How IMO i3D controller HMI retrofit improves machine OEE

The IMO i³D intelligent HMI  was selected to update the control system of an existing grain processing and cleaning line to improve productivity.  Changes were made to increase the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by improving the monitoring, and to support the handling requirements of differing grains.

The latest IMO i³D controller reduces both equipment costs and integration time when compared to using a PLC and separate HMI. The i³ controller series has 10.4” TFT,  32K  colours, VGA(640 x 480) touch screen with faster scan rate and a wide operating temperature range.

The local IMO Systems Integrator confirmed the clients requirements and chose to use the IMO i³D Integrated Controller with iSmart Intelligent Relays to collect the digital input data (Line running, product levels, bag count, reject bag, good bag etc).

Retrofitting

Retrofitting of the data collection points required modifications in several control panels, and it as important to keep production disruption to a minimum. To achieve this, an iSmart V3 intelligent relay was installed in each of 6 control panels, to act as remote IO, on a Modbus RS485 network.
The production line consisted of ‘plug and play’ machines as the line configuration is changed to suit the product type, and a high level of monitoring flexibility was required.

FTP

By using the FTP facility of the i3 the line operation is monitored in real time. In addition to the OEE data, the i3 monitors and stores trending, alarm history, operator identification and other information to enable a complete date/time overview to be viewed as required.

The plant owner commented “It’s great to have the visibility of the production lines, enabling us to monitor and improve efficiency. Production is improved, costs are down, and records are easily stored.”  Their comments were reflected by the Systems Integrator, who added “ Production visibility is necessary, to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The IMO solution is very flexible, easy to install with minimum disruption.”

Go here for the i3D datasheet

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