Problem:
A metal alloys manufacturer struggled to get its wastewater control platform to communicate with other systems in the facility. The plant relied on a Walchem Process Controller to monitor and regulate wastewater treatment processes such as pH levels, but data sharing across platforms was limited. This created inefficiencies and required in-house software development resources for updates and integration.
Solution:
FrommConnect designed a FactoryTalk Optix application to act as a communication gateway between systems. A Rockwell 5380 CompactLogix PLC was installed to visualize and share wastewater data from the Walchem unit. The new setup not only enabled seamless communication between platforms but also introduced upgraded graphics for a more effective user interface.
FactoryTalk Optix’s open-source capabilities allowed integration between different manufacturers’ products, enabling Walchem to communicate with Rockwell systems without the need for custom development.
Outcome:
The wastewater control platform now communicates effortlessly with other systems, improving data visibility and operational efficiency. The upgraded interface enhances usability, and the manufacturer no longer depends on internal software developers for updates or integration work.
