In a recent ARC Advisory Group report, Rockwell Automation ranked first as the global leader in machine and process safety solutions. The report, “Machine Safeguarding Solutions Worldwide Outlook,” and top ranking coincides with the company’s 10-year anniversary of providing comprehensive safety solutions to manufacturers around the world. Rockwell Automation takes a holistic approach to safety, providing innovative safety solutions to improve the functional operation of a machine – simultaneously helping to increase safety, efficiency and productivity while reducing waste.
“Through strategic investments, product innovation and active participation in several international standards organizations, Rockwell Automation continues to reinforce its position as a leading force in functional safety, including production machinery and process safety,” said Sal Spada, research director, ARC Advisory Group. “Rockwell Automation is committed to improving worker safety and productivity for its customers with a comprehensive and proven safety portfolio.”
Rockwell Automation offers the world’s largest portfolio of safety automation products and services. The acquisitions of ICS Triplex and CEDES, among others, bolstered the company’s offerings, which encompass a broad range of scalable products and solutions including component, programmable and fully integrated safety solutions. Key milestones include the following:
CIP Safety – In 2002, Rockwell Automation joined two other members of the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA) to develop an open protocol allowing both standard and safety devices to operate on the same network. As a result of this effort, ODVA introduced a Common Industrial Protocol (CIP). Referred to as CIP Safety, this protocol helps manufacturers maximize production by synchronizing the safe and standard functions of equipment. CIP Safety also enables the distribution of safety control devices to appropriate locations on a machine, thereby helping reduce overall installation costs.
Allen-Bradley GuardLogix Controller – Introduced in 2005, the GuardLogix controller integrates standard and safety control architecture, and is rated up to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 functionality. SIL 2 and SIL 3 are the most common safety integrity levels required in machine and process safety applications, making the GuardLogix controller ideal for a wide range of safety applications. The GuardLogix controllers are part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, helping provide improved sharing of information, multidisciplined control, reduced training costs, and faster programming and commissioning.
Process Safety – Rockwell Automation acquired ICS Triplex in 2007, expanding the company’s process safety offerings for end users needing high availability and fault-tolerant critical control solutions. These offerings provide manufacturers with a high degree of protection for their assets, including people, equipment and the environment.
Safe-Speed Control – In 2009, Rockwell Automation introduced safe-speed control core technology as part of the Allen-Bradley Guardmaster Minotaur MSR57P dedicated safe-speed monitoring relay, the Allen Bradley PowerFlex 755 series of AC drives, and the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6200 servo drive. Safe-speed core control technology helps reduce overall system cost, improve flexibility and increase productivity by allowing operators to perform maintenance and other tasks while a machine is in motion. Safe-speed control also offers easier configuration and can be used across multiple platforms – whether in an upgraded or retrofitted application.
“In the last 10 years, global safety standards have evolved substantially, and we’ve helped customers stay ahead of that curve,” said John Nesi, vice president, Market Development. “We’re committed to continually exceeding customers’ expectations by providing safety systems to meet the rapidly changing demands of manufacturing and their business goals.”
Rockwell Automation Inc., the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Rockwell Automation employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries. For more information about Rockwell Automation safety products and solutions, visit http://discover.rockwellautomation.com/EN_Safety_Solutions.aspx.
