Emulate3D Controls Testing models provide physics-based virtual material handling systems which are connected to PLCs running plant control programs. By testing out the logical operation of the PLCs against factory models, users reduce commissioning times and costs, train operators realistically and safely, and produce more thoroughly tested and robust systems than would otherwise be possible. Modeled system elements can now indicate their power consumption under different operating loads, so integrators can show their clients how to run the system efficiently, and end users can monitor their power usage.

The use of Emulate3D Controls Testing allows the logical part of PLC commissioning to be moved off the project critical path, and to be carried out earlier in the project cycle. Not only does this save significant time at the end of the project, but it also provides a means to carry out more thorough testing, off-site.

Emulate3D Controls Testing is one of the first hyper-realistic testing products available to industry today, where the accurate representation of load behavior on the handling equipment makes the software uniquely suited to the various demands of controls engineers worldwide.

Users are clear about the advantages of Emulate3D Controls Testing, as Neil Chamberlain, Senior Controls Design Engineer at Dematic, comments, “We had a very short commissioning time and so with Emulate3D we were able to set up a replica model of the client’s warehouse and test the actual physical movement of pallets. After building the model, two days were spent testing the new software. After this, we were literally able to plug the software in on site and the client was up and running. We cut commissioning time by around 50% and kept the down time for the client to an absolute minimum.”

Springfields Fuels Limited, who provide nuclear fuels, also stated, “With the help of Emulate3D and our integrator, Macdonald Humfrey, we cut our commissioning time to just five days and completed the installation within the specified two weeks. We have used emulation packages before but Emulate3D gave us a sense of realism not experienced previously. The software allowed us to flag up issues we would not have found until the system upgrade was fully installed. This would have added extra days to the installation process which we just didn’t have. It also allowed us to test ‘what if’ scenarios.”

Our current user list includes General Motors, Siemens, Intralox, and Swisslog, as well as Dematic. Emulate3D Ltd was established in 2004 with the aim of producing innovative industrial software to exceed the expectations of users in the developing fields of controls testing and pre-sales. Emulate3D products are distributed and supported worldwide by a selection of independent distributors.

For further information, please contact Matt Hobson-Rohrer matt.hobson-rohrer@demo3d.com or (801) 831 5105.