logic
The zenon Web Server is a component of the zenon platform. Using a web browser, users may connect to zenon projects off-site thanks to this Web Server. By default, it is configured to launch as a Windows service as soon as the computer is powered on. Alternatively, users can launch it manually via the Windows Services panel.
Programmers can use zenon Logic programming environment to analyze data, run automation applications, and engineer AI functions into the control layer. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 61131-3 specified programming languages and Python are available to users.
Fundamental steps in establishing an Automation Integration layer for integrating legacy pharmaceutical equipment with IT infrastructure through the zenon software platform. Video used courtesy of COPA-DATA
Flexibility and Scalability
zenon 15 offers a single engineering platform for project configuration, regardless of whether Linux or Windows is the intended operating system. This facilitates multi-platform deployment and complements contemporary automation approaches such as hardware-independent system architecture and virtualization. Project work no longer needs to be duplicated across different platforms, and customers can specify the right OS for their hardware/IT policies.
Industry Application Areas
zenon is designed to operate across multiple industries, including automotive, energy, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, process industry, and more. It supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, facilitates ISA-88 batch control, and conforms to GAMP5 standards in the pharmaceutical industry. This makes the platform appropriate for non-stop manufacturing and highly-regulated environments. zenon provides scalable, secure solutions for renewable energy, public transportation systems, and substation automation within the energy and infrastructure sectors.
