Top warehouse automation provider uses KEPServerEX to simplify the industrial automation, warehousing, and logistics processes for one of the nation’s top beef producers
Kepware Technologies, a software development company focused on communications for automation, today announced its successful implementation with Cirrus Tech, Inc. The companies joined forces to streamline the industrial automation, warehousing, and logistics processes for one of the nation’s top beef producers.
Challenged with effectively routing several thousand boxes of meat per hour, this major Kansas beef producer sought help to ensure efficient production from multiple plants and confirm that its meat automatically moves from the warehouse to the retail location without human intervention. With the industrial automation process as a top priority, a solution had to provide routing direction within seconds from the point of data flow. Any miscommunications would cause significant delays in routing and overloading, slowing conveyor belts and creating negative revenue impacts.
The beef producer required a solution that can read 20,000 tags from 10 PLCs every three seconds. Its previous system was draining nearly 80 percent of CPU time and slowing the process. For Cirrus to help, it had to offer an automation solution that provides routing direction within seconds. Kepware’s KEPServerEX® offered the right capabilities for the job.
Specifically engineered to connect disparate devices and applications, KEPServerEX easily manages, monitors, and controls diverse automation devices and software applications through a robust platform that supports an array of open standards. Kepware’s OPC Drivers offer the broadest set of support and remove the burden of learning new communications protocols and applications.
“Anytime we introduced a new piece of equipment, it required an entirely new PLC,” said Bob Harris, Founder, Cirrus Tech, Inc. “We don’t have the time to write a new driver, which could easily take eight weeks in development and testing. Since Kepware has such broad support and flexibility, it took the responsibility off of our shoulders.”
Since teaming with Kepware, Cirrus helped the plant pull data from dozens of PLCs and equipment, analyze the detail, and send direction back to the system controllers. The combined Kepware and Cirrus automation system easily filters information and provides direction within two seconds.
Cirrus now uses Kepware as its communications platform for industrial automation for all customer deployments. “Now that we’ve experienced Kepware, we wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Harris concluded.
For additional information about the implementation, please read the complete Cirrus Tech case study here.
About Kepware Technologies
Kepware Technologies, established in 1995, develops a wide range of communication and interoperability software solutions for the Automation industry. Our flexible and scalable solutions help connect, manage, monitor, and control diverse automation devices and software applications. Our industry-endorsed software solutions improve operations and decision-making throughout all levels of an organization. Kepware Technologies’ mission is to be your standard for connectivity by developing Advanced Communications for Automation.
About Cirrus Tech, Inc.
A warehouse system management company, Cirrus Tech, Inc. provides automated warehouse solutions and services to help customers optimize their warehouse and distribution processes. With more than 15 years of experience, the company delivers a range of services—from warehouse automation, control, and management, to professional services and supply chain consulting. Cirrus customizes integrated warehouse management solutions for customers across a range of industries including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, food service, consumer goods, and electronics.
