Rapid Multisite Deployment at the Edge
Performance tested architecture for 5,000 I/Os and less
in F&B, Pharma, O&G, and Infrastructure
Rockwell Automation and Stratus PlantPAx Solution-in-a-Box is a process control architecture jointly developed to simplify the deployment of small to medium scale distributed control systems (DCS) that require 5,000 I/O’s or less at edge locations.
The solution runs Rockwell Automation PlantPAx 5.0 software on Stratus ztC Edge, performance tested i.e., “characterized,” and validated by Stratus and Rockwell Automation, to ensure reliable, rapid deployment by operations teams and systems integrators using a single industrial-grade, panel-mounted Edge Computing device.
“Companies are looking increasingly for scalable edge solutions that adapt easily to their existing assets and OT infrastructure and help them achieve the flexibility, real-time visibility, operational excellence and operational resilience needed to sustain their businesses in a world where often the only certainty is uncertainty.” – Craig Resnick, Vice President, ARC Advisory Group
Where to Deploy PlantPAx Solution-in-a-Box?
The Stratus PlantPAx Solution-in-a-Box architecture provides performance, cost, and easy implementation that is well suited to a range of industries and use cases where unplanned downtime is unacceptable for the business.
Water Wastewater
Municipal Utilities, Desalination, Waste Management, Treatment Plants
Power
Modular Plants, Substation Control, Geothermal Plants, Solar and Wind
Life Sciences
Vaccine Production, Skids, Batch Management, Filtration
Food and Beverage
Brewing, Multi-plant CIP, Batching and Recipe Management, FDA Compliance
Smart Buildings
Facilities Management, Video and Security, Data Centers, System of Systems
Oil and Gas & Chemicals
Reactor Control, Pipeline SCADA EPA fulfillment, Autonomous Drilling
Key Benefits
Rockwell Automation PlantPAx 5.0 software running on the Stratus ztC Edge makes the overall solution simpler, more dependable, and cost effective.
With Thin Clients, PlantPAx Solution-in-a-Box extends the DCS capabilities – from traditional control room and command centers – to mobile devices like cellphones, tablets, and laptops.
The inherent redundancy of ztC Edge protects the DCS from unplanned downtime that is common in unprotected computer and server-based architectures.
The rugged construction and Class I Division 2 certification of the ztC Edge enables the installation of the entire DCS into mission critical and hazardous environments.
The built-in virtualization of ztC Edge consolidates the PlantPAx software, normally installed in multiple computers, into one single redundant platform.
The ztC Edge comes in pre-configured out of the box and does not require IT professionals to set-up, operate, and maintain.
Fast Deployment and Integration to OT Infrastructure for SIs and Owner-Operators
PlantPAx Solution-in-a-Box is perfect for system integrators and owner-operators looking for a scalable and OT-ready architecture that does not require deep IT knowledge to deploy.
PlantPAx Solution-in-a-Box is supported by embedded edge management services that provide comprehensive, at-a-glance views for system health, software versions, utilization to improve performance and triage issues across the edge deployments.
The PlantPAx Solution-in-a-Box Architecture Details
Stratus ztC Edge provides the industrial grade Edge Computing platform for Rockwell Automation PlantPAX. The platform combines computing redundancy to eliminate unplanned downtime, virtualization to run multiple software workloads concurrently, and form factor that meets Class 1 Division 2 requirements to operate in hazardous environments.
The tested PlantPAx Solution-in-a-Box architecture includes:
- Rockwell Automation PlantPAx PASS-Consolidated Image
- PASS (Process Automation System Server) – FactoryTalk View
- FactoryTalk AssetCentre
- FactoryTalk Historian
- FactoryTalk VantagePoint
- FactoryTalk Batch
- Rockwell Automation Application Server OWS – ThinManager remote desktop server (RDS) for remote, mobile, and tablet access
- Stratus ztC Edge 250i (single system with a redundant option) – Tested in fault-tolerant and high availability modes
Workload Specifications
Based on the joint Stratus and Rockwell Automation characterization, the solution supports environments up to:
Up to 5,000 I/O points
Up to 5 Redundant Logix Controllers
Up to 20 clients
Up to 10,000 historian tags
For more information, view the Rockwell Automation PlantPAx Selection Guide
Pricing and Availability
Stratus ztC Edge and Rockwell PlantPAx 5.0, including PASS-C, are available now globally.
For pricing and PlantPAx Solution-in-a-Box development, contact your Stratus distributor.
Additional Resources
Stratus and Rockwell Automation
Together, Simplifying Edge Computing for the Connected Enterprise.
Rockwell Automation PlantPAx 5.0
The PlantPAx® system helps producers make better, faster process control decisions.
Stratus ztC Edge
Deploy computing power to where you need it most: business-critical assets and processes at the edge.
