Virtualization tech allows bakery manufacturers to test processing lines remotely

The system can be integrated into specialized bakery hardware or software to automate the whole bakery production process. 

Emulates behavior of real ports

Doris Lane, marketing specialist, Eltima Software, told BakeryandSnacks the technology connects uses to the Internet so a manufacturer won't have to worry about any glitches in communication between their bakery equipment and controlling hardware. 

“EPVT can virtualize any serial device and forward it over the network, so you can access it from any remote location,” she said. 

For the device to work, the technology creates an unlimited number of virtual serial ports in the bakery hardware/software system. 

The virtual interfaces then emulate the parameters and behavior of real ports. 

Connected via a virtual communication port (COM), any device is recognized by the system as though it was physically connected to the machine. 

“Like most production industries, baking tends to move from individual devices and machines to integrated automated production systems,” added Lane. 

Controls bake time

“The control and monitoring of automated bakery lines is normally done by using software that communicates with the bakery equipment using a USB and serial ports. But EPVT can be integrated into any bakery software to manage and control all USB and COM port equipment remotely. 

“For example, a bakery manufacturer can use the same conveyor system to produce a number of different products. The bake time of each product depends on the pan size and is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC). 

“The hardware controller receives the data about the size of each pan and adjusts the conveyor speed to control the bake time.” 

For more information, Eltima Software has released a whitepaper on which USB and serial devices can be accessed over the network.