With RSSql, Plant Data and Enterprise Software Work as One
It's only natural that much of today's information technology discussion focuses on databases. This is not to say that the debates over hardware, networks, and operating systems is over, but when you get right down to it, what good is the computer or the network without a place to store, share, and retrieve data? Most forward-looking manufacturing firms have recognized that the factory floor is a vital producer of data for running the rest of the company. Likewise, the plant floor needs to feed on data that is generated by other parts of the firm in order to be part of an end-to-end integrated enterprise.
In the manufacturing world, whether in process or discrete applications, people want and need a bi-directional link to bridge the gap between the control system and the enterprise database system. Until now, a "brick wall" has separated the plant floor and Information Systems departments. However, a secure, bi-directional link between these two environments now exists, allowing the manipulation of
accurate and timely data. RSSql Version 2.0 is that link and provides guaranteed data delivery, including closing the loop between the PLC and the database. This level of reliability has never before been obtained, and the result is a true control system-to-enterprise link.
By Brandon Ekberg, RSSql Product Manager, Rockwell Software
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Today there are many databases, or Enterprise-level transaction managers that are used everyday to link multiple databases together to act as one. They coordinate multiple actions and ensure the reliability of the entire "transaction" between the different databases. RSSql works in much the same way, except instead of linking multiple database systems, it links the controls systems to the database.
The bi-directional capabilities of RSSql Version 2.0 allow it to send data both up to the relational database and down to the plant floor. Take for example an automotive air-bag inflator manufacturer that needs to maintain complete documentation on every product it makes. RSSql sends the relational database a message telling it an assembly operation