2. 2
Contents
Simple inventory monitoring with WEB-VV 3
Transparency reduces costs 4
Process optimisation over and beyond company walls 5
Optimal inventory management with WEB-VV 7 6
How WEB-VV works 8
Hosting WEB-VV 10
Application example: Mill – Bakery 12
Application example: Tank farm 14
Application example: Mobile transport container 16
The on-site components 18
plics®
– the idea with a future 20
PLICSCOM and PACTware 22
3. 3
Simple inventory monitoring with WEB-VV
On the safe side with VEGA
WEB-VV is the ideal interface between the measuring
technology on the one side and the user interface on the
other. Measurement readings are unfailingly recorded
and made available worldwide in a very short time. The
Internet-capable software WEB-VV supplements VEGA
level and pressure transmitters with a web portal conceived
for the most modern Internet technologies. VEGA holds
a broad range of measurement technologies and mea-
suring principles ready for application to level measure-
ment of bulk solids and liquids of every kind.
WEB-VV has all data under control
Convenient visualisation, long-term data storage, extensive
notification functions and interfaces to common merchan-
dise management systems – that is WEB-VV. The soft-
ware, based on modern web technologies, enables simple
and reliable monitoring of all tank data both locally in the
company network as well as worldwide over the Internet.
This extends from visualisation of levels for simple manual
stock control to completely automatic recording and
processing of inventory data in merchandise planning and
control systems (ERP systems). Perfect interaction with the
on-site measurement technology is the basis for its opera-
tion.
4. 4
Classic approach: high personnel and administrative costs
The classic approach generates
higher costs
With the classic approach for procurement of materi-
als, both customer and supplier must keep cost-inten-
sive stocks where necessary: the customer, to ensure
that his production is not endangered; the supplier,
to always be in a position to deliver what is required.
This generates higher warehousing costs because too
much capital is tied up in that area. The concerned
companies also incur considerably higher administra-
tive and personnel costs, since many processes are
involved, many of which have to be carried out manu-
ally. And despite all this effort, it is still difficult for the
supplier to plan exactly and effectively on the basis of
these data.
Traditional supply control
How does a supplier learn of his customer’s needs?
The traditional approach always starts out with an
enquiry from the customer, which as a rule initiates an
order. For this, the processor, i.e. buyer, must gather
information on the levels of his stock and inform the
supplier of his requirements correctly and, most impor-
tantly, in good time. This might occur at the ideal time,
but could also occur unnecessarily early or so late that
an expensive special delivery is required or production
is interrupted. Here, the supplier is dependent on the
information from his customer and can only react.
Transparency reduces costs
5. 5
Optimised logistics through direct dovetailing of demand and supply
VMI – Advantages for everyone involved
Advantages for the buyer
Always sufficient stocks for smooth production■
No time and effort spent determining stock levels■
and ordering replenishments
Reduced procurement and storage costs■
Free capital for investments■
Advantages for the supplier
Optimised transport logistics through long-term■
planning
Efficient consolidation of transport routes■
“Real time” overview and long-term records allow■
more reliable demand forecasts
Optimal scheduling and production planning■
VMI – The supplier takes care of the
logistics
In the VMI strategy (Vendor Managed Inventory) the
supplier takes over the monitoring of his customer’s
inventory and autonomously controls the delivery of
replenishments. Product scheduling is thus offered as
a service by the supplier. Depending on what is agreed
on, the product can belong to either the customer or
the supplier. The partner companies make explicit
arrangements beforehand which, among other things,
ensure that “sensitive” data do not fall into the wrong
hands or that the supplier does not deliver more than
is needed.
Exactly these requirements are fulfilled by WEB-VV.
VEGA relies on state-of-the-art security technology
and a sophisticated access authorization concept.
A user strategy that allocates hierarchised user rights
via user roles ensures that only authorized persons on
both the supplier and the customer side have access
to data.
Process optimisation over and beyond company walls
6. 6
WEB-VV provides supply and demand information for manufacturers and buyers
Optimal inventory management with WEB-VV
Easy access to inventory data
WEB-VV enables inventory supervision and management
directly in the office without expensive software installations
on company PCs. Internet or Intranet access with a stan-
dard browser is all that’s needed. The web server powering
WEB-VV processes the stock data graphically as tables,
bar charts and history presentations. Stock limit values are
actively monitored and reported via event-controlled mes-
sages, e.g. e-mails or SMSs. Inventory data can of course
also be sent on a time-controlled basis.
Measurement data via Intranet and/or
Internet
The VEGA level measurement technology used in the tanks
and silos is connected via signal conditioning instruments
either to the telephone network or to an Ethernet network.
The on-site signal conditioning instruments make contact
with WEB-VV and deliver the corresponding measured
values to the software. Technically speaking, an Internet
connection, or better, a TCP/IP connection, is always made,
independent of whether the communication is carried out
via telephone connection (analogue, ISDN, GSM) or via an
existing company network (e.g. an Intranet).
7. 7
Simple processing of inventory data
WEB-VV visualises levels both for the simple, manual inventory
management by the user and for the automatic processing
of inventory data in merchandise planning and control systems.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems can access
the inventory data via standard interfaces with common data
formats like ASCII, CSV, XML, HTML.
Depending on the functionality of the logistics software,
orders, deliveries and billings can be initiated where
required.
Diverse application possibilities
WEB-VV is just as suitable for local visualization of a tank
depot in the company network as it is for worldwide record-
ing of stock data. For local application, an already existing
infrastructure in the form of an own network is first choice
for measured data transmission. To expand the WEB-VV
system for remote transmission of data, a standard modem
in the tank depot is, in principle, all that’s needed.
WEB-VV – the basis for remote enquiry
and VMI
The VEGA services covering the requirements of inventory
control and VMI extend from the installation of the software
on customer platforms; to support of its integration into the
control and planning system; to completely taking over the
job of retrieving and processing the stock data and making
them available on the VEGA server. The integration into plan-
ning and control systems is quite straightforward because
WEB-VV offers standard interfaces like OPC, FTP and VPN
as well as e-mail and standard data formats like ASCII, CSV,
XML, HTML.
8. 8
Use the demo access to WEB-VV and get a direct impression
of the WEB-VV portal.
Enter the URL https://web-vv.vega.com and then click on the
button “Visit demo plant”.
Self-monitoring, notification and diagnosis
If disturbances occur in the measurement chain or on
the transmission link, they are outputted visually in every
presentation window. Details of the respective events
are recorded in message lists. Via the adjustment tool
PACTware, a more exact analysis and diagnosis reach-
ing down to the individual sensor can be carried out
from a central location.
Interfaces to application programs and
ERP systems
An OPC interface connects WEB-VV with other applica-
tion programs, e.g. ERP systems like SAP. Additional
common interfaces for machine-to-machine commu-
nication can be easily realised thanks to the modular
concept of WEB-VV. Data exchange via current data
formats such as text, ASCII, CSV, XML is also provided
for.
User management and user roles
Every user is given access by the WEB-VV administra-
tor to all inventory data relevant for him, however, he
cannot make any changes. Only a power user can
make certain changes and also set up access rights
for additional users. Every user receives a password
and a user name for access to the WEB-VV portal.
Like in online banking, the system sets up a secure
connection with HTTPS.
Managing the instrument network
Master data sheets are drawn up for every instru-
ment and every instrument constellation. This device
management guarantees a smooth and reliable data
exchange with the on-site measuring instruments.
Processing the inventory data
The transmitted data are stamped with the date
and time in the WEB-VV database and permanently
archived. Transferred are both the actual physical
measured values as well as the linearised and scaled
values that have already been processed into percent,
volume and weight information by the signal condition-
ing instrument.
How WEB-VV works
9. 9
History Chart
Measured values with time and date information■
Available as an Excel file for further processing■
Available in PDF format for archiving■
History graphic
Inventory data from the past as trend line or hydrograph■
User-definable display periods■
Graphic presentation individually adaptable■
Bar chart graphic
Up to 8 measured values in one view■
User-definable order of measured values, number■
of measured values per diagram, bar colour, coor-
dinate axes markings, colour change when alarm
thresholds are reached and colour of fault
signalling
Several bar charts for different stock data■
Visual formatting for the user
Only a standard browser is needed for visualization of the
inventory data. The current stocks can be visualised in the
form of bar charts and as a table. History data can be
represented as a trend line or as a hydrograph spanning
adjustable time periods and also as a table.
10. 10
WEB-VV for worldwide inventory control
Well prepared: central hosting at VEGA
The modern data processing centre and associated
infrastructure at VEGA provide the ideal conditions for
operating the WEB-VV portal. Redundant, continuously
available broadband Internet access ensures that no
bottlenecks arise in the data exchange. A highly quali-
fied IT staff makes sure that operation is smooth and
uninterrupted, guaranteeing availability 24 hours a day,
365 days a year. A round-the-clock hotline guarantees
that questions are answered quickly.
Hosting WEB-VV on site at a company
location
If a company has its own data processing centre, a
logical solution is to install WEB-VV right there. The
system administration is then carried out by the
customer and the complete database with inventory
data is located on his system. To make the setup of
an inventory management system easier, VEGA has
established a support centre: it provides extensive
support for the installation of the software and the
integration and transfer of inventory data into an
existing merchandise management system.
Hosting WEB-VV
11. 11
Cost transparency through clear
structuring
A substantial advantage of the WEB-VV portal at VEGA
is the clearly arranged structure and the associated cost
transparency. The customer is billed a single installation flat
rate for the setting up of inventory accounts on the WEB-VV
server. For normal operation we distinguish between the
maintenance costs of the WEB-VV server and the connec-
tion costs, i.e. between the measurement technology and
the WEB-VV server. Through clear structuring of the regular
maintenance costs, the customer gets a quick overview of
the costs arising from his application. The connection costs
are dependent on the connection technology that is chosen.
The advantages of hosting at VEGA
If the customer decides to use the WEB-VV portal at
VEGA, he only needs Internet access in his familiar
Windows environment to access his stock data. The
WEB-VV server supports the most popular browser types.
Hosting WEB-VV in the computer centre at VEGA saves
investments in IT infrastructure. The work that is otherwise
involved in installing and caring for the software as well as
administering the system is also dispensed with. WEB-VV
operates with proven, state-of-the-art Internet technologies.
Problems that can arise when the customer changes the
operating system or moves to other hardware platforms
are thus a thing of the past. Inventory management can be
carried on without interruption.
12. 12
Mill (supplier)
Increasing profitability
There is considerable potential for optimisation, and there-
fore cost-cutting, in storage and logistics processes. This
becomes especially obvious in the example of transporting
flour from the mill to the bakery. Such optimisations are, how-
ever, also transferable to many other products and lines of
business. Environmental taxes, like tolls or heavy-load traffic
taxes, as well as rapidly rising fuel prices bring about higher
and higher transport costs. Smaller production lot sizes,
greater product variety, short-term orders, product trace-
ability and rising energy costs in production all represent
additional challenges. The central compilation of customer
inventory data by the supplier via WEB-VV makes far more
efficient logistics possible and offers considerable advan-
tages for both sides.
Application example: Mill – Bakery
13. 13
Bakery (customer)
Reliable inventory data acquisition
VEGA level measuring and signal conditioning instruments for
communication are installed in the flour silos of the bakeries.
Experience has shown a telephone or GSM/GPRS connec-
tion to be the simplest form of communication with WEB-VV.
The data transmission cycle for time and event-controlled data
transmissions to WEB-VV is determined by consumption
and consumption fluctuations, however, it can be changed
and adapted any time with the help of remote parameterisa-
tion. The signal conditioning instruments are also able to
send, in addition to regular inventory data, a notification that
a minimum stock level has been reached.
The mill looks after the bakery’s flour silos
When the mill takes over management of stocks in the flour
silos of the bakeries, both supplier and customer profit.
Thanks to the central data acquisition by WEB-VV, bakeries
can forget the work of managing the flour stocks as well as
the administrative burden of scheduling and ordering. At the
same time, continuous production is assured through appro-
priate delivery agreements. In turn, the transparent inventory
and consumption information allows the supplier to optimally
control and exploit his transport capacities and plan efficient
routing.
14. 14
With WEB-VV, company-owned platforms can be used for inventory data evaluation
Direct access to inventory data
For larger tank farms, operating the software WEB-VV
on company-owned platforms is a solution that readily
presents itself. The already existing infrastructure of com-
pany network and servers in conjunction with VEGA level
measurement technology enables simple inventory data
acquisition: the Ethernet interfaces of the signal condi-
tioning instruments are quickly and easily integrated into
the company network with standard technology. Every
authorised person can access the stock information via
WEB-VV. Distant or difficult-to-access measurement
points can be very simply incorporated into this concept
with the wireless communication system PLICSRADIO.
Working flexibly and economically
Production, storage and logistics systems that lead to
considerable improvements in the parameters cost, time
and quality are the future of tank farms. Inventory data
processing with WEB-VV provides the basis for streamlined
production control and logistics that allow companies to
operate more flexibly and at the same time more economi-
cally. With the help of VEGA processing systems, the levels
of the tanks are collected centrally by WEB-VV. These data
are then made available to all authorised persons within the
company for further planning of processes.
Application example: Tank farm
15. 15
Hosting at VEGA
The central data acquisition with WEB-VV and, thus the
hosting, can also be carried out completely on VEGA
servers. The measured values from the signal conditioning
instruments are transmitted via the Internet to the central
WEB-VV server at VEGA. Here, a modern computer centre
stands ready round-the-clock on every day of the year to
ensure smooth operation. Hosting at VEGA saves on-site
investments; VEGA also takes care of the servicing and
administration of the system. Measured values can be
accessed conveniently and easily via the Internet by means
of a standard Internet browser – and thus from practically
anywhere in the world.
Further processing of inventory data in
other systems
When measurement readings are coupled to the system
via the Ethernet, parallel transmission of inventory data to
control and guidance systems is particularly easy to carry
out. This is because VEGA processing systems have at their
disposal corresponding Ethernet interfaces with the com-
mon protocol standards. This saves additional bus structures
because even for diagnosis and parameterisation tasks,
the existing network topology can be used. Connecting to
merchandise management systems is also easy through
WEB-VV using OPC services.
16. 16
With WEB-VV, the routes of transport vehicles can be optimised via history data
Mobile transport containers become transparent
On the basis of WEB-VV history data, the requirements
of the respective building sites can be determined quite
precisely. If the levels of the silos are known, the right
quantities can be delivered at the right time – this allows
routes to be optimised. If no changes are reported over
some length of time, the silos can be picked up from the
building sites a good deal earlier. Through this accelera-
tion of silo circulation, investments in silos are considerably
reduced.
Mobile silos and level data acquisition
Everywhere where handling is simplified by using loose bulk
goods instead of packaged products, processing industries
are relying more and more on mobile containers. Especially
in the building industry, transporting dry mortar, plaster and
floor screed in mobile silos on special silo vehicles makes
sense. To be able to plan the right delivery quantities for
the right time, and deploy vehicles and drivers efficiently,
exact level information from the building site is indispensa-
ble. From the viewpoint of data acquisition, mobile silos are
therefore treated simply like stationary silos. This is where
WEB-VV, together with VEGA measurement technology,
provides ideal solutions.
Application example: Mobile transport container
17. 17
Level measurement technology for transport
silos
An especially robust measurement technology is required for
mobile silos because of the rough treatment it gets already
during silo transport. First choice for mobile transmission
of levels to WEB-VV is GSM or GPRS technology. Another
special feature of level measurement in mobile silos is the
problem of energy supply to the measurement setup and the
communication units.This makes necessary a measurement
and transmission technology that maintains data transmis-
sion over longer periods of time without external energy.
Solutions from VEGA attain a transmission period of several
years through effective energy management. Another advan-
tage is that a simple, cost-effective installation of VEGA
measurement technology on the silo requires only very few
units.
Further applications with mobile measure-
ment points
There are many other possible applications for battery-
powered measurement technology and measurement data
transmission via GSM. Because it delivers continuous, up-to-
date level information, WEB-VV is especially advantageous
for, among other things, gauging river levels, measuring
levels in waste oil collection points of recycling companies
and level measurement in deep wells.
18. 18
The on-site components
The right solution for every application
For data enquiry of individual tanks, there are the VEGAMET
signal conditioning instruments, which can also take over
simple control functions. If the job only requires collecting
measured values and passing them on centrally, the data
collector VEGASCAN is the right solution. In large systems
the instruments can be combined and interconnected in any
way depending on the requirements.
Wireless extension with radio link
If measurement points difficult to reach by cable have to be
integrated into the system, then PLICSRADIO is the right
solution. With it, level data can be transmitted wirelessly up
to a distance of 500 metres. With PLICSRADIO C62, also
these measurement points can be integrated into larger
structures without difficulty.
Remote enquiry made easy
For connection of level sensors to the telephone network
or to an Ethernet network there are a number of processing
units with different interfaces available. The RS 232 interface
serves primarily as a simple connection to an analogue,
ISDN or GSM modem for worldwide inventory data retrieval.
Signal conditioning instruments with an Ethernet interface
can be interconnected with current network technologies like
hubs or switches and connected directly to an existing PC
network. The Ethernet interface also serves to connect sev-
eral instruments via router to a mutual telephone connection.
19. 19
For huge plants
Combination of several signal■
conditioning instruments and power
supply units (e.g VEGAMET 624,
VEGAMET 625, VEGASCAN 693,
PLICSRADIO C62)
For more than 15 levels■
For complex structures■
Connection to Internet via router, also■
via GSM and GPRS
For medium-sized inventories
VEGASCAN 693 data logger■
Digital HART transmission■
technique
Up to 15 levels■
All sensors can be connected■
in parallel via a two-wire cable
In Ex-areas up to 5 sensors can be■
connected
The “small” solution
VEGAMET 624 signal conditioning■
instrument and power supply unit for
a 4 … 20-mA sensor
VEGAMET 625 signal conditioning■
instrument and power supply unit for
two 4 … 20-mA sensors
Up to two levels■
Switching outputs for easy control■
tasks (pump, valve, signalling)
Current outputs for PLC or■
level indication
Instruments of other manufacturers or■
other transmitters (e.g. temperature)
can be integrated
20. 20
plics®
– the idea with a future
Lifetime
Service
Operation
Setup
Mounting
Order
Selection
Costs
Continuously low costs for a lifetime
Easy is better
plics®
makes everything easier – from selecting to ordering,
right through to setup, maintenance and service. In this
modular system VEGA combines exactly the performance
features you need to solve the measurement problem – both
technically and economically. Whoever has once worked
with plics®
can apply the setup, wiring and adjustment
concept to any other application, and even to other measur-
ing principles. Because of the broad range of the technology
and the "easy choose – easy use" concept, plics®
brings an
element of security and dependability for every application.
plics®
– ideal solution for all applications
plics®
offers the prerequisites for maximum product qual-
ity through reliable and accurate measured values. plics®
instruments also have the comprehensive certifications,
instrument and material certificates required for responsible
handling of all kinds of media.
Easier for user and planner
plics®
offers unlimited selection and combination of sensors,
process fittings, electronics and housings. For the engineer-
ing department, this translates into easy, straigthforward
planning and instrument selection. For the plant builder, it
means short delivery time, uncomplicated connection and
quick setup, and for the user, operational reliability, simplified
maintainance and reduced inventory costs.
Other
measuring
instruments
22. 22
PLICSCOM and PACTware
Setup and indication with PLICSCOM
The PLICSCOM, with its entirely new adjustment philosophy,
offers extensive practical convenience. To allow easy use
from any position, it can be mounted in the housing in four
positions 90° apart. Indication and adjustment are carried
out via four plastic foil keys and a large, concise, graphics-
capable and illuminated dot matrix display. The adjustment
menu with selectable language is clearly structured and
allows playfully easy setup. After setup, the PLICSCOM
serves as indicating instrument: level and pressure values
are viewed directly through the screw-on lid with window
insert in the desired unit and presentation style.
Diagnosis and service with PLICSCOM
In the unlikely event of failure, the cause is displayed on the
PLICSCOM. In addition, instrument data such as measuring
range, process fitting, seal material as well as recorded proc-
ess data of level, pressure and temperature can be
called up. In conjunction with suitable instruments, the
PLICSCOM can also display echo curves. When a sensor is
replaced, PLICSCOM ensures that the measurement loop
is quickly up and running again – all sensor data is saved
with a quick keystroke and transferred later to the replace-
ment sensor.
23. 23
Asset management with PACTware
Because of PACTware's plant-wide failure recognition and
evaluation capability, it is an ideal decision platform for main-
tenance measures. It makes the data for all communication
components and field devices comprehensively and centrally
available. After the status of field instruments and other plant
components has been recognised and evaluated, proactive
maintenance, for example, can be carried out. This in turn
increases plant availability and ensures smooth, trouble-free
production.
Configuration and parameter adjustment
with PACTware
PACTware is the innovative configuration software for all field
instruments, from mobile computer to process control centre.
As a free of charge and manufacturer-independent software,
PACTware supplies the Fieldbus independent interface
for data exchange between all current protocols of commu-
nication capable field devices, e.g. HART and Fieldbus. In
practice this means: all plics®
instruments can be set up and
operated via one single program with an all-emcompassing
user interface.
