For users who have networked automation devices and where the software loaded on the device requires validation against the current version, the Versiondog “Automatic upload and Compare” option is available.
In the case where changes are made directly on a controller (recipe values, unauthorised modification) users are often not aware of these changes and these improvements are often lost when the next application update is made. In some cases malicious or unfortunate controller software changes can result in severe damage to equipment that can takes weeks to months to repair which a significant impact on the business.
Versiondog can be custom scheduled to automatically upload online applications firstly for backup but also to compare the running application with the current version stored on the server (See Figure 1).
Figure 1 Automatic upload and compare with email notification of changes
The “Automatic upload and Compare” functionality can be applied to popular Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), files on a standard Microsoft network (Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications, CAD drawing, Operating Procedures, Safety documents, etc.), via FTP or with automation devices on industrial networks.
If changes are detected the responsible site staff are emailed with a notification making them aware of the differences.
The “Automatic upload and Compare” functionality can be added at any time (license enabled) allowing users to start benefiting from versiondog application management (version control, software comparison tools and user workflow) before moving to include critical plant devices that may require networking before being available for upload. This functionality is already included in the larger bundle editions.
