Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Batch version 11

The application development capabilities of FactoryTalk Batch software have been expanded to help users design and run batch applications more rapidly. Version 11 features intelligent recipe capabilities, secure operator overrides, expanded data collection and reporting and improved material management capabilities.

When defining a product, recipe authors can now reference system-wide data, such as previous ingredient feedactuals or material properties, to simplify recipe development. The use of expressions based on this historical data rather than entering specific, defined values allows the system to adjust run time setpoints to accommodate variable batch activity.

Run time user control has been improved by giving operators with security clearance the ability to move a batch forward in the process. In the past, procedural flexibility had to be designed into the system. With the latest version of the software, operators have more control to advance a batch based on real-time conditions - without time-intensive system engineering.

This release also continues to expand the system data logged into the electronic batch record. This includes information on shared equipment such as pumps and other processing equipment, to help manufacturers further meet track-and-trace compliance requirements.

The version also increases material manager flexibility by allowing late binding to material inventory. This is critical for batch applications where some materials are in transit or not available at the start. In the past, batch applications required custom engineering to accommodate these situations.