Abstract: This paper details the functions and features of Rockwell's latest monitoring configuration software, RS View SE, describes the development and application of a real-time monitoring system using this software, and elaborates on its practical application in the Jinan Iron and Steel finishing line. Keywords: RS View SE, Distributed System, Finishing Line Abstract: This article introduces the latest monitoring Rockwell configuration software, the function and characteristics of the RS View SE monitoring software, the development and application of the real-time monitoring system, and the practical application of the Jigang finishing line in detail. Keywords: RS View SE, Distributed System, Finishing Line I. Overview Due to the outdated equipment and frequent equipment accidents on the old finishing line of Jigang Medium Plate Plant, which severely restricted the increase in production capacity, Jigang Corporation decided to introduce a new finishing line. Simultaneously, due to the rapid development of automation technology and the increasing demands of on-site personnel for monitoring equipment, the host computer adopted the most advanced monitoring software RS View SE from Rockwell Automation, USA. Since the new finishing line was put into operation one year ago, the flexible application features and advanced functions of the monitoring equipment have been well received by on-site personnel. It has also reduced the maintenance workload of electrical engineers, greatly shortened the time for troubleshooting, and successfully solved the capacity constraints of the Jigang Medium Plate Plant's finishing line, ensuring the smooth, stable, and efficient production of the medium plate finishing line. II. Distributed System Architecture This system employs a distributed real-time monitoring system. The server is powered by three high-performance CPUs from the control system (all three CPUs are mounted on the same backplane). There are six client machines located in the rotary shear, fixed-length shear, and electrical control room. Operators control the field equipment from the client machines, but the client machines do not perform data processing; all required data is read from the CPU via Ethernet. All data processing is done on the CPU; the client machines simply receive and send data via Ethernet. In this system, the CPU acts as the server, rather than using a separate computer as the server, effectively integrating system resources. The six client machines and the ControlLogix 5000 Ethernet module are integrated into a single network segment via a switch. The client machines run Windows XP, RS View SE, RSLinx, and FactoryTalk. The 1756-ENBT/A Ethernet module is mounted on the ControlLogix backplane, handling communication between the client machines and the CPU. This communication is managed by the RSView Enterprise tool, allowing client machines to directly read data from the CPU within the same network segment. The client machines and drive equipment are further integrated via the backplane, making data transmission more convenient and efficient. The system architecture is shown in the diagram below: III. Main Components and Features of RSView Supervisory Edition 1. Main Components of RSView Supervisory Edition 1) RSView Studio is configuration software used to develop or test machine-level or monitoring/management level human-machine interface (HMI) application projects. RSView Studio includes an editor for creating complete HMI projects, as well as software for testing application projects. This editor can be used to create any simple or complex application project as needed. 2) RSView SE Client is software used to view and interact with monitoring/management level application projects developed with RSView Studio. 3) RSView Administration Console is software used to manage RSView Supervisory Edition application projects after they are deployed. The RSView Administration Console includes a portion of the RSView Studio editor. 4) RSView SE Server is used to store HMI project components (e.g., graphical displays) and provide these components to the client. This server contains a tag database and can perform alarm detection and historical data management (log) functions. 5) FactoryTalk Directory™ is software that provides services (such as RSView Servers or OPC servers) and directories (e.g., regions, tags, graphical displays, log models, etc.) to any computer participating in an RSView Supervisory Edition application project on a network. 2. Features of RSView Supervisory Edition 1) Distribute the various parts of the application project in a way that maps factories or processes. Distributed application projects can include several servers distributed across multiple computers on a network. Multiple client users can access the application project simultaneously from anywhere on the network. Create standalone application projects for factories or processes, where processes are self-contained and independent of other parts of the process. 2) Create and edit graphical displays using professional object-oriented graphics and animation. Simple drag-and-drop and cut-and-copy techniques simplify application project configuration. 3) Use graphics from the graphics library or import files from other drawing packages, such as CorelDRAW™ and Adobe® Photoshop®. Utilize RSView's ActiveX inclusion capabilities to use advanced technologies. For example: 4) Extend RSView's functionality by embedding Visual Basic® ActiveX Controls or other ActiveX objects into the graphical display. 5) Share data with other Windows programs (such as Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL Server) using the RSView SE Client Object Model and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), interact with data from other Windows programs (such as Microsoft Excel), and customize and extend RSView to meet specific user needs. 6) Quickly develop applications using RSView's efficient tools, such as avoiding repetitive data entry. Import databases from Allen-Bradley PLCs or SLCs using the PLC Database Browser. Utilize RSView's direct label application feature to directly use labels existing in controllers or devices. 7) Monitor process events with varying degrees of severity using RSView's alarm notification functionality. Create multiple alarm summaries to provide specific alarm data for the entire system beyond simply viewing alarms. 8) Create trend charts reflecting the relationship between process variables and time. Up to 100 pen curves (labels) can be displayed in real-time or historical data within each trend. 8) Data is simultaneously logged to FactoryTalk diagnostic log files and a remote ODBC database to provide various records of product data. Users can also use third-party programs, such as Microsoft Access and Seagate Crystal Reports™, to directly view or manipulate ODBC format log data without converting these files. 9) Operators can only perform RSView SE Client operations by disabling the Windows keyboard. IV. Introduction to the Monitoring System The finishing line system consists of three subsystems: rotary shears, fixed-length shears, and the electrical monitoring station. Each of these three subsystems is responsible for its own equipment area. Since the rotary shears and fixed-length shears use the same CPU control system, and the subsystems are interconnected, the operation parts within each operator's console are created separately in the corresponding host computer during the host computer setup. This allows direct access to the equipment status related to that part. The electrical monitoring station is responsible for monitoring overall equipment parameters, alarms, faults, and displaying curves of motor operating performance indicators. These subsystems can also access each other. On-site operators have assigned specific tasks, operating only their assigned parts. If it's necessary to view parameters of other subsystems, they can switch to the corresponding screen by entering a username and password. On-site operators manage the equipment through screen operation or parameter settings. The operating status of all equipment is reflected on the screen. When a piece of equipment malfunctions, an alarm bar is generated on the screen. Maintenance personnel can intuitively find the fault location and type from the alarm bar, thus accurately and quickly handling the fault and reducing downtime. The powerful trend function records the operating status of equipment in the finishing area at various times. Real-time trends reflect the current situation on-site, while the historical trend database completely records the equipment's operating status over the past month (automatically updated periodically), greatly assisting in overall coordination of operations. The main screen display is as follows: V. System Application Effects The finishing line has been successfully in operation for over a year. The monitoring system equipment is working well, the data is accurate, the system functions are complete, and the operation is convenient and fast. Because of its open design philosophy, RS View SE allows users to design and use it with greater flexibility and ease of editing, resulting in a monitoring system with diverse presentation formats. Its powerful alarm functions facilitate engineer maintenance, significantly reducing downtime and greatly improving productivity. A robust real-time and historical database records the entire control process of the finishing line, providing strong support for stable production.