Chapter 1: Introduction With the launch of the Fleet Operations Workspace (FLOW) Core software solution, Omron is providing a next generation solution for mobile robot fleets. Beginning in July, 2019, all mobile robots and Fleet Manager appliances began shipping with the FLOW Core software installed. Customers with existing Omron mobile robot fleets can migrate their fleets to the new FLOW Core solution or remain on their existing (Legacy) Mobile Software Suite (MSS) software. For those who wish to migrate, this document details the process necessary to upgrade their exist- ing fleet to the FLOW Core solution.
For those customers who prefer to use their existing MSS solution, this document provides instructions on how to downgrade any newly purchased mobile robots or EM2100 appliances to be compatible with their existing fleet software solu- tion. Please read and understand this document before embarking on your migration project. This chapter provides an overview of the process and provides recommended preparations to make your migration project go smoothly. It includes the following topics: 1.1 Fleet Topology Comparison 1.2 Necessary Software and Omron Parts 1.3 Related Manuals 1.4 How Can I Get Help?
Omron has made significant effort to minimize the hardware upgrade, network and install- ation process required to migrate a legacy fleet to a FLOW Core fleet. The only hardware change required is that any existing EM1100 appliances must be upgraded to EM2100 appli- ances. Both units fit in a standard 1U rack and can use the existing Ethernet and power con- nections. All Mobile Robots can be upgraded via software without having to purchase new units. All Local Area Network, IP Addresses, wiring and power connections remain the same.
1.1 Fleet Topology Comparison The Legacy and Fleet Operations Workspace (FLOW) Core fleet topologies are very similar in that they both use Omron Mobile Robots and a Fleet Manager which interfaces with the fact- ory systems. The Fleet Manager and mobile robots are connected to the factory network in the same way. Both systems use MobilePlanner as their principal interface but the versions are not compatible. The Legacy versions of MobilePlanner continue to require a licensing dongle whereas MobilePlanner is included as part of the FLOW Core license.
While Legacy fleets use EM1100 and the initially released EM2100 appliance to perform the Fleet Manager role, FLOW Core fleets require the EM2100 appliance running a licensed version of the FLOW Core software. Anyone running both a primary and secondary EM1100 for redundancy will still get the same functionality within FLOW Core using the new EM2100s. 20569-063 Rev. A Fleet Operations Workspace Core Migration Guide 5