IT in Manufacturing


The power of data

October 2019 IT in Manufacturing

We can collect this data, but are we able to get to it? This is key to using equipment information to make informed business decisions that can help lower maintenance costs, optimise production, and reduce support and travel expenses.

Two of ProSoft’s solutions released this year show users how to access the data they need to add value.

Making data-driven decisions

The gateway brings together three major industrial automation protocols – OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP/IP. This gateway to the IIoT sends production information to the MES or ERP. From there, it can be acted upon to make the changes necessary to achieve corporate goals. The benefits of analysing equipment information include reduced maintenance, energy and overall operating costs.

The gateway works by enabling fast data transfers from EtherNet/IP and Modbus devices to OPC UA clients, thanks to an OPC UA server connection. The EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP equipment can also communicate with each other. The gateway enables 10 simultaneous OPC UA sessions, which is ideal for larger applications.

By connecting equipment that use these two protocols to the MES, one takes the first step to streamlined access and analysis of data that can help to optimise resources.

Access historical data

You’re at your desk, it’s almost time to go home, and you find out you need to go on-site for an issue with a piece of equipment. You’re not quite sure what the problem is, and now you’re looking at a later end to the day and hoping you can troubleshoot the issue quickly.

For applications that involve remote access equipment, the data logger avoids costly network enhancements, storing 16 million time-stamped records.

OEMs can also benefit from using the data logger. The module’s records can indicate whether equipment was tampered with or if the maintenance schedule was followed, helping to determine if a warranty claim is valid. Knowledge gleaned from devices can help to improve a company’s Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Studying how equipment performed in real-time applications can help determine if a design can be tweaked.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Fortifying the state in a time of cyber siege
IT in Manufacturing
In an era where borders are no longer physical, South Africa is being drawn into a new kind of conflict, one fought not with tanks and missiles, but with lines of code and silent intrusions. The digital battlefield is here, and cyber space has become the next frontier of conflict.

Read more...
Levelling up workplace safety - how gamification is changing the rules of training
IT in Manufacturing
Despite the best intentions, traditional safety training often falls short, with curricula either being too generic, too passive, or ultimately unmemorable. Enter gamification, a shift in training that is redefining how businesses train for safety and live by those principles.

Read more...
Reinventing data centre design: critical changes to meet surging
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
AI technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible which, in turn, is presenting data centres with a whole new set of challenges. Fortunately, several options are emerging which include optimising design and infrastructure for efficiency, cooling and management systems

Read more...
Watts next - can IT save the planet
IT in Manufacturing
The digital age’s insatiable demand for computing power has collided with an urgent and pressing need for sustainability. As data centres and AI workloads consume unprecedented energy, IT providers are pivotal in redefining how technology intersects with environmental stewardship.

Read more...
South Africa’s digital revolution:
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its technological evolution, poised to redefine itself as Africa’s leading digital powerhouse. Over the past two years, political leaders and media narratives have painted a picture of rapid digital transformation, underscoring the government’s ambition to position South Africa at the forefront of innovation.

Read more...
Smart manufacturing, APC and the
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturers are prioritising the integration of smart technologies into their daily operations to stay one step ahead of the competition. In South Africa, some experts believe the country has the potential to leapfrog its global peers through the creation of smart factories.

Read more...
Schneider Electric’s Five-Pillar Strategy takes the guesswork out of equip
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Field Service Cycle, otherwise known as the Five-Pillar Strategy, is a structured approach to managing the lifecycle of equipment to prolong asset lifespan while reducing the total cost of ownership for customers.

Read more...
Enhancing operational safety and efficiency through advanced risk-based modelling
IT in Manufacturing
Now, more than ever, capital and operational cost can be reduced while enhancing operational safety and increasing production uptime by applying transformative methods such as Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling.

Read more...
Laying the groundwork in IT/OT
IT in Manufacturing
In the realm of manufacturing, the core mandate is to deliver value to stakeholders. For many in the industry, this is best achieved through a risk-averse approach. Only upon establishing a robust foundation should a business consider venturing into advanced optimisation or cutting-edge technological innovations such as industrial AI.

Read more...
Looking into the future of machine vision
Omron Electronics IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in all areas of industrial automation, and machine vision is no exception. Omron’s AI-powered machine vision systems seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art algorithms, enabling machines to analyse and interpret visual data meticulously.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved