New-Tech Europe | June 2017

Intelligent Wiring Concept

workload. An ever-growing amount of data is required to facilitate confident decision-making and predictions about the machine status: information on energy consumption, machine statuses, temperatures, switching times and much more should provide as comprehensive a view of the machine as possible. Only by considering the entire chain of processes is it possible to quickly identify critical machine statuses and deviations from the normal condition and prevent downtimes. However, this approach requires a great amount of data that has been recorded previously as a matter of course – not just status data for more complex electronic components, such as controls or drives, but also information from

therefore beneficial to have a machine concept that allows for easy integration of new modules and components. Furthermore, as the components age, machine performance reduces, the frequency of errors increases and servicing and maintenance costs rise. For this reason, it is advantageous when modernization measures, such as replacing old drives and controls, can be implemented with minimal downtimes. With new components, even a 15 or 20-year-old machine can keep up with a new installation in terms of productivity and downtimes. Transparency right down to the sensor Growing requirements for power management, condition monitoring and predictive maintenance increase the process monitoring and analysis

machine operation. Storing, analyzing and evaluating data on the operating statuses of a machine form the basis for predicting potential defects in machine parts and components, so that maintenance can be scheduled and carried out even before a failure occurs and results in machine downtime. By minimizing unexpected downtimes and therefore production shortfalls, machine availability and productivity increase while servicing and maintenance costs decrease. Modernization and upgrades ensure productivity Requirements can always change over the long operating period of a machine. Regular adjustments and upgrades are essential to ensure that the machine continues to meet demands. It is

New-Tech Magazine Europe l 33