Latest release of Windows-based HMI software includes easy electronic-signatures, enhanced user administration, operator authentication, tracking and data logging audit trail functions.
Parker Automaton-CTC announces the release of InteractX version 2.0 of its award-winning, OEM-friendly Windows-based HMI software. This latest version of InteractX offers the industry's most streamlined HMI toolset for compliance with the FDA's 21 CFR Part 11 and Good Manufacturing Process (cGMP) standards that require operator tracking and E-signatures. Known for its advanced graphics, ease of application and reduced cost of ownership, InteractX now includes easy electronic-signatures, enhanced user administration, operator authentication, tracking and data logging audit trail functions - all without special scripting or software add-ons.

InteractX's Operator Tracking and E-Signature tools track events transparently, as part of daily operator activities, or can be used for operator authentication and supervisor approval E-Sig compliance needs.

Simple checkboxes allow application developers to set approval requirements for specific events, while allowing operators to indicate desired changes in machine operation, reasons and authentication of his or her identity through simple predefined popup dialogs.

Multiple user levels are available to establish approval requirements and the system logs historical data to record events, requests, identities and approvals, creating a complete audit trail on a machine or group of machines.

All of this functionality is built into the standard software package, with no special programming or scripting required.

'Machine HMI presents the best opportunity to address Part 11 and cGMP requirements,' says Jerry Koch, CTC Product Manager.

'And now InteractX offers the industry's easiest solution for compliance with the increasing need for operator tracking and E-Sig system requirements.' Machine OEMs will also find it easy to deploy this solution to users in the field, thanks to auto detection of user admin security for Windows networks and seamless IT integration of MS Access, SQL and OBDC database logging.

'Machine builders will appreciate the ease with which they can offer machine event tracking with InteractX and their customers will appreciate how easy it is to manage and document E-Sigs as part of their machine installation,' says Koch.

InteractX also features fully rendered and scalable graphics, intuitive, object-style development tools, unlimited tag runtimes, 45+ standard communications drivers, real-time data acquisition, complete tag editing, integrated VBA and ActiveX tools for easy customisation and built-in multi-language support.

According to Koch, 'InteractX provides customers with the full functionality needed to create an HMI application - one software package scalable to a whole range of runtime systems.' InteractX runs on Windows/2000/XP operating systems and is installed/licensed on CTC's new HPX and PX PowerStations.

These workstations can run InteractX, and other fully functioning Windows applications, on their standard CompactFlash drives, potentially making a hard drive unnecessary.

HPX and PX PowerStations offer a bundled HMI solution for users who want higher Windows functionality along with a choice of 10in, 12in, 15in or 17in high-resolution touchscreen displays.

Unique among Windows HMI developers, CTC offers InteractX bundled into hardware/software solutions, specifically engineered for industrial applications.

'This bundling lets OEMs avoid the integration issues with hardware and software products from different companies, the typical practice until now with Windows HMI,' says Koch.

About CTC Parker Since 1980, CTC has been designing, manufacturing, and marketing both hardware and software to provide factory-floor, machine-operator-interface solutions for automation projects worldwide.

In 1998, CTC became a unit of the Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH), Cleveland, Ohio.

With annual sales approaching $7 billion, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial and aerospace markets.