Better Process Podcast Features OPC DataHub

Georgetown, Ontario (January 24, 2007) The OPC specifications, OPC DataHub, and Software Toolbox were featured in a recent interview with Bob McIlvride, Communications Manager for Cogent Real-Time Systems. The interview "Getting the Most out of Your Factory Data" was conducted by the Better Process Podcast, Voice of the Small and Mid-sized Manufacturing Firm, and is available as an audio file for online listening or download.

"We're getting a great response," said Ken Rayment, Host of the Better Process Podcast. "I believe Cogent has an innovative solution to a problem many companies face."

Mr. Rayment focused the discussion on three key questions: 1) What are the challenges facing industry today? 2) What are some of the solutions? and 3) What can your company offer? Mr. McIlvride responded that a major challenge faced by engineers and managers alike is getting the most out of their process data. OPC provides a standard way to access process data within Windows, he said, while the OPC DataHub lets users interact with that data using popular Windows tools such as Excel, web browsers, and ODBC-compliant databases.

"Companies are searching for this type of innovative data interaction," said Mr. Rayment. "More and more manufacturers require real-time information from their shop floor."

The interview explored ways to feed data into ERP and MES systems, to display data on portable PCs and cell phones within the plant, and to view live statistics and vital indicators of machine status in Excel or on the web. The discussion also pointed to the value of Software Toolbox serving as the North American distributor of the OPC DataHub for Cogent.

Founded in 1995, Cogent Real-Time Systems is the leader in real-time cross-platform data integration between Windows, Linux and QNX. Customers include the Bank of Canada, Cadbury Chocolate and the European Space Agency. Cogent leverages its experience in real-time data communications to provide the next generation of OPC products.