Integrator Highlight: Bow Networks

IA: Tell us a bit about your company - do you have a focus on any particular industry?
Deryk: Bow Networks is a leader in communications and automation solutions for the electric utility industry. We deliver solutions based on our own products and technologies, supplemented with select 3rd party products.
IA: Why did you choose Inductive Automation software?
Deryk: Factory PMI was appealing for several reasons. The SQL interface allowed it to work directly with our (linux based) eLAN front-end processor, which handles the data collection tasks. The web interface allows for the system to be easily used by both the primary users, and numerous occasional casual users, without needing to distribute and maintain client applications.
IA: What system features do your customers need that you can provide using Inductive Automation products?
Deryk: The delivered system is essentially a small SCADA system, for a municipal electric distribution utility. They don't have a real control center, so their operators access the system from their trucks, over CDMA modems. The FEP sends out emails to their blackberries when alarm conditions arise, signaling the operator to log into the FactoryPMI system.
IA: What have you and your customers found to be the main benefits of the software?
Deryk: The ease of integration with our existing SQL database, and the thin client.
IA: How do you plan on using IA software in the future?
Deryk: We expect to deliver more projects similar to this one, where the system provides a small distribution automation master station. In addition, we want to pursue running the FactoryPMI Gateway on our Linux based eLAN Substation Communications Server, to deliver a substation level HMI.
IA: Is there anything else you can say regarding your experience with Inductive Automation?
Deryk: Positive experience so far, particularly with the technical support team.