Approximately 20 Members attended this very interesting presentation by Jon Wilson, Sahid Sesay and Julie Reed on this emerging technology which has been developed by local WA company Embedded Technologies Corporation.

The presentation outlined the attributes of the Open Systems Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) and explained why it is in effect the next step from PLCs. Also it was emphasised that a PLC may require five different types of software across the enterprise whereas the PAC requires only one.

In addition the system can be installed and maintained by electricians rather than engineers. It is simple to use and configuration rather than programming is required. The PAC works as an across the enterprise solution, giving remote access as required by Management, Operations and Maintenance Personnel.

Applications examples across a broad range of industrial and other installations were discussed, from aquiculture, security, military, utilities, oil refineries, fisheries and even the gravitational facility at Gingin.

Finally it was highlighted that many potential users of automation find it too hard or costly to implement automation. The PAC complements existing automation solutions and takes automation to new users. Scalability, flexibility, simplicity and low total cost of ownership are the key benefits.

Institute of Instrumentation Control and Automation Inc

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