Get more out of digitalisation with the Allen-Bradley VersaView 6300 range

Through digital transformation, manufacturers can blend OT and IT systems to open up opportunities for data collection and analysis, down to evermore granular levels of detail.

This is the ‘digital thread’ or trail of information, collected throughout the lifecycle of a product, asset, system or process. The digital thread offers a detailed, virtual perspective of information flows combining data on production performance, product specification and supply chain. This analysis can then be used to progressively adapt and refine operations as the systems are utilised.

Decision-makers can leverage the digital thread to help to evaluate and improve value streams in real time. When integrated with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, the digital thread enables operators and assets to make instantaneous adjustments, supporting everything from fixing emerging quality problems to pulling material and component inventory to processes across a facility.

Today’s highly configurable, flexible control and visualisation technologies are vital components in making best use of the digital thread. In the form of the Allen-Bradley VersaView 6300 product line, an innovative new range of industrial PCs, software and human machine interface (HMI) solutions, NHP and Rockwell Automation are better placed than ever to help manufacturers capitalise on the benefits of digital transformation and total automation, and to advance business success. The new solutions available provide unrivalled access to data, with a perspective that is appropriate for the user — from high-level data aggregation to an operator’s micro view of what’s happening on the plant floor.

The VersaView 6300P panel PC is based on the seventh-generation Core i3, i5 and i7 processors. These easy-to-use touch screen technologies include analog resistive and projected capacitive (for multitouch operation). This panel PC is available in a variety of display sizes and resolutions. There are options of either Standard or Low Profile bezel units. Both have resolutions up to full high definition. IP65/IP66 (model dependent) environmental protection makes the VersaView 6300P panel PC a suitable match for washdown applications such as in food processing and life sciences. Fanless construction helps to ensure low-maintenance operation and enhance longevity.

Allen-Bradley VersaView 6300B box PCs are available in multiple form factors and processors to match the application. Book mounting units have a fanless design, making them suitable for applications requiring low maintenance. The most compact units in this family feature Apollo Lake Atom processors, making them useful for HMI, IIoT gateway and data logging applications.

Atom class units are also available as ThinManager ready thin clients and are not equipped with an operating system or solid-state drive (SSD). Slightly larger book-mount units feature a choice of Core i3 and i7 processors for mid-size applications. Wall-mount units with Core i3 and i7 processors are available in designs with or without fans. Fan-cooled units perform well in challenging environments with elevated temperatures. These PCs may be paired with FactoryTalk View SE software to provide the best HMI experience within the NHP and Rockwell Automation Connected Enterprise.

All PCs come standard with the Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system. Units with an i Class processor are optionally available without an operating system. Robust mass storage is supplied by a M.2 SSD and has RAM permanently soldered to the motherboard to help prevent issues from shock and vibration. Atom class book-mount and wall-mount units are also DIN rail mountable.

The VersaView 6300 is a complete portfolio of open architecture industrial PCs, thin clients and monitors. This broad and adaptable line offers the flexibility needed to meet specific performance requirements. This product family is a good match for users that need a high-performance HMI solution for industrial environments. By integrating completely with FactoryTalk View SE and FactoryTalk View ME software, it allows for seamless assimilation within a facility.

The VersaView 6300M industrial monitor includes a ten-point multitouch screen that can also be operated with gloves. The touchscreens are pre-calibrated so that recalibration is not necessary. These monitors are optimised to work with the VersaView 6300 computer and thin client range to create a visualisation, maintenance, control or information computing solution.

Design considerations are becoming more important in the machine-builder world. Low-profile bezels on wide screen displays and monitors provide that ultra-modern look to visually set this equipment apart from the crowd. Additionally, VersaView 6300M has various design options available, making this robust product family a great choice for plant floor environments.

For further information on the VersaView 6300 and other Rockwell Automation products, please contact your local NHP representative at:

• Australia: 1300 NHP NHP, nhpsales@nhp.com.au
• New Zealand: 0800 NHP NHP, sales@nhp-nz.com