CHARLOTTE, NC -- (Marketwire) -- 03/19/13 -- Software Toolbox®, a leading supplier of manufacturing automation software, announced that its popular FactoryKPIs™ for iOS app is now available as an annual subscription. In addition, "perpetual" license prices have been reduced and the KPIServer component has been updated to accommodate future mobile and laptop hardware platforms.

"Customers can now easily deploy FactoryKPIs on large pilot projects," said John Weber, Software Toolbox president. "These changes help manufacturing technology innovators test mobile monitoring and easily continue to expand its use after proving out the ROI."

FactoryKPIs for iOS starter kits, which allow the use of 10 metrics across multiple devices, are now available for $99. Additional metric packs can be acquired via annual subscription or perpetual licenses. Subscriptions average $1 per metric and include ongoing technical support and version upgrades making them the most cost-effective option. Packs vary in size and start at a 500-metric minimum.

"Over the course of five years, a subscription saves the 500-metric user almost $2,500 in total cost of ownership," Weber said. "Larger deployments will result in even greater relative savings. A subscription also gives the buyer more options for acquiring FactoryKPIs, such as an operating departmental expense, versus a capital expenditure."

The FactoryKPIs mobile app is designed for viewing and monitoring factory performance and condition information on Apple iPad, iPad mini, iPhone and iPod touch devices. The application enables manufacturing decision-makers to share and respond to conditions and incidents in the office, on the plant floor or at any remote location in the world.

Users can download a free demo app of FactoryKPIs for iOS from the iOS App Store. The demo app requires Internet access via Wi-Fi or mobile network and will automatically connect to a secure, simulated manufacturing data source, called KPIServer, for displaying data.

FactoryKPIs receives information from one or more KPIServers distributed across a manufacturing enterprise, which in turn receive information from a manufacturer's existing historians or from manufacturing intelligence, HMI, SCADA or other automation control systems. The KPIServer connects to these data sources using the industry-standard OPC protocol, and is available from Software Toolbox at http://www.factorykpis.com/ or from a Software Toolbox distributor.

"More 'eyes on the data' enables higher value decisions," said John Nichols, president of i-KPI Software, the Boise, Idaho co-developer of the FactoryKPIs application. "This new pricing structure enables manufacturing business decision-makers to have global and immediate access to plant operations."

Plans for future platform support include Windows 7 and 8 ultrabooks, hybrid devices and Microsoft Surface Pro tablets. A single FactoryKPIs subscription will allow application use on all supported platforms.

The FactoryKPIs application is sold and supported through Software Toolbox and its channel partners. KPIServer, included in the 10-metric starter pack, is available for download or by shipment of physical CD media. Interested users may also opt for a 14-day, no-obligation free trial. For more information and ordering, users should visit the FactoryKPIs website.

ABOUT SOFTWARE TOOLBOX
Since 1996, Software Toolbox has been an industry source for industrial automation software, from project conception to completion. The company has served more than 10,000 clients in 110 countries helping them find, evaluate, purchase and support automation software solutions. These solutions include OPC servers, clients, development toolkits, HMI/SCADA add-ins/enhancements, and ActiveX and .NET development tools for Visual Studio C#/VB/C++. Software Toolbox works with its clients in all phases of projects to help them find and determine the right tools to use and to support overall project objectives and maximize their industrial software results.
Visit http://www.softwaretoolbox.com

Apple, iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

FactoryKPIs™ is a trademark of i-KPI LLC (formerly APEX Software Development LLC).

The Software Toolbox name is a registered trademark of Software Toolbox, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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