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MDT Software Provides Source Code Security and Change Control

In most plants today, automation programming changes are made by multiple users on multiple PCs and multiple programs. As a result, there are dozens of floppy disks located throughout the plant, each containing different program versions. Inefficiencies are inevitable, costly and even dangerous. With an increase in programs and a decrease in automation personnel, effectively managing this situation is a growing challenge. AutoSave eases your management burden and helps you seize plant-wide control of your automation environment. Already in use by over 4,000 end users worldwide, AutoSave is helping businesses compete more aggressively in the global race to be the best.

AutoSave provides:

Secured Program Access

Only authorized personnel are able to access programs and make changes. Access is controlled via user logins and passwords and via a transparent filter that screens privileges according to the class of the user.

Version Control

Version control features make it easy to maintain accurate records of which software version is in use, when changes were made and who made the changes.

Maintain a Current Copy

In the AutoSave client/server environment, the server stores the device program files in their native file format, (e.g., A.I., 6200, RSLogix, ProWORX, Step5), depending on the type of program. When the client requests a program from the server, a copy of the files, along with the latest documentation, is sent to the program panel for use by the client. In addition, the need for floppy disk backups is eliminated, greatly reducing the problems caused by viruses.

Support and Control Multiple Versions

AutoSave automatically maintains a designated number of previous copies, called Ancestors. Utilizing an Ancestor setting of "4", for example, maintains the Current Copy, as well as the three preceding copies. When a change is made, a new Current Copy is saved and the oldest copy is deleted.

Heighten Version Security

For optimum security, user-saved, named Versions cannot be created automatically. Each Version must be created and described by authorized users with appropriate privileges. Only authorized users can compare and recall Versions. A maximum number of desired Versions can be specified for a program or device. If that number is exceeded, users are notified via e-mail.

Automated Archives/Compares

This is one of the most powerful AutoSave features. Compare and backup procedures can be initiated on a scheduled basis. You can be sure the most up-to-date program is always in use at each station and that a current backup is readily available. Groups of programs from the floor can be uploaded automatically. In addition, comparisons can be made among any of the following copies:

Current

Ancestor

Version

Processor

Local Client

Detailed, logic-to-logic and selected data table value comparison reports are generated and users are notified of mis-compares or upload failures via e-mail. These e-mailed results, generated for scheduled, program, check-in or demand compares, are viewed via a Web browser that features hypertext links to detailed logic and documentation differences.

Full Audit Trails

Every step of the programming change process is documented and validated, and a detailed history of each version is maintained.

Quick Disaster Recovery

AutoSave maintains the latest copy of all device programs. If a processor faults, the correct program can be restored quickly.

Automatic Change Notification

Whenever a change is made to a program, designated users are immediately notified via e-mail.

Regulatory Compliance Assistance

AutoSave assists in Part 11 validation, FDA, OSHA, EPA and ISO compliance.

Modular Configuration

Modular configuration enables you to start small and add AutoSave modules as your needs grow.

Client/Server Architecture

MDT Software’s client/server architecture provides seamless integration between AutoSave and your program panel software. The client is a secured, intuitive Windows 95/98/NT/2000-based application program on the programming node. The client can store and retrieve information on an as-needed basis and provide access to all the features of the server. The server acts as the master control center, coordinating all change-related activities from one central location.

Printouts and Reports

In addition to audit trail reports, AutoSave provides other documents via a Web browser that help you manage your automation software more effectively.

To learn more about this powerful product, contact your local Q-mation sales engineer.