Multi-function safety relays are often the best choice for applications where single-function relays aren’t capable enough and a safety-rated PLC is overkill. Many machines and robots require safety circuits to stop all or part of operation in the event of an emergency. Safety circuits are also used to keep all or part of a machine or robot from running while there is human activity in close proximity, either for normal operations or maintenance.
The rise of interconnected Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) systems is often attributed to how business models have evolved to enhance operational efficiency. For example, SCADA networks deployed along oil pipelines now collect oil output data that is essential to billing and pricing systems. This increase in data collection allows companies to predict with higher levels of accuracy not only oil production and output, but also expected revenue.
Molex, a global electronics and connectivity provider, recently announced the results of a global survey of Industry 4.0 manufacturing stakeholders driving advancements in robotics, complex machines and device or control systems. The findings reflect steady progress in the development of Industry 4.0 initiatives across the industrial automation ecosystem, including smart automation, connectivity and analytics that add efficiency and intelligence throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.
Selecting appropriate product data in engineering is often time-consuming. However, the new EPLAN Data Portal, with a new user interface and improved search algorithms, makes it easier and faster than ever before. Expanded search parameters mean that users can quickly find exactly the components they are looking for. Individualised solutions based on configurators can be intuitively generated – as demonstrated by the Lenze product configurator.
Today’s ecosystem of industrial automation is characterised by many media disruptions during the processing and transfer of documentation. It is essential to resolve these issues within the development process for machines and plant systems – via targeted collaboration among all stakeholders and systems. Data created in the engineering process must be shared with everyone involved in the process.
Selecting the proper plastic electronic enclosure is often much more than just finding a standard box that meets your dimensional requirements. This is especially true when searching for a box that can withstand the elements whether inside a factory or outdoors. At the same time, you want to make sure that you are not wasting money with extra features or tighter ratings that are really not needed.
Serialization legislation is requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure that labels printed at a late stage contain all data necessary for compliance. Since many product labels are customized by markets, customer, or product type, adding variable data to labels or packaging is a way to avoid stocking individual packaging materials for each variant. The flexible production of smaller batch sizes has also introduced new requirements for automatic and fast changeovers.
When it comes to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), there’s boundless opportunity—more than most companies can fund or manage. So, its key that you prioritize opportunities and applications that will help you quickly realize early returns on your investments while creating the right foundation for longer-term growth and success. New digital innovations, applications and solutions can enable significant improvements in manufacturing performance and business outcomes in five key areas.
Digitalization is transforming the entire healthcare sector, with e-health set to play a more important role in healthcare provision. Examples include services such as video consultations, incorporating data from wearable devices in diagnostics and patient care, and using digital solutions in surgeries, hospitals and laboratories. Rittal is helping the healthcare sector with this revolution.
The year 2020 brought a lot of changes to the world, as the COVID-19 pandemic affected nearly every aspect of life. In particular, we saw many changes to the way the world worked together.
Support challenges associated with aging and obsolete Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), combined with built-in cyber security and expanded functionality in modern RTU designs, are accelerating utility efforts to replace legacy hardware. The increasingly critical role of the substation RTU, notably in bulk and transmission substations, underscores the importance of ease of use, high performance, interoperability and scalability.
Large and potentially hazardous machinery is a mainstay of many manufacturing companies, and safeguarding is critical in preventing serious accidents. While it’s never acceptable to provide less protection for the sake of boosting productivity, many manufacturers are seeking to determine which solutions offer full protection while maximizing uptime. Downtime can be exceedingly expensive, particularly when it involves large machinery.
Cybersecurity costs businesses a lot of money – and with no measurable monetary income as a result. That leaves executives and board members scratching their heads and wondering: “Why are we spending so much on this? Why do we need to employ expensive professionals to manage and operate cybersecurity?” Often leading them to ponder, “We know cybersecurity is important, but how do we determine the right level of investment?”
Chances are, you’ve heard the expression “drowning in data.” And if you’re in the CPG industry, you’ve seen the proliferation of intelligent devices and data collection on the plant floor – and the quest for more data extending across all functions of your organization. Marketing tracks consumer behavior and trends – and must respond to consumer expectations for supply chain transparency.
As you can see, any process this complex and time-consuming has many risks associated with it. There are many opportunities for mistakes and human error to occur – and when you’re dealing with electrical hazards, mistakes can result in serious injury or even death. Fred Manuele, an independent research professional and author of safety management publications, is quoted regarding the EU Framework Directive of 1989, “Risk assessment is the cornerstone of the European approach to prevent occupational accidents and ill health.”
Allied’s “Ask The Expert” series taps into the experience and expertise of key thought leaders and subject matter experts from the more than 500 global suppliers they work closely with to bring customers solutions for their most challenging problems (and the daily ones, too). Today’s industrial facilities rely heavily on equipment and systems that often run continuously, in sensitive environments.
