FACT: The existing ADP-100 is a time tested product known for its accuracy, reliability and ease of use. Important keywords here are certainly 'accuracy' and 'reliability'. It is a proven product that has evolved with technology from its inception in 1987. New products always have associated startup problems. These problems have been resolved for the existing ADP-100.

FACT: The existing ADP-100 has a robust and flexible interface to the controlled equipment, meters, and sensors. The significant keyword here is 'flexible'. Over the years, SYSTEMS has developed computer-to-equipment interconnects and control algorithms for all the various devices used in this industry. These interfaces are in place, proven, and need not be replaced.

FACT: The existing ADP-100 utilizes a high speed Real Time Operating system with rapid control response, superior measurement, and control accuracy. The keyword here is 'Real Time.' All operating systems must run the asphalt plant - that is a given - that is job one. At the same time, the processor may need to answer to keyboard requests, print to printers, draw screens, etc. Today's desire for graphics intensive displays, web based connectivity, the potential for integrated live video, audio annunciation, etc. places demands on the processor, and leaves little time for the control of the asphalt plant. Measurement and control accuracy demand that the operating system respond as if it is handling no other task. Control engineers call this real time property 'determinism'. The existing ADP-100 is deterministic!

THE SOLUTION: Provide a new, more flexible operator interface to replace the existing text-based data display and the keypad interface. Retain the existing, and proven ADP-100 platform to connect with and control the plant equipment in real time. Use this new WINDOWS® based interface to communicate with the operator, and to manage and manipulate the measured and controlling data through a high-speed communication interface to the ADP-100 platform.

ADVANTAGE #1: This design approach minimizes the amount of re-engineering required, thereby minimizing the potential for new product introduction problems for the customer.

ADVANTAGE #2: The user can optionally retain the ADP-100's original user interface as a perfect backup system. When the WINDOWS® communication link is unplugged, the plant can immediately be controlled through the original full featured ADP-100 text-based interface and keypad using all of the existing ADP-100 display screens and prompted procedures.

ADVANTAGE #3: All existing ADP-100 customers can easily be updated to the WINDOWS® based operating interface simply by installing a single high speed communication link, changing the program chip to include that communication capability, and connecting the graphics PC and display.

Buyers of this optional WINDOWS® based interface will immediately notice the graphics intensive main operating screen. These graphic images are not just cartoon idiot lights that signal the operator whether a device is on, off, or in alarm, but are accompanied by the more important digital display of rates, blends, deviations, etc. that verify to the operator that the process is being accurately and precisely controlled in real time.

The operator, the QC people, and the governing agency will appreciate the alphanumeric capability of this system that was not available on the standard ADP-100. Although it has nothing to do with the accuracy of making mix, feeders and asphalt tanks can now be labeled with the actual name of the material they contain, and mix formulas can be identified by real names, and not just numbers.

SYSTEMS ADP-100 was always known for its elegantly simple, nearly intuitive operating interface. Operators familiar with the existing system can still navigate through the various data display screens and procedures using the familiar method of paging through menus and options. Alternatively, the operator can utilize the pull down menus of the WINDOWS® environment or can 'point and click' an equipment graphic and zoom in directly on a display of operational, calibration, and setup data for that equipment.

Although the graphics displays are the obvious product change, the real advantage to the WINDOWS® interface is its ability to acquire, manage, manipulate, and share production data such that efficiency and profitability are enhanced. The keyword here is connectivity.

SYSTEMS Equipment offers the xADP interface option in two reliability levels. The commercial reliability option will be supplied with a consumer grade PC such as those manufactured by DELL, Hewlett Packard, or others. The industrial reliability option will be supplied with SYSTEMS extended warranty xPC-104 industrial grade processor. Pricing and warranty levels will reflect the differences in these options.

SYSTEMS Equipment has always been conscious of its responsibility to its customers, and is confident that the introduction of the WINDOWS® based operating interface is consistent with its desire to continue engineering accurate, reliable, easy to use, current technology products that make the users life easier, not more difficult.