... CPC multi-equipment capabilities
CPC is the only process control software capable of and designed for the concurrent control, monitoring, and data-acquisition of multiple pieces of equipment. The CPC software automatically converts a Pentium PC into a powerful, multi-equipment controller.
What does "multi-equipment control" mean?
The term multi-equipment control refers to the ability of the CPC software to enable a single PC and single control system to simultaneously control two or more pieces of equipment. In this type of application, the customer purchases a single CPC control system and is able to have full computer-control automation of all the equipment in his production or laboratory area.
Multi-equipment control is possible due to ASC's innovation 18 years ago, when it created and released the only multi-equipment control product, CPC-MULT. Before CPC-MULT, customers' control choices were limited to independent control systems for each piece of equipment, usually an expensive proposition.
By utilizing a proprietary multi-tasking software architecture ASC is able to create a control product that internally segregates and independently controls each piece of equipment that it is connected to. There are separate cure cycles, configurations, screens, and data-acquisition files for each piece of equipment. This separation provides confusion-free operation.
In a typical CPC multi-equipment implementation, the startup screen depicts the floor-plan of the equipment area, providing the operator with a single-click access point to operate each piece of equipment. With this centralized approach, one operator can easily control and monitor over ten pieces of equipment.
How long has CPC been controlling multi-equipment applications?
CPC have been successfully controlling multi-equipment applications for over 13 years.
The original version of CPC was created and released in 1989 as a single-equipment control package. Two years later ASC created a new version specifically designed to allow a single PC to control many equipment processes simultaneously. That product was called CPC-MULT and it became the accepted standard for control of autoclaves, ovens, and presses at most major aerospace and material processing companies.
Do you recommend "multi-equipment control" for my application?
CPC can control as few as one and as many as 20 pieces of equipment. ASC would suggest a multi-equipment implementation for your application if one or more of the following statements is true:
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You would like to have advanced PC controls of more than one piece of equipment in a central area.
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You would like to have advanced PC controls of more than one piece of equipment, but don't feel that you can afford it.
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You would like to streamline your production, reduce the number of equipment operators, and/or centralize your equipment controls.
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You have budgeted for control of only one piece of equipment, and would like to have more equipment controlled for the same money if possible.
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You want to purchase controls for one piece of equipment now, and expand the system to control more equipment in the future.
What if the PC fails while controlling all my equipment?
ASC understands your concern and can offer the following reassurances:
1.) CPC is extremely reliable. CPC has been controlling multi-equipment applications at most of the major aerospace companies for more than 10 years. Companies like Boeing, Northrop, and Lockheed have embraced the multi-equipment concept and the cost savings it provides. Since its inception, no company has ever converted from multi-equipment back to single-equipment control. This record tells us that CPC's reliability meets even our most demanding customers' requirements.
2.) CPC can be purchased with an inexpensive hot-backup PC. This dual-PC architecture provides automatic and bump-less continuation of all equipment controlled, including all data-acquisition. Even PLC or setpoint controller systems cannot boast this level of backup.
3.) ASC will never "push" a multi-equipment solution if you don't feel it's right for you. If you're more comfortable with independent control systems and don't mind the extra cost, ASC would be happy to quote affordable, independent systems for each piece of equipment.
Is there an application where you wouldn't recommend multi-equipment?
In the following situations, ASC may not recommend a multi-equipment implementation:
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The different pieces of equipment are not geographically located in the same area and the cost of connecting the equipment to a central controller would be more than the cost of independent systems.
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The pieces of equipment are extremely large and the cost difference of independent systems versus a multi-equipment system would be minimal.
Do other companies offer this capability?
The answer is NO.
Even though CPC has been controlling multi-equipment applications for years, no other company has been able to develop a competing product. The result is that in applications where ASC is able to offer a multi-equipment control solution, the competition is forced to bid expensive, independent control systems for each piece of equipment.
What is the price for CPC multi-equipment implementations?
System implementation costs depend on a number of factors including site location, quantity of equipment, distance between equipment, quantity of sensors and control items (ie. thermocouples, transducers, valves, heaters, etc.), equipment down-time limitations, and customer training requirements.
The per/equipment price can be as low as $5,000 for applications with many smaller pieces of equipment (ie. laboratory with 8-10 ovens).
The following estimates are offered to give you an idea as to the cost of different types of CPC multi-equipment implementations. The estimates include Dell PC, Opto22 I/O hardware (assuming typical sensor quantities for TCs, transducers, etc.), installation, startup, training, and travel and living costs. Estimates are also based on concurrent installation of equipment. Sequential installation will be cost additional. :
| CPC
controlling three (3) 10ftx10ftx25ft productions
ovens. $50-$60K |
CPC
controlling one 3'x5' autoclave and one 4'x8'
autoclave $40-$45K |
CPC
controlling two (2) 10'x30' autoclaves (standard
sensors) $75-$80K |
| CPC
controlling laboratory equipment, ten (10) bench
ovens. $40-45K |
CPC for
plant monitoring and control (50 points of analog and
100 digital points), using existing company ethernet
cabling $60-$90K. |
CPC
controlling one 5'x10' autoclave (standard sensors) $25-$30K |
Call ASC to discuss your exact application. We can provide an accurate quotation in less than 2 weeks.