The EPCS (= Electro Plating Control System) is a proprietory development of the company Schloetter Ges.m.b.H..

The main components of EPCS are:

Visualisation:
-	network-compatible (i.e. the same plant can be operated by several visualisations)
-	multilingual to allow the operation of the plant in the customer’s national language and in German for our engineers.
-	Windows-based to keep the operation of the plant very simple.

becomes:

Plant server:

Is separated from the visualisation and responsible for the entire production process. The plant server runs on a separate PC which is situated in the control room (outside the plating shop).

Data base server:

Also a separate module responsible for writing and reading data from databases. Owing to the separation of the data base server from the plant control an unlimited number of data can be stored.

PLC:

Is the connection between the plant server and the plant. The PLC is also responsible for all time-critical applications (collision protection etc.)


The individual modules are interconnected as follows:

The main objectives of EPCS are:

System stability:

The entire software was developed and tested by the company. Every hardware component we use conforms to industrial standards. Only specially tested and certified hardware is used. The suppliers have worldwide representations.

Flexibility:

A flexible hardware structure (bus system and standardised components) is essential for a 100% customised design and the required diversity.
The visualisation is based on Windows => simple and versatile use/handling.

Ease of maintenance:

Full access to the control system is possible worldwide via remote maintenance. This ensures prompt help in case of problems, easy updates and quick trouble-shooting. In addition our engineers are connected worldwide via remote maintenance to provide technical support at any time.

Quality management:

The recording of all production data is an essential part of the control system. A complete quality protocol is entered into a database for every batch to ensure the 100% reproducibility of production. All alarms of the plant are also recorded.

User administration:

A flexible user administration allows the customer to define any number of users and to restrict their access rights.

Network compatibility:

The plant can be operated by any number of operator terminals (also from offices).

Future visions:

The EPCS has been developed continuously for many years to keep up with the state of the art.
The further developments planned for the future are presented under future visions.