Reliable Automation Data 
for Faster Recovery

Egger Logo

In a highly automated production environment, the failure of a single controller can affect the entire plant. When that happens, every minute counts for maintenance teams. Up-to-date programs and parameter sets must be readily available so that replacement devices can be quickly configured and production can resume.

At its Hexham, UK facility, EGGER uses an AMDT software solution to regularly back up data from its automation devices, document changes, and centrally manage different program versions. In the event of a failure, maintenance teams can access the latest validated version and restore production more quickly.

Location

Hexham, Northumberland, UK

Sites

2

Employees

800

Sector

Wood materials

The Challenge: 
Different Systems, Critical Data

At its Hexham facility, EGGER produces particleboard and other wood-based materials. Numerous controllers, SCADA systems, and variable frequency drives help ensure the reliable operation of production equipment.

The programs and parameter sets used by these devices are critical to plant operations. If this data is lost due to hardware failure or an incorrect change, commissioning a replacement device can be time-consuming. Without a current backup, the parameters must be reconstructed and extensively tested.

EGGER also needed centralized visibility into its different program versions. Which version is current? What changed? Who made the change? In the event of a failure, is a working version available?

The Solution: Automated Backups 
and Centralized Version Management

The AMDT solution centrally manages the programs and configurations used by EGGER’s automation devices. At the Hexham facility, this includes:

  • SIMATIC S7 controllers
  • Wonderware InTouch applications
  • Programs and parameter sets for variable frequency drives
  • EPLAN projects
  • Technical documents in various file formats

The system creates automated backups at regular intervals and compares each backup with the previously stored version. This allows it to detect and document changes made to connected devices. Maintenance teams can see what changed, when the change occurred, and who was responsible.

Employees can also check out programs in a controlled process, edit them locally, and check them back in as new versions. Comments document the reason for each change, while validated production versions remain clearly distinguishable from test versions.

Multi-level access controls ensure that only authorized users can access specific data or make changes.

Egger Logo

The AMDT solution is vital to the smooth running of the plant and life without it on a day-to-do basis would be a nightmare.

John Ewington, Egger Deputy Electrical Engineer

Faster Recovery After 
Equipment Failure

In the event that a controller or variable frequency drive fails, the maintenance team can access the latest validated program version or the appropriate parameter set. They can then transfer the data to the replacement device without rebuilding the entire configuration.

This speeds up troubleshooting and helps production resume sooner. It also reduces the risk of losing critical programs or parameter sets due to missing or outdated backups.

The Result: 
Greater Visibility and Less Manual Work

The AMDT solution automates essential maintenance tasks. Backups run in the background, changes are documented, and relevant program versions are accessible from one central location.

EGGER benefits from:

  • Regular automated backups
  • Centrally available programs and parameter sets
  • Transparent, traceable changes
  • Clear separation of test and production versions
  • Controlled access permissions
  • Faster troubleshooting
  • A reliable data foundation for recovery
  • Less downtime following hardware failures

These features provide EGGER with a solid foundation for resilient production. Current, traceable automation data enables maintenance teams to respond faster to issues and restore equipment in a controlled, reliable manner.