Improved system performance
June 1st 2009 Due to increased volume at
its NLC (national logistics
centre), online computer and
electronics retailer,
dabs.com, needed to
upgrade part of its conveyor
control system and host
interfacing. The existing
system, installed by
Transnorm some years ago
was based around two PLCs,
one of which looked after
motor control and switching,
while the other looked after
sortation, code reading and
comms with host.
Dabs discussed with
Transnorm the various
possibilities and together
they concluded that a single
super fast PLC was required,
with the Gateway to host via
a PC based software
package, Gypsy, supplied by
Transnorm through a partner
company.
In this instance the PLC
was upgraded from the
Rockwell SLC range to the
Contrologix range. The Gypsy
system was loaded to the PC
and a careful switch over was
implemented. Lots of testing
both on and off site gave
Dabs the confidence that
Transnorm could achieve
significant increases in
performance.
Following the successful
transition, Dabs reported
benefits very early on and
said that the payback was
less than 6 months thanks to
the increased throughput
and reduced downtime due
to comms issues. Dabs
reported that it was also able
to lower headcount as the
need for checking/
supervision was reduced. More articles from Transnorm System Limited: | 
