Intellutions Fix 32

[PlasticMaint]

I'm a recent hire maintenance manager for this company that uses Fix 32 as their communication tool. Unfortunately there isn't a single person within the plant that understands this system well enough to support it, including myself. We have had other IT & engineers that have supported it in the past however they have either moved to other plants or away from the company. I need some advice on what steps I should be take to not only support the system but understand how the flow of communication works. I don't see a huge demand for adding to the current system so that isn't much of a concern. Our plant is some what behind in the automation world in comparison to other industries I've worked in, so spending thousands upon thousands of dollars to train would be hard for me to justify unless I knew that it would be something we could continue to use. It is ultimately up to me on how we decide to train individuals currently in our maintenance group, so I want to maket he right choice. My first thought at approaching this was to setup a seperate PC with the package installed so the guys could understand how the address and communication works. I don't feel comfortable with anyone using our system that is online, one mistake could put us down for who knows how long. I am aware that there is a 2hr demo possibility on our current setup but again I don't want anyone messing with the system that keeps our plant functioning. Aside from pulling out the manuals and reading, does anyone have a relatively good next step on training? I'm not opposed to having someone that trains on a regular basis come in and trainour guys on the basics. Any help would be much appreciated. If I were to setup a demo system, what all would I need besides the PC with Fix installed and an unlimited or development key? I failed to mention that we are using FIX 32 MMI v6.15 on a WinXP. Thanks Edited December 19, 2011 by PlasticMaint

[RussB]

Start by searching their support web site. and joining their Forum. Web site at: support.ge-ip-com Forum: forums.ge-ip.com Contact your local supplier and request a Demo CD, it can be loaded on a system and will run for 2 hours at a time to allow you to get familiar with the system. Also you may want to have them quote a "Global Care" and update to present version. This will give you additional help and capabilities.

[PlasticMaint]

Thanks RussB. I'm assuming that the 6.15 is an out of date version? There was talk about upgrading to an iFix platform for future PLC upgrades but I think that is in limbo at the moment. I appreciate the info.

[Ken Moore]

I used to work at a Plant that had several installations of Fix 32, the upgrade path is a little murky. GE does not give the same level of support that Intellution gave. I recommend you keep good backups.