SMC has partnered with Software AG, a global leader in business infrastructure software, to bring you smart field analytics. SMC’s large range of IO Link compatible sensors and valve banks can now communicate directly via Dell Technologies’ Edge to a Cumulocity IoT platform. This provides secure data processing as well as real-time data analysis and visualisation.
This follows on the launch in South Africa of the company’s range of wireless valve banks that can now communicate wirelessly in IoT applications (for more information see https://www.instrumentation.co.za/10946r)
No matter what stage you are at in the digitisation process, smart field analytics enables you to benefit from our concentrated expertise, which offers the ideal perspective for maximum system availability, stable processes and new efficiency potential.
Smart field analytics can provide the following benefits:
Intelligent maintenance
Unscheduled production shutdowns cost time and money, smart field analytics can prevent this. Imagine a central cloud keeping track of every cycle of every machine in your factory. With SMC’s advanced sensors and valve banks communicating directly with the IoT cloud this is a reality. Limit factors which indicate an imminent failure of a machine can be monitored and a maintenance ticket can be logged before a breakdown occurs. This data can also be used in machine learning. An algorithm can determine time to failure and schedule a maintenance order accordingly. This can make plant maintenance smarter, more efficient and more economical.
Increased energy efficiency
Energy costs are rising, and air is quickly becoming the most expensive asset in your factory. By integrating a network of SMC flow sensors, and pressure switches and having them communicate directly with the IoT cloud, a program can monitor for air leaks, consumption peaks during start up or pressure fluctuations in the network. This data is key to promoting good energy saving practices both in the factory and on the shop floor.
Stock management
In an automated warehousing environment where a 3-axis pick and place jig is responsible for the loading and unloading of shelved items, the stock levels of each item can be monitored in the IoT cloud. Each bin location can be monitored by the position of each SMC electric actuator, in real time, and can be recorded and transmitted via Edge to the Cumulocity IoT platform. An algorithm can then generate restock orders based on minimum stock levels.
Oil monitoring solution drives performance gains for paper mill SKF South Africa
Other technologies
By integrating real-time monitoring with precise flow control, SKF’s Flowline oil monitor meters have significantly improved the flow rate control and performance of oil circulation lubrication systems installed on a paper mill.
Read more...Ultra-compact industrial PCs exploit advances in CPU technology Beckhoff Automation
Other technologies
Beckhoff’s C60xx scalable series of ultra-compact industrial PCs combines high computing power in an extremely compact format with a wide range of options for installation in the control cabinet.
Read more...OMRON simplifies safety Omron Electronics
Other technologies
OMRON’s NX Safety platform, Online Safety Functional Test Verification is a feature built into the Sysmac Studio engineering environment. This intuitive tool allows safety verification to be carried out digitally, with step-by-step guidance and full traceability, all from a single workstation.
Read more...Condition monitoring in hazardous areas SKF South Africa
Other technologies
SKF is further strengthening its condition monitoring offer portfolio by a newly developed hazardous area version of its Microlog Analyzer dBX portable vibration analyser.
Read more...Why AI will never truly understand machines
Other technologies
Cutting-edge technology and solutions powered by AI are embraced by specialist condition monitoring company, WearCheck, where the extreme accuracy of data used to assess and diagnose machine health is paramount.
Read more...Robotic filling systems for the pharmaceutical industry Horne Technologies
Other technologies
Pharma Integration, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, aims to replace traditional mechanical filling lines with compact, fully automated systems that are 100% robot-driven using machines known as Azzurra. Their integrated Faulhaber drives play a crucial role in the fill-finish process, ensuring the highest precision and safety across multiple production steps.
Read more...World first simulation of error-correctable quantum computers
Other technologies
Quantum computers still face a major hurdle on their pathway to practical use cases, their limited ability to correct the arising computational errors. In a world first, researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have unveiled a method for simulating specific types of error-corrected quantum computations.
Read more...Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity Iritron
Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.
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.
printer friendly version