Enhanced system availability and efficient service through remote access to industrial PCs

For password-protected remote access the software uses Intel AMT (Active Management Technology) functions, which act independently of the operating system and software, and regardless of whether the system is switched on or in standby. SIMATIC IPC Remote Manager reduces the number of time-consuming and costly on-site service visits and cuts energy consumption, for example, through the targeted shutdown of plant computers at the end of a production shift. The new software is particularly beneficial in plants distributed over a wide geographical area, such as those of the automotive, chemical, solar energy and offshore wind industries.

The new SIMATIC IPC Remote Manager software package enables centralized service concepts to be implemented in which AMT functions are used for remote access of SIMATIC IPCs. System or program errors, for example, can be rectified and BIOS or program updates can be run from a control room without the need for a site visit. Productivity is increased and resources are saved by activating and deactivating systems centrally and loading updates during breaks in production. Remote access is carried out via secure connections providing access only for authorized persons by means of HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption. A user-friendly menu bar containing icons supports rapid access to all functions.

The “Keyboard Video Mouse Redirection” function can be used to redirect the KVM signal of a remote computer to a central computer, without the need for additional hardware, so that an administrator can control the remote computer from a distance and set parameters, for example. Until now additional hardware, such as a switch, was required. The “Remote Power On / Off / Reset” function switches the remote computer on and off, or resets it, for maintenance purposes or when the operating system no longer responds. This function also supports centralized coasting down of the plant computers when production has stopped or before a production-free weekend. This enables a company to cut operating and power costs. The “Remote Reboot” function initiates a restart of the remote computer from hard disk, CD or network drive, following installation of an update, for example.

SIMATIC IPC Remote Manager is ideally suited for all SIMATIC IPCs of device generation “B” and SIMATIC Field PG programming devices.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of production, transportation, lighting and building technologies. With integrated automation technologies as well as comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, flexibility and efficiency of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector includes six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. By September 30, Siemens Industry had some 204,000 employees worldwide and turnover in fiscal year 2010 of €34.9 billion. http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of automation technology, industrial switchgear and industry software. The offer ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industry up to industry specific solutions with the automation of complete automobile productions and chemical plants. As leading software supplier Industry Automation optimizes the whole value chain of producing companies – from product design and development through production and sales up to service. By September 30, Siemens Industry Automation had some 33.000 employees worldwide and a turnover in fiscal year 2010 of €6.2 billion. http://www.siemens.com/industryautomation

Reference Number: IIA2011022518e