With the introduction of the iFIX® product, we presented you with a powerful tool. GE has the first fully-integrated family of software automation products based on open, component-based technology. It is designed to remove the constraints of packaged software and allow easy integration and interoperability between your plant floor and business systems, as well as between components and third-party applications.
The inclusion of Visual Basic for Applications in iFIX presents you with a powerful scripting tool that allows you to quickly and easily automate operator tasks and create automation solutions. By providing you with an open graphical environment, iFIX enables you to incorporate internet controls (OCXs), reuse elements from other sources (such as bitmaps), or embed other OLE automation applications into your pictures.
Like all tools, the successful implementation of these technologies requires careful planning and consideration. Your overall design strategy should consider using this new functionality to its maximum benefit, while striving for peak system performance.
Each iFIX system will be different, so we don't offer any absolutes, but rather some suggestions to make your design and implementation more effective. This guide contains some strategies to consider while:
- Designing pictures
- Writing scripts
- Configuring the hardware and software in your iFIX system
