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SECURED PROGRAM ACCESS
Only authorised personnel are able to access programs
and make changes. Access is controlled via user logins and passwords and
via a transparent filter that screens privileges according to the class
of the user (e.g., maintenance, engineering, supervisor, etc.). Divide
your plant into areas, such as Manufacturing, Raw Materials, Finishing,
etc. Assign devices to each area. Privileges are designated by area
and/or by device for each user class. For example, plant engineers may
have the privilege to edit logic and documentation, but only the
supervisor has the privilege to update the Master Copy. Unauthorized
changes are minimized, greatly reducing costly errors. In addition,
because the only functions displayed on screen are those for which the
user has assigned privileges, training time is significantly reduced.
VERSION CONTROL
Version control features make it easy to maintain
accurate records of which software version is in use, when changes were
made and who made the changes.
Maintain A Current Copy
In the AutoSave client/server environment, the server
stores the device program files in their native file format, (e.g., A.I.,
6200, RSLogix, ProWORX, Step5), depending on the type of program. When
the client requests a program from the server, a copy of the files,
along with the latest documentation, is sent to the program panel for
use by the client. A lock is created so that other users are advised of
who else is using the program, when and where. When the files are sent
back to the server, the client compares them to previous versions, and
if changes are detected, specified users can be notified. Since the
Current Copy is stored on the server, authorized users can access the
latest copy, enhancing productivity and safety. (When a device program
is downloaded, all users can be sure they are downloading the most
recent "known" version.) In addition, the need for floppy disk
backups is eliminated, greatly reducing the problems caused by viruses.
Support And Control Multiple Versions
AutoSave automatically maintains a designated number
of previous copies, called Ancestors. Utilizing an Ancestor setting of
"4", for example, maintains the Current Copy, as well as the
three preceding copies. When a change is made, a new Current Copy is
saved and the oldest copy is deleted. Of course you can maintain as many
copies as required (up to 9,999). To ensure that all copies are retained
for as long as needed, it is also possible to set a minimum amount of
time during which Ancestors will be maintained (e.g., one week, one
month, or more). Any Ancestor can be recalled quickly. For some PLC
types, the logic/data/register/force table of each copy can be compared
to its preceding copy or the processor and the results of each compare
can be displayed.
Heighten Version Security
For optimum security, user-saved, named Versions
cannot be created automatically. Each Version must be created and
described by authorized users with appropriate privileges. Only
authorized users can compare and recall Versions. A maximum number of
desired Versions can be specified for a program or device. If that
number is exceeded, users are notified via e-mail.
AUTOMATED ARCHIVES/COMPARES
This is one of the most powerful AutoSave features.
Compare and backup procedures can be initiated on a scheduled basis. You
can be sure the most up-to-date program is always in use at each station
and that a current backup is readily available. Groups of programs from
the floor can be uploaded automatically. In addition, comparisons can be
made among any of the following copies:
- Current
- Ancestor
- Version
- Processor
- Local Client
Detailed, logic-to-logic and selected data table value comparison
reports are generated and users are notified of miscompares or upload
failures via e-mail. These e-mailed results, generated for scheduled,
program, check-in or demand compares, are viewed via a Web browser that
features hypertext links to detailed logic and documentation
differences.
AutoSave supports standard plant networking protocols.
You can also direct-connect to the device or communicate via radio
frequency (RF) link.
FULL AUDIT TRAILS
Industry and risk management requirements for
archiving data are easily supported with AutoSave. Every step of the
programming change process is documented and validated, and a detailed
history of each version is maintained.
QUICK DISASTER RECOVERY
AutoSave maintains the latest copy of all device
programs. If a processor faults, the correct program can be restored
quickly. Disaster is averted.
AUTOMATIC CHANGE NOTIFICATION
Whenever a change is made to a program, designated
users are immediately notified via e-mail. This enhances communication
and productivity and saves time.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE
AutoSave assists in Part 11 validation, FDA, OSHA,
EPA and ISO compliance. You get the necessary help to meet guidelines
for safety and quality assurance.
MODULAR CONFIGURATION
Modular configuration enables you to start small and
add AutoSave modules as your needs grow.
CLIENT/SERVER ARCHITECTURE
MDT Software's client/server architecture provides
seamless integration between AutoSave and your program panel software.
The client is a secured, intuitive Windows 95/98/NT/2000-based
application program on the programming node. The client can store and
retrieve information on an as-needed basis and provide access to all the
features of the server. The server acts as the master control center,
coordinating all change-related activities from one central location.
PRINTOUTS AND REPORTS
In addition to audit trail reports, AutoSave provides
other documents via a Web browser that help you manage your automation
software more effectively.
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