Why open industrial networks are essential for Smart Factories

The Factory of the Future - taking into account Industry 4.0 - is loaded with sensors and devices that record real-time processes and statuses across the factory floor. A fast, efficient and reliable industrial network is key to successfully sharing and utilising the data being generated. The network architecture should be designed as an interconnected platform, able to link all the nodes together and provide both upstream and localised communication. John Browett, General Manager at CLPA Europe, explains why open industrial networks are fundamental components of the Smart Factory.

As envisioned by Industry 4.0, the interconnected factory has the potential to revolutionise manufacturing by demanding greater interconnectivity and control over the different factory processes. In this way, companies in any sector can boost productivity and efficiency whilst improving product quality and consistency.

The adoption of Industry 4.0 is much more than a simple plus for general operating efficiency, as it marks the transition to new manufacturing processes that are synchronous with customer demand. Now, during the fourth industrial revolution, the implementation of automation and network technologies is essential for businesses to remain competitive.

While Industry 4.0 is likely unavoidable, its adoption could be onerous for many companies. In real, practical terms, the development and implementation of a suitable digital strategy is a marathon, rather than a sprint. It is tempting to reengineer the whole enterprise at once, but this would be overwhelming, compromising the entire digitalisation process.

After having defined a suitable digital strategy, its implementation should take place in stages. It is generally helpful to proceed with small projects that have a clearly defined end-goal that are relatively easy to complete and manage. In this way, the success of each automation project can be measured, and their realisation helps to develop a controllable and scalable system that can adapt to future needs.

The rise of big data is inextricably linked to networking speed and data-carrying capacity, hence any system needs to have a high capacity. Of the current Ethernet variants, CC-Link IE stands out as the only open gigabit industrial Ethernet currently available. It is a good example of why choosing technologies that already offer an advantage, as well as a clear path toward to future developments, can be beneficial.

Digital strategies need to consider interconnectivity

This step-by-step approach results in the installation and upgrade at different times of factory equipment, whose vendors, technologies and protocols can vary. Therefore, it is important to make sure that any new component is compatible and can communicate with the existing ones.

This may be trickier than expected. Many current products have closed, proprietary standards and protocols that let them exchange data only with products from the same vendor. Choosing a single hardware vendor is not always a feasible alternative, though, as users may need to "mix and match" different offerings to select the most suitable tools for their intended applications. In addition, businesses on their long journey to Industry 4.0 may face changes in the hardware market and its key players.

While this can cause frustration among manufacturers, not all is lost. Open Ethernet, which is not locked to a specific vendor system, can provide a framework that not only allows the connection of current automation products, but also features a built-in flexibility for future factory revamps, installations and upgrades. Therefore, open Ethernet actively supports innovation.

On the flip-side of proprietary systems, where hardware and software are tightly coupled together, open Ethernet is based on the complete independence between hardware and software. This ensures a hardware application can run on any Ethernet software platform.

Organisations such as the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) are helping businesses to become highly connected by developing open networks, thus facilitating multi-vendor and multi-platform interoperability. The CC-Link family of network solutions developed by the CLPA features compatibility from over 300 manufacturers, making a huge catalogue of certified, interoperable products. This broad range of options allows end users and factories to select the component that best fits their needs.

Furthermore, the CC-Link family realises seamless transfer of data between communication layers within an enterprise, from shop floor to top floor. More precisely, CC-Link IE Field embraces all the requirements of general machine control, motion control and safety for the factory floor, while CC-Link IE Control is designed for higher level communication, such as directly between controllers in different production cells.

Action plan for a more open Ethernet

Providing an interoperable environment is a constant work-in-progress activity and the CLPA's continuous effort to provide open industrial networks is reflected by its collaborations. For example, the organisation has produced the specification for a coupler with PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI). This device allows CC-Link IE and PROFINET networks, and their respective machines to be freely interoperable. Similarly, the CLPA has also developed the CSP+ for Machine OPC UA Companion Specification with the OPC Foundation, allowing for unification of the interfaces between machines and IT systems.

In this way, the CLPA, OPC Foundation and PI are collaborating on the network of the future, which will ensure openness and interoperability from an intuitive and easy to use platform. Learn more at www.clpa-europe.com.

CC-Link Partner Association - Europe (CLPA)

Gothaer Strasse 8
40880 Ratingen
GERMANY

+44 (0)7768 338708

partners@clpa-europe.com

www.clpa-europe.com

More technical articles
14 hours ago
Beckhoff UK and HepcoMotion’s mechatronics showcase takes centre stage
Automation technology specialist Beckhoff UK, in collaboration with leading manufacturer of linear motion systems, HepcoMotion, hosted a mechatronics showcase at MK7, the home of Oracle Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes, with several innovations from both companies on display, as well as a brand-new product reveal – the GFX-r guidance system.
15 hours ago
PPMA re-brand puts automation at the heart of UK manufacturing
The PPMA Group of Associations has re-branded and has changed its name to AutomateUK to better represent the needs of its membership and their end user customers in the ever-changing manufacturing landscape.
3 days ago
steute Technologies restructures its business fields
steute Technologies, an international technology company offering switches, intelligent sensors and wireless systems, has announced a comprehensive restructuring of its business fields.
3 days ago
Showcasing design, production and process engineering in the food and drink sect
Taking place on 1 May 2024 at the National Motorcycle Museum, Food Manufacturing Live serves the design, production, process and maintenance engineering teams across the UK food and drink manufacturing sector.
4 days ago
Understanding safety and security for the protection of human and machine
How do you master employee protection, liability protection, productivity and data protection? How do you increase your quality and simultaneously prevent manipulation on your machines? How do you protect your data and employees in equal measure? Pilz is hosting a free webinar on 15 December, 9:30-10:30 am, to address just these questions.
4 days ago
Schaffner opens new regional channels for its range of EMC solutions
EMC solutions provider, Schaffner, announces new partnerships with three distributors to further broaden the reach and scope of its product range and support services across Europe. The new agreements with Telerex, CATS and DSL Components will open new supplier corridors and enable customers to have local and faster access to products.
4 days ago
New SCARA robot transforms pick-and-place and assembly operations
ABB Robotics is expanding its industrial SCARA robot portfolio with the addition of the IRB 930. The new robot, compromising three variants capable of handling 12 kg and 22 kg payloads, has been designed to meet the demands of new growth opportunities in traditional and new markets.
4 days ago
Pilz CMSE training in high demand, as 10,000th graduate qualifies
With the CMSE qualification (Certified Machinery Safety Expert), Pilz created a completely new training programme for machinery safety in 2013. After a decade Pilz is now proud to congratulate the 10,000th graduate to successfully complete the CMSE examination.
5 days ago
New eBook offers expert insights on embedded security
Mouser Electronics announces a new eBook produced in collaboration with global semiconductor leader Analog Devices (ADI). In Embedded Security: Keeping Edge Data Safe, experts from ADI and other companies take a deep look at embedded security concepts and their importance.
5 days ago
New era beckons at UK’s largest online valve supplier
Gary Hopkinson, founder of Valves Online, a sales partner for Bürkert, has announced his retirement, planned for the end of this year. In March, the UK’s largest online valves supplier underwent a business acquisition by R&G Fluid Power Group. Gary has been assisting the transition while Valves Online is set to retain its successful business model.

Login / Sign up