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Remote networking solution for cement production

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Sep 28, 2007

The Digi ConnectPort WAN VPN used by DornerControl for collecting cement plant operational data has enabled simple wireless data collection, increased safety and easy set-up

Austrian-based Dorner Electronic develops innovative, reliable and user-friendly hardware and software solutions for the construction material industry.

As leader in its market, Dorner delivers and provides networking of modules for everything from marketing systems, planning, control, laboratory, and billing, which can be selected using simple, complex or individually modified performance profiles.

The DornerControl product was developed to control concrete mixing facility production processes and administer orders, formulas and data.

The system monitors moisture, consistency and temperature, all of which is visualised on the user screen and automatically monitored by the system.

Dorner has customers all over the world, and in many locations, such as some in the Middle East, there are no proper network connections.

This made remote monitoring of these facilities difficult, if not impossible.

Dorner needed a solution that would allow these facilities to be IP-enabled so users could access and communicate with the DornerControl interface externally.

The solution came in the form of the ConnectPort WAN from Digi International.

Previously, Dorner has utilised GSM modems connected to the control stations at remote processing sites.

Although these modems did permit a network connection to exist when there was no hardwire option, the connection was limited to 9600 baud and only certain SIM cards would work in certain locations.

Coupled with the complexity involved in setting the modem up to work with each system, Dorner realised it needed to find a better solution.

After considering a range of options, Dorner settled on the Digi ConnectPort WAN.

"The Digi solution is vastly superior to our previous system," commented Manfred Strasser, Team Leader, Networking Technology, at Dorner Electronic: "It works over all 3G cellular networks, and there is virtually no setup involved.

This has made our system easier to use while operating much more effectively".

Dorner also chose Digi because of the option to customise the software on the ConnectPort WAN.

Rather than having to run Digi proprietary ConnectWare Manager software, Dorner was able to use its ISL Light programme, which Dorner uses for its remote service activities.

The ConnectPort WAN VPN works with GPRS, EvDO, CDMA, HSDPA and other types of cellular networks ensuring compatibility virtually anywhere in the world.

Field-upgradeable hardware ensures future-proof compliance with coming generations of cellular networks.

The speed of the connection does depend on the range from the nearest cellular tower and signal strength, however it can be up to 70 times faster than the previous GSM modems.

Set-up is simple as the units are pre-configured at the Dorner headquarters before being shipped directly to the site.

Once the ConnectPort WAN arrives, it merely has to be plugged into a serial port and then begins working immediately.

In fact, in locations that are using the Digi solution, set-up took less than an hour.

There is also a VPN (virtual private network) option for increased security.

"We had the Digi support team assisting with the initial system set-up, however we did not experience any problems in the implementation," continued Strasser: "The product is very intuitive to use, and the support highly competent; we have found Digi to be a pleasure to work with".

The Dorner customers now have more control over their systems at all times, and from anywhere with an internet connection worldwide.

The result has been better data collection, fewer problems at production sites, and increased safety as problems can be identified in real time.