Industry 4.0 is transforming the way engineers and manufacturers think about factory automation. Few manufacturing companies are actively implementing it yet and many have not given it much thought. However, for machine builders the fast approaching era of digital transformation offers new opportunities if they implement smart IIoT integration platforms.

Device makers are adapting their products and introducing new Smart IIoT integration platforms for simpler integration through open software. The Schneider Electric EcoStruxure platform for machine builders, links hardware and software for both cloud and local edge connection. They claim the benefits of up to 30% faster time to market through simplified design and engineering. Furthermore, products like TeSys and Modicon M262 allow faster commissioning and a reduction in diagnosis and fault finding.

Smart IIoT integration

The M262 offers Smart IIoT integration of machines by providing secure connectivity, data management and visibility of local/remote machines. It offers embedded cloud connectivity without gateway devices, allowing machine builders to manage equipment efficiency and predictive maintenance.

The Modicon M262 forms an integral part of Schneider’s IIoT-ready EcoStruxure Machine architecture. It works as an edge controller for linking connected products and to critical data analytics applications. Smart devices gather important performance data, utilize that data to optimize machine performance, and then analyse that data to predict trends. By both supplying and accessing data, operators can enhance both operational efficiency and productivity.

One novel feature of the M262 is that it functions as a single controller for both logic and motion control functions. Offering built-in connectivity to the cloud, I/O systems and drives, the M262 is key for linking apps to smart devices. It also provides the ability to support multiple networks within one machine. Thus, the M262 helps end users avoid the issue of having one congested network that negatively impacts performance of their machine. Moreover, the M262s embedded safety capacity make sit suitable in high demanding safety applications. This includes machines for material handling, hoisting, packaging, food & beverage, electronics or textiles.

M262 controllers offer a connectivity doorway to remote machines. It offers machine builders the opportunity to provide new levels of support for their customers.