Hardware
Industrial IT architecture and component build quality
In determining the correct solution, the stability of the system is a critical design parameter. Basically a suitable software functionality residing on an un-stable/in-adequate architecture may well be less preferable to a paper-based system where dependency on electronic components is negligible. A significant factor to be considered is the impact on the business in case of failure of any single system component. This being a software application, a network-switch, a terminal or indeed a central server.
The system architecture must be designed in a way that no single component failing, can shut the entire system down. This may mean replication of data and provision of automated ‘fail-over’ functionality across several platforms. This will provide for a suitable and stable performance in cases where I.e. the central server or the network is unavailable.
Furthermore the construction of the system architecture must use components of an industrial quality and build, and must recognise properly the harshness of the environment. An “office style” IT solution may consequently provide an inadequate stability.
Server Hardware
Even though the architecture of the AutoCoding software is not dependent on the availability of the central database/server system, AutoCoding systems still recommend a level of fault tolerance and redundancy where a dynamic link to live ERP data is required. ACS recommend as a minimum a mirrored server structure to ensure that the ability to perform auditable traceability functions during production is not affected by a central server failure.With the greater fault tolerance of a mirrored architecture using RAID disk systems, the fallback unit will be able to take over the business management functionality. For enterprise solutions a RAID-5 hard drive unit may be recommended for maximising uptime and system availability. AutoCoding Systems recommend the DELL PowerEdge servers as a good-value investment in adequate server technology.
Terminal/client hardware
ACS is using Advantech Touch-screen terminals for deployment into the goodsin/ packaging/production/dispatch areas. These machines are off-the-shelf units and are available in various configurations including 12" or 15" colour TFT touch screen, standard industrial hard drives, Ethernet and serial connectivity.Fault tolerance and recovery:
1. The machines come equipped with a compact flash drive slot. This means that a
recovery compact flash card can be made at time of installation. In case of hard-drive failure a
replacement hard-drive can be fitted in the HDD Drive cradle and the system recovered.
2. More serious failure of the terminal calls for a blank spare to be installed instead. The
recovery flash card again restores the entire system onto the terminal and it can be back to running
in about 15 minutes.
3. A ‘hot’ spare terminal can be constantly updated with line/product and order data and
in case of any terminal failure the hot spare can be mechanically installed and be ready to run
immediately.
- The terminal runs an industry standard operating system.
- IP65 rated screen and cabinet.
- Offers easy expansion with PCMCIA, CF (compact flash) and PC104+. The PC104+ can have an expansion kit fitted to allow 2 full size PCI cards to be fitted.
- Uses standard 2.5” hard drives for easy user replacement in case of failure.
- Fan-less design means that the usual weak point of a standard PC is eliminated, increasing reliability.
- Special mounting clips mean that terminals can be easily inserted and removed from the cabinet.
- External power supplies reduce the space requirement in a cabinet if 24VDC is already available.
- Shallow bezel and good LCD display mean there is a wide viewing angle, making it easier for operators to see what is on screen.
- Front panel has no keys, buttons or sockets, which means that operators can only use terminal as imposed by the software, i.e. they cannot shutdown the terminal, unless the software offers this as an option.