With iPALLETIZER® App, connect to your Columbia palletizer on your iPhone or iPad

One of the many benefits of a PC-based human machine interface is the ability to tap into the mainstream consumer electronics world, as Columbia Machine demonstrated at PACK EXPO 2010 with a WiFi connection, smart phone, iPad and HMI from B&R running Windows XPe.

Columbia Machine, Inc. introduced more than an ingeniously integrated palletizer and stretch wrapper combo at PACK EXPO 2010. They took advantage of an industrially hardened Windows XP touchscreen PC from B&R Industrial Automation for the HMI to run a host of useful apps.

Dial into your palletizer HMI with your iPhone

Most dramatic is the new iPALLETIZER® App that provides full viewing access to the HMI and fault notification by email to a network, iPhone, iPad or other portable device. Using everyday internet technology, Columbia showed that it's now as easy to check on production status as checking your email or calendar on your phone.

Embed educational videos on Windows HMI

Windows also allows videos to be embedded in the HMI for operators and maintenance personnel to use as work instructions and training aids. And viewing videos on a portable device allows personnel to maneuver around the machine as they walk through a procedure.

It provides easy access to complete machine manuals, including sensor layout map, electrical schematics, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting guides, and parts ordering information.

Use Windows to run pack pattern building software

Fully integrated with Columbia's Product Manager software on the industrial PC is the Cape Pack pattern building software to graphically create the ideal pack pattern and add those pattern recipes to the palletizer's controller.

About Columbia's new FL1000-SW palletizer/stretch wrapper

The FL1000-SW is a small footprint palletizer with the added functionality of a built-in stretch wrapper. It can simultaneously stack and wrap cases, trays, totes, bundles and display packs at up to 10 cases per minute or more.
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