IT Works PCN
Operating a process control network at peak performance is no easy task; modeling complex business processes, staying ahead of technology changes, constantly evaluating security risks, and continuous maintenance requirements, all make process control systems challenging.
IT Works PCN delivers optimized process control networks and minimizes the difficulty. IT Works PCN enables a complete unattended installation of the process control system, including the operating system, hardware, control platform type, additional software and full customization of the system. The final result is the system in a production ready state for an operator or engineer to use and control the process environment.
Eliminate the need for manual configurations. IT Works PCN maintains the exact node configuration and generates detailed configuration reports. IT Works PCN automates builds, provides remote management, bulletproofs security, enhances disaster recovery, and eliminates variability across all platforms.
At the core of IT Works PCN lies the Hierarchical Inheritance Model that makes it easier to manage computers and deploy software. Deployment of operating systems, applications, configuration updates are as simple as dragging and dropping the software or customization on the desired branch of the tree. All computers within the branch will automatically inherit the change unless otherwise noted. The administrator has instant visibility of equipment configurations and what software is installed on each system.
Demonstration videos:
Hierarchical Inheritance Model greatly lowers knowledge required to manage process control platforms.
Deployment - Operating Systems & Applications
Migration of Operating Systems & Applications
Asset Inventory Management
Automated Hardware Additions & Replacements
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Remote Control & Remote Management
Smart Packaging
"Walk Up & Use" Desktops
Enhanced Security administration
Disaster Recovery
Integrated Help Desk
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Frequently Asked Questions:How do I migrate my current process
control system to an IT Works PCN environment?
IT Works PCN provides migration capabilities
that allow your current PCN environment to be collected, modeled
in IT Works PCN, validated, optimized, tested, approved and then
deployed.
My company is installing a new
process control system. Is now a good time to implement IT Works
PCN?
IT Works PCN will deliver value regardless of
the life cycle of your PCN. The process of installing a new PCN
is one of the most labor intensive times and IT Works PCN will
reduce the overall testing and deployment time by up to 80% and
deliver a more consistent, reliable system.
What is anIT Works
PCN “package”?
An IT Works PCN package is a complete set of
instructions, including the software installation executable
and all necessary configuration settings, required to install
software on a computer.
Should I “package” all
my software for IT Works PCN?
Yes. Packaging software will enable you to deploy
software to a variety of computers and ensure that all software
installations are configured properly.
Who creates the “packages”?
SMT has a portfolio of software applications
that are already packaged. For software that is not currently
packaged, please contact SMT. New packages can be created upon
request. Packages are currently available for Honeywell and Aspentech
process control systems.
What Technical certifications are
required?
IT Works PCN does not require certification.
IT Works PCN is designed so that users with varying
degrees of experience can be productive team members. The integrated
nature of IT Works PCN allows new IT staff
members to add value to the organization sooner and with less
training.
Is IT Works PCN only
for large companies?
IT Works PCN delivers value to any size
company. The ability to streamline the support operations is
always useful. In either a large or small organization, the IT
support staffs always to have more than enough to do.
How many computers can be managed?
IT Works PCN will support any
number of networked computers. Both large and small deployments
will realize a significant ROI.
Will IT Works PCN save
me money or time?
IT Works PCN allows the engineering
and support staff to perform support tasks more efficiently and
significantly reduce support delays. In addition, the consistent
builds delivered by IT Works PCN create a reliable product so
support requests will be reduced. When a problem does occur,
resolution is expedited.
What operating systems are supported
by IT Works PCN?
Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows 8.1/8, Microsoft
7. IT Works PCN supports Microsoft Active Directory, Network
Operating System (NOS), MicrosoftWindows
.NET.
What software applications are
supported by IT Works PCN?
Any windows based software including operating
system drivers.
Why does SMT suggest a “lockdown” security
model?
The Lockdown feature in IT Works PCN enhances
security by eliminating the possibility that someone can add
software or change configurations to a work station. This capability
provides a more secure environment that prevents tapering.
How do I deploy a single application
to one or many computers?
Using the ManagER interface, the IT Works PCN
administrator, right clicks on a computer, drag the software
package(s) to the desired computer and select Deploy. Within
minutes the software will be deployed to the selected computer
or groups of computers.
Why is the inheritance feature
beneficial?
Software can be deployed to a group, e.g., Active
Directory Organizational Unit (OU) and all member computers of
the OU will be configured with the specific software. With IT
Works PCN, building and deploying a Common Operating Environment
(COE) is as simple as dragging and dropping application packages.
Is disaster recovery important?
What will you do when a hard disk fails? Replace
the drive and rebuild the system. But what software was installed
on the failed disk drive? With IT Works PCN simply, boot the
computer using a PXE or boot CD, IT Works PCN will recognize
the system and rebuild in a matter of minutes to the exact configuration
prior to the failure.
Can a remote helpdesk center use IT
Works PCN to support our users?
Yes, your remote Help Desk staff can do many
of the routine support tasks including deployment of software
to remote locations.
Why is IT Works PCN better than
image or cloning technologies?
IT Works PCN is a complete solution
for system deployments, software delivery, disaster recovery,
remote management, system lock-down and more - in one single
software solution. IT Works PCN installs the software “native” to
a machine so the software is configured specifically for that
hardware and that user. Image technology will deploy a single
snapshot or image of a system configuration and copy that same
image to multiple computers. A disk image that is copied onto
another computer does not allow for any hardware or configuration
difference so the system will not deliver optimum performance.
IF changes are made to the configuration, then a new disk image
must be deployed.
How many computers can be managed
by a single management station?
IT Works PCN can manage an unlimited number of computers.
Can users change the system configuration
or install software?
We recommend that all customers use the lock-down
security model so that a user has only user access to the system.
Lock-down prevent someone from installing software or making
system changes without the required permissions.
How are updates applied to computers?
How about remote computers?
IT Works PCN uses an internal process called
SystemSync. The administrator will schedule or initiate updates
or changes in software or system configurations. IT Works will
distribute these changes as prescribed in the IT Works PCN database.
Are mobile users supported with IT
Works PCN?
Yes, IT Works PCN supports mobile users, servers,
and desktop systems. Bandwidth constrained computers can be managed
with a CD-ROM/DVD/USB drive. Many choices are available and IT
Works PCN can adapt to meet your specific requirements.
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