Saline, MI – September 15, 2008 – Pro-face America, the North American subsidiary of Japan-based Digital Electronics Corporation, has announced the release of GP-Pro EX Version 2.2, the newest version of the company’s ultra-fast HMI application development software. GP-Pro EX features a unique combination of HMI functions, including multimedia capability, remote PC access, high-speed device linking, and built-in control logic editor. The software is designed to speed application development for both OEMs and end-users who need to standardize on one HMI package that supports both Microsoft® Windows-based systems and dedicated operator interfaces. New features in GP-Pro EX Version 2.2 include enhanced local and remote security and traceability; direct interface to the widest range of devices, including PLCs, motion controllers, vision systems, and bar code scanners; smart simulation and shortcuts; and expanded object animation capabilities.
“Pro-face helps end-users and OEMs better understand manufacturing processes by providing a single, integrated HMI software package that delivers broad information access through extensive connectivity, increases factory security and operator safety, protects OEM intellectual application property, and cuts machine costs by combining HMI development plus logic control,” stated Gary Labadie, Marketing Communications Manager, Pro-face America. “An ultra-fast HMI application development package, GP-Pro EX eliminates time consuming and tedious tasks that OEMs encounter when changing controllers or programming languages, or when developing a new application. The software’s easy I/O reassignment; baseline common screen layout tools; drag and drop features; interchanging modes between development, monitoring, testing, and run-time; and vast connectivity options allow applications to be developed, modified, and run in hours rather than days or weeks. GP-Pro EX’s application versatility and flexibility have propelled it to the #1 HMI development software package available today.”
Security and Traceability Reduces Tampering, Adds Accountability
New security features in GP-Pro EX applications reduce system tampering and provide a safe machine environment by managing access to both the local machine and remote maintenance and control tools. The addition of object-based security at the HMI screen level means key individuals have access to critical controls, greatly reducing development time. Tampering and accountability are reduced using an operation log that tracks operator changes that have occurred via data entry or with the editing of any object on the screen.
Smart Simulation, Object Animation Enhance System Flexibility
GP-Pro EX’s new Smart Simulation feature allows developers to test entire projects on their laptops…at their desk or on a plane. No external hardware or cabling is required. The software simulates HMI screens, ladder logic, and external devices. Once complete, a tested project can then be e-mailed to a customer.
The new Object Animation feature changes the appearance of objects on the screen based on plant conditions or the security clearance of the operator.
To simplify operator interaction, objects on the screen can disappear when not needed, moving or rotating parts can be animated, and tank colors can change in accordance with temperatures.
Remote Access Reduces On-site Support
The expanded set of remote connectivity tools in GP-Pro EX Version 2.2 are designed to monitor, control, upgrade, diagnose, and upload logged information on machines around the world without the need to travel on-site.
This grants the opportunity to provide fast response customer support services using remote machine diagnostics, while saving thousands of dollars in on-site support and travel costs. The software’s remote tools also address the need to minimize field upgrades by providing multiple methods to perform HMI system upgrades without needing development software. These methods include: using a freely distributable application transfer software utility, using a compact flash card or USB device, or performing the upgrade over an Ethernet connection.
Superior HMI Connectivity Provides Information Access and Lowers Costs
GP-Pro EX Version 2.2 introduces new communication protocols, adding to the
100+ protocols now available, allowing connections to almost every
100+ industry
standard factory floor device. New support is provided for vision systems (Banner and Cognex), motion and drive controllers, and wired or wireless bar code scanning devices. The direct connectivity uses up to four (4) simultaneous protocols, which removes the communication burden from the PLC and eliminates high dollar specialty analog cards, lowering system costs while improving control performance.
Flexible Hardware Support
GP-Pro EX Version 2.2 supports multi-platform HMI applications. The same HMI application created in GP-Pro EX can be used on a Microsoft® Windows-based operator interface, such as Pro-face PS3000 or APL3000 industrial PCs, or on a dedicated non-Windows-based operator interface, such as the Pro-face AGP3000 series. The software environment includes full control logic capabilities to use with products that include an operator interface plus control as an all-in-one package, such as the Pro-face LT3000 HMI plus control series.
Pricing & Availability
GP-Pro EX Version 2.2 ultra-fast HMI application development software is available immediately through Pro-face America¹s distribution channel.
Prices start at $295.
View the GP-Pro EX data sheet at
www.profaceamerica.com/cms/resource_library/pro[…]
/index.html
About Pro-face America
Pro-face is a world leader in HMI solutions, industrial operator interfaces, and industrial computer products. Pro-face sets the global standard for HMI solutions by offering the industry’s most extensive product offerings with the highest levels of network connectivity. Principal products include Pro-face brand operator interfaces, HMI software, and industrial PCs. The Pro-face family also includes Xycom brand industrial PC products serving industrial, automotive, aerospace, packaging, plastics, and textile markets.
Pro-face is the manufacturer of the QuickPanel brand of operator interface products.
Pro-face and Xycom products are used in more than 300,000 factory-floor systems worldwide and are recognized for their fast and dependable local support. Pro-face America is headquartered in Saline, Michigan and has employees and sales and support representatives located around the world.
For more information, visit www.profaceamerica.com.
For more information, contact:
Gary Labadie, Marketing Manager
Pro-face America
Saline, MI 48176
Tel: 734-429-4971
E-mail: [email protected]
PR Office:
Juliann Grant
Telesian Technology Inc.
49 Midgley Lane
Worcester, MA 01604
Tel: 978-687-4252
E-mail: [email protected]
© 2008, Pro-face America. Pro-face is a registered trademark of Digital Electronics Corporation. All trademarks are the registered property of their respective owners.