The new remote data manager Sitrans RD500 (photo) integrates Web access, alarm event handling and data capture for remotely installed flowmeters and other process instruments, and offers a solution to many applications where regular data access to instrumentation and the data they provide are limited. For instance, remote monitoring of raw material inventory at multiple production sites supports just-in-time production, and results in lower logistic and clean up costs for the manufacturer and supplier. In applications where remote leak detection is desired, Sitrans FUS ultrasonic clamp-on flowmeters can be fitted on both ends of a pipeline to ensure there are no leaks, and no material is being lost during transport between tanks. The meters are remotely monitored using a Sitrans RD500, and the information is made available at a central location where possible leaks can be identified and trigger an alarm. The compact Sitrans RD500 requires only simple configuration: no engineering or programming is required. It accepts analog, voltage, digital, temperature and Modbus inputs, and provides flexible communications options via Ethernet, cellular and landline modems. Standard data transfer options are offered for regular reporting and alarms to remote servers, email-clients — including cell phone, PDA and desktop computers — and SMS messaging. — Siemens AG, Industry Automation Div., Nuremberg, Germany