Epic is the name Davis-Standard uses for the supervisory control system it offers with its extruders, and now the Epic system has been upgraded to allow plant managers or operators to monitor multiple lines via a computer or cell phone, remotely and from any location.

Based in Pawcatuck, CT, Davis-Standard says the new upgrades provide line managers instant notification about line conditions, alarms, events, and other changes, with these sent directly to e-mail accounts or cell phones to provide real-time updates. This upgrade is available on all new Epic III systems and for retrofit on systems sold in the past three years.

The upgrade can be especially useful for processors who want to expand capacity but not headcount, or have had to reduce headcount. "Companies have fewer engineers and technicians to support multiple lines," explained John Clemens, electrical engineering manager at Davis-Standard. "This technology enables access to several lines in different plants so that one engineer, regardless of location, can effectively monitor them. It facilitates troubleshooting and can help customers avoid costly repairs and downtime."

Similar to this feature, the manufacturer offers customer support via Remote ACcess Technology (ReACT). This service enables Davis-Standard process engineers and technicians to support customers worldwide in real-time without a service call. The service team can remotely and immediately view process conditions at a customer's plant during a production run and can make a diagnosis without stopping the line.