Software monitors topology, availability and performance of industrial Ethernet networks

The Sinema Server (Simatic Network Manager) software automatically recognizes changes in the network and helps to identify and clear malfunctions quickly and easily. In this way, downtime and maintenance costs can be reduced and the availability of the production process can be increased. In addition, Sinema Server documents the utilization and availability of a network over any chosen period.

Sinema Server has been specially designed for the continuous monitoring of industrial Ethernet and Profinet networks by plant operators and by the maintenance and service personnel. At regular specified intervals, the software recognizes any change to the network, including all components within the network from whatever manufacturer (autodiscovery) and clearly displays the current topology and any changes. An extended, detailed diagnosis is available for Scalance network components.

The use of Sinema Server enables any network problems affecting production, as well as standstills or malfunctions within a plant, to be cleared promptly. The result: shorter downtimes and less damage to the manufactured goods or the production plant. Companies benefit from the savings and from a lower number of delivery problems and delays.

The second important function of Sinema Server is the documentation of network activities in the form of comprehensive reports. The report function informs the production management about the performance and capacities of the network and thereby creates the basis for the specific control and planning of the network infrastructure. If an external service provider has been commissioned to operate the network, the reports indicate whether the guaranteed availability has been delivered within the agreed timeframe. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze retrospectively any malfunctions in the network or plant that have remained unnoticed and thus to optimize production. The length of period covered by the documentation can be selected as required.

The “plug & play” installation and commissioning of Sinema Server is quick and self-explanatory. Siemens has designed the software for particularly easy and user-friendly operation. Several users can access the Sinema Server data simultaneously from any location using a web browser and the display can be personalized for each user. In addition, the content can be displayed on monitors in the production facility using HMI (Human Machine Interface) or Scada (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. The software supports numerous protocols such as OPC, SNMP, LLDP, DCP and “Ping”.

The Siemens network management software is suitable for companies in the production and processing industry as well as for users from the power generation sector. Sinema Server will be available through the sales outlets of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and through Scalance distributors. The licensing options are based on the number of supported devices, ranging from 50 to 250 devices.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry posted sales of about EUR35 billion in fiscal year 2009. http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) is a global leader in the fields of automation systems, industrial controls and industrial software. Its portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industries to solutions for whole industrial sectors that encompass the automation of entire automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value added chain of manufacturers – from product design and development to production, sales and a wide range of maintenance services. With around 39,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Automation achieved sales of €7.0 billion in fiscal year 2009. www.siemens.com/industryautomation

Reference Number: IIA2010112604e