PC-Topp runs on modern PCs connected by a network (including a print server) under the Windows operating system: The technology is available world-wide, and familiar to users and administrators alike. PC-Topp is supported on Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4 and Windows 98.
PC-Topp Workstations
The PC-Topp Workstations require PCs that allow Windows and other applications to run at a comfortable speed.
Server
PC-Topp uses a central server as data repository. The server must run under Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.
Printers
PC-Topp supports HP LaserJet 4 compatible laser printers. Printers attached to workstations are not supported; they should be connected directly to the network.
Network technology
PC-Topp requires high performance network technology. Therefore, the use of 100 Mbit/s Fast Ethernet is recommended, the most widespread high speed networking technique. Larger networks should be split into separate segments; the use of a network switch guarantees highest throughput for each client station.
Network protocols
Standard Windows offers all required network protocols. In addition to TCP/IP, PC-Topp needs the IPX protocol on most client PCs (but not on the server).
Cabling
Care must be taken to assure that cabling meets the requirements of Fast Ethernet and possibly future Gigabit technologies. Longer distances in the plant can be bridged by fiber optic connections.
Recommended Hardware for PC-Topp
... if you're buying new hardware
Server
We recommend a server-type machine equipped with a fast Pentium III (or higher) processor, 256 Mbytes of memory, and a fast disk subsystem. PC-Topp itself requires relatively little disk space (in most cases less than 1 GByte on the server), but the server should be equipped with sufficient disk capacity to cater for future needs.
Workstations
PC-Topp workstations should be well equipped but reasonably priced desktop PCs, optimized to run Windows and its applications smoothly. Currently, they would be equipped with Pentium III or Pentium IV processors running at a speed of 1 GHz or above, equipped with 128 MBytes (or more). Monitors should be at least 17� wide; PC-Topp 2000 is optimized to run with screen resolutions of 1024x768 or above. We recommend 17� TFT flat screen monitors set to 1280x1024 resolution.
PC-Topp Services PC
The speed of that PC has a high impact on the overall speed with which PC-Topp 2000's Intranet pages are displayed. It should have the same specifications as a workstation PC, except for the memory which should be 256 MBytes or more.
Machine Terminals
The PC-Topp Machine Terminal software requires a powerful machine with the same specifications as a PC-Topp workstation. To connect a counter and/or a key card reader, standard serial ports are required.
Operating System
We recommend Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional, or Windows NT 4.0. Windows 98 can also be used for all client PCs. (Windows 2000 or NT are required on the PC-Topp Services PC as well as for the Corrugator Controll Program).
Printers
HP Laserjet 4100 n or 4100 tn (for all purposes including pallet labels).
HP Laserjet 8150 n or 9000 n (for high volume pallet label printing). Printers should be connected directly to the network, we discourage the use of workstation printers.
Obviously, it is not possible to have the latest and greatest hardware at all times. Here are some guidelines for those who are upgrading to PC-Topp 2000, or who want to install PC-Topp 2000 on existing hardware.
Server
PC-Topp 2000 does not require a dedicated file server, it can share the server with existing office applications.
As the speed with which data can be accessed depends on the speed of that one machine, it should normally be equipped at least with a Pentium III processor, although a Pentium II system might work as well. Sufficient memory is important and memory is inexpensive, so make sure the server has at least 128 Mbytes, more is better ...
Workstations, Services PC, Machine Terminals
There are two considerations that should guide you when deciding whether an existing PC is okay to use for PC-Topp: On one hand, the PC's processing speed should match user expectations (which tend to vary but will keep going up). On the other hand, using a PC that is too slow for conversion machine planning or as Machine Terminal may not allow conversion machine planning to function properly
In practice, a Pentium II machine with no less than 64 MBytes is probably adequate - but not great - for most purposes.
15" monitors are acceptable as long as the image quality is adequate at XGA resolution, but users may complain that everything appears too small. For on-screen CAD graphics, the monitors should be at least 17�.
Operating System
Care must be taken when using PCs that have been in use for a long time, as Windows tends to become slow and unstable with time. Windows 95 and Windows ME are not supported.
Printers
All printers need to be compatible with the HP Laserjet IV.
PC-Topp can use any type of network environment supported by Windows. The file server should run the Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4 operating system.
Network Clients
Windows 2000, Windows NT4 or Windows 98.
Network Hardware
Fast Ethernet with 100 MBit/s should be used wherever possible, as PC-Topp uses the network quite intensively. 10 MBit/s Ethernet can be used where legacy hardware, or distance considerations, make Fast Ethernet difficult to use.
For all new installations, both the network adapters and the cabling should be ready for Fast Ethernet, as all Fast Ethernet adapters automatically switch down to 10 MBit/s mode where required, and there is almost no price difference.
We recommend the use of an autosensing 10/100 Ethernet switch that supports both 100 MBit/s and 10 MBit/s at all ports. This makes it easy to connect printers, laptops or 10 MBit/s hubs.
The longer distances on the shop floor are easier to master with Fiber Optic links. The most cost-effective solution is to put a separate 10/100 MBit/s switch in a central position in the plant, and to link it to the switch in the office.
Gigabit technology is becoming available and should be considered to eliminate bottlenecks between the server and the switch, or on the backbone.
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