Plant-wide integration: horizontal and vertical. The benefits of integrating all elements of a packaging machine — control, networking, and visualization — have been outlined. For the same reasons, it's advantageous to connect every piece of equipment across the plant (a.k.a. horizontal integration). This allows the packaging department to communicate with the batch process that's making the cereal and the shipping department that's waiting for cartons. The plant is no longer comprised of isolated cells of activity. Each side knows what the other is doing at all times and can quickly adjust to change.

Information must also be able to flow from the plant floor to business-level systems (a.k.a. vertical integration). The main goal of vertical integration is to increase productivity and customer service by gathering information in real time. That means, for example, an operator with access to a PC can sit in an office and check the general operation of any given line to make sure it is at peak productivity. On-the-spot access to this type of information equals an unlimited resource for knowledge. And this knowledge can be synthesized into process improvements: "We need to adjust batch sizes to make sure the packaging lines are constantly running."

Using a mix of dedicated and open systems hardware, software, and networking technologies, Integrated Architecture gives engineers the means to gather and share data both horizontally and vertically. This provides the knowledge to drive out inefficiencies that plague production. It also lowers long-term costs associated with training, configuration and maintenance, and improves operational excellence and efficiency. The primary benefit, however, is a cohesive facility with the ability to manufacture, package, and ship more goods.

This same level of flexibility applies to SERCOS networks as well. For the critical task of integrating high speed motion feedback across multiple servo drives, SERCOS offers a reliable, fiber-optic interface. ControlLogix SERCOS support is a key element to enabling the maximum number of servo axes needed for an application responding in the minimum possible time. Sercos connectivity is also critical in reducing the wiring and commissioning costs of multiaxis systems as its fiber-optic communications ring replaces a host of encoder feedback wiring from drives to controller. This is unquestionably one of the most trouble prone elements of a high speed machine as well and the reduction in downtime associated with these problems is dramatic.

Developing a motion-control system is an easy four-step process with the Logix platform.

Encompass. The Industry Leading Product Referencing Program Today's successful industrial-automation applications are integrated with a complete array of products and services from many different manufacturers. That's because no single supplier can provide expertise in every aspect of automation technology. But to gather all the necessary information on all of the industry's best manufacturers can be a real headache. The Encompass Program from Rockwell Automation provides the solution — access to a single point of responsibility, designed and maintained to supply all automation needs. The Encompass Program is a product-referencing program designed to identify, qualify, and jointly market third-party manufactured products that complement the Rockwell Automation global brands. The Encompass Program creates a path for critical information exchange and improved solutions in the marketplace by linking Rockwell Automation's technical and commercial resources with Encompass partners. This link fosters an integrated architecture that offers customers proven technologies and greater integration and reliability of products that are easy to install, configure, and maintain. This resource-rich combination ensures greater flexibility and productivity at a lower total cost of ownership. The program enables customers to choose from a complementary array of integrated products, expertise, and industry knowledge and allows them to confidently build a complete automation solution. Referenced products include: • Bar-code printers & scanners • Labeling products • Machine vision • Planetary gearheads • Pneumatic valve interfaces • Resolver interfaces The Encompass Program offers a variety of tools and industry-related promotional activities, including a product directory, coordinated trade shows and regional events, and the annual Allen-Bradley Automation Fair. Request a complementary product directory by e-mail: encompass@ra.rockwell.com or call toll-free 1-87-PARTNERS. Visit us on the Web at www.rockwellautomation.com/encompass