GEA benefits from IXON's advanced user management system
Before the new IXON Cloud platform was launched, GEA was one of the first beta users to use it. They are very pleased with the comprehensive user management system, which gives them a better overview and more control.
GEA is one of the largest suppliers in the process industry, especially in the food processing industry. The company consists of several divisions, including their Refrigeration (RT) division. They supply modern, safe and energy-efficient cooling installations, heat pumps and air conditioning systems for industrial use. GEA enables its customers to keep their refrigeration systems safe and sustainable, with minimal energy and operational costs, by promoting the use of energy efficient systems and actively promoting natural refrigerants such as ammonia, CO2 and propane.
GEA RT took the old IXON Cloud platform into use in October 2020. They recently switched to the recently launched IXON Cloud platform to take advantage of the advanced user management system. GEA RT now equips every new project with an IXrouter.
Test phase and migration to the new platform
Previously, GEA used a different remote access solution. They decided to explore other available solutions because this solution did not meet their requirements. Kenny Schraven, Automation Engineer at GEA, was commissioned to compare different solutions and started testing IXON Cloud.
In December 2020, GEA was one of the first beta users to migrate to the new IXON Cloud platform. They were assisted in setting up the user management system and configuring the portal by Bart van den Corput, Success Manager at IXON. “We decided to switch to the new IXON Cloud platform because it is more user-friendly and offers a comprehensive user management system. Migration to the new platform was very easy with the help of the Migration Wizard,” said Schraven.
Quote: “ We decided to switch to the new IXON Cloud platform because it is more user-friendly and offers an extensive user management system. “- Kenny Schraven, Automation Engineer at GEA
Taking over the control panel without a VPN connection
GEA uses the IXrouters and IXON Cloud to provide 24/7 service to their customers. Their software engineers have access to all registered IXrouters and can connect to the PLC and SCADA systems via both VPN and VNC. “We can provide immediate service by simply setting up a VPN connection and troubleshooting a customer’s PLC. Furthermore, it is possible to remotely connect to an HMI device (touch panel) without the need for a VPN connection. That is the power of IXON,” says Schraven.
GEA’s first line support can now help customers thanks to direct access to HMI devices. This means that only more complex issues are forwarded to the automation department, which is more efficient. The engineer can solve issues remotely via the IXON Cloud without having to spend time traveling to the customer’s site. This is a great advantage for both the customer and GEA.
Setting up the user management system
In GEA RT, the user groups are organized in such a way that they can easily be linked to a device group. GEA has divided its user groups into regions, so that GEA RT employees can focus on their own region and are not distracted by information from other regions.
Quote: “In the old platform, the structure was less extensive in terms of user rights.” – Kenny Schraven, Automation Engineer at GEA
GEA customers also benefit from the way GEA has organized the user management structure. The customer is able to manage his own user groups. The customer's cloud login is linked to a specific IXON module that can only be accessed via a VNC connection. Schraven is very pleased with the advanced user management system in the new IXON Cloud platform: "Previously, the structure was less extensive in terms of user rights. Now it gives us a better overview and more control."
The differences between the old and new IXON Cloud platform
Schraven is very pleased with the simple design and the possibilities of the renewed user management structure. He finds the new IXON Cloud platform more user-friendly, because it is divided into four different apps. In addition, the functionality for group and role definitions has been greatly expanded. “It is now even possible to add extra groups and grant access to a specific IXON module or group of modules,” says Schraven.
“Colleagues are of the opinion that the IXON Cloud is very easy to use and configure. Complex actions and settings are not necessary, you can set up a VPN connection and get started in a short time. In addition, service engineers are very pleased with the mobile app. It is also nice that there are short lines of communication with the IXON Product Support Team. I always get quick and targeted answers to my questions,” says Schraven.
Benefits of IXON Cloud for GEA:
- Extensive user management system;
- Ability to connect to an HMI device or SCADA system without a VPN connection;
- No distraction by unnecessary information;
- Customers are able to manage their own user groups;
- Easy to set up and understand for every colleague and customer.
More information: https://www.ixon.cloud/nl/iiot-platform/overview
Nederlands