Why industrial connectivity is needed

Industrial connectivity is needed to enable devices or machines on the field level to send process data to industrial automation control systems, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs), on the control level. Companies can then use the data to automate processes or send the data to customized dashboards or higher-level systems such as SCADA, MES, or ERP for further analysis.

In the following sections, we'll explain how automating processes and analyzing data benefits industrial companies.

Automate processes

Companies increasingly want industrial automation control systems connected to all machines or devices on the field level to enable the control system to manage the devices or machines’ functions and automate most processes on the field level.

Once connected to the field-level devices, the controllers can do the following:  

• Automate repetitive tasks, such as recording batch information, allowing companies to optimize production line resources.
  
  
• Increase flexibility and scalability, making it easier to add new machines to a production line
  or scale production to meet the needs of the business.
  
  
• Improve accuracy by performing a task to the same standard and within the same parameters every time.
  
  
• Decrease downtime by using the data to predict failures and schedule the most efficient times for maintenance. 
  
  
• Reduce production errors, saving time and money. 
  
  
• Increase safety by monitoring conditions, such as high temperatures or oil levels,
  and shutting down the processes automatically if a threshold is reached.  
  

Analyze data– Realize IIoT benefits!

Industrial connectivity also enables companies to pass process data onto customized dashboards or higher-level systems, such as SCADA, MES, or ERP, for further analysis.

The dashboards or higher-level systems can even be cloud-based, allowing companies to access and analyze the data remotely. Once the data is in the dashboards or higher-level systems, companies can analyze the process data and reap the benefits of IIoT.

Benefits of analyzing data:

• Predictive maintenance – Spot issues before they become problems.
  
  
• Optimize devices and machines - Analyze the data to ensure devices and
  machines are working efficiently and reduce energy consumption. 
  
  
• Production flow monitoring – Eliminate lags in production.
  
  
• Real-time monitoring – Use real-time data to make informed decisions.
  
  
• Remote access - Reduce the need for manual intervention in hazardous or unpleasant environments.
  
  
• Plant safety - Advanced technology such as infrared thermography identifies faults before engineers work on them.

How Anybus can help

Anybus can simplify industrial connectivity by providing ready-made industrial verified products.

Use either our range of standalone gateways or embedded communication interfaces to connect your machine or device to PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, CAN/CANopen, CC-Link, Modbus, EtherCAT, BACnet, Powerlink, or any other major industrial network.

We have gateways and embedded communication interfaces that support the OPC UA and MQTT IIoT protocols, allowing you to send process data to higher-level systems for further analysis without developing custom software.

Not sure if a standalone gateway or embedded communication interface best suits your needs?

Have a look at our guide to connecting automation machines to industrial networks, which describes the pros and cons of gateways and different types of embedded communication interfaces. 

Read the article 

Are you considering going wirelessly?

Anybus can also help, as we offer industrially verified wireless products to help you cut the wires. Read our Join the wireless revolution! paper to learn about the benefits of wireless installations. 

Read the article