Products4Automation supplies a mix of hardware and software

Paul Hurst says: "Too many companies are having their production put into inefficient straight-jackets by the 'one-brand-suits-all' approach of large automation suppliers. This is particularly true of MES systems where, in many instances, users have to adapt their production to suit the rigid structure of the MES modules supplied. This is an untenable situation, and one that we aim to change with our Production Intelligence system, which we will be launching in the near future. However, our initial objective is to ensure that our customers get the best mix of hardware and software products to optimise their applications, with the best in application and technical support from experienced automation engineers."

Building upon Paul Hurst's wide ranging experience in PLC, SCADA and MES systems, P4A's product range is comprehensive, including Proface touch-screen HMIs and flat panel PCs, Win-911 alarm notification SCADA software plug-ins, TOPCCC intelligent I/O plug-in interface modules and Monitran high-resolution displays, and a full range of Production Intelligence software from the Felten Group.

Production Intelligence

Hurst comments: "We see our Production Intelligence solution as a feed-through mechanism for our range of accessory products. However, until its launch we will be using our extensive contacts with users of PLCs and SCADA systems to provide a single-source supply for system components that are often neglected but instrumental to the optimised operation of the latter systems.

"Our longer-term goal with regard to Production Intelligence is to provide a totally new dimension of productivity for UK industry. We will be able to achieve this because Production Intelligence is superior to classic technical MES approaches to productivity, which only have limited effect as they rely too much on automation.

"The Production Intelligence philosophy is different. Its technical approach is to define all process elements of production sequences - from orders to operating instructions or quality definitions - as objects. These objects take attributes, thus creating a content level in which completely free linking is possible. That way, content becomes an integrating element. This makes possible an intelligent design of workflows because the production managers can decide flexibly how each single process is built from automated and manual components - it is definitely the way forward."

About Products4Automation

Products4Automation (P4A) is a specialist supplier of new and innovative software and hardware to the UK market. All products are represented on the website.

Product ranges available from P4A include touch-screen HMIs and flat panel PCs, SCADA software and plug-ins, a wide range of SCADA-enabled hardware, and Alarm plug-in software for large automation systems.