Full-range OPC UA solutions from the sensor to the cloud, showcased by Softing Industrial at embedded world 2024.

This article describes tomorrow’s smart factories, and how Cisco is delivering on this vision today with a unified industrial security and networking architecture that simplifies and helps scale deployment, brings seamless mobility, and positions manufacturers to better achieve their Industry 4.0 objectives.

The development of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) opens up a large number of new application possibilities for structured cabling, which will provide new impetus for the industrial, office and data center environment and will further advance the topic of “IoE” (Internet of Everything).

Machine control networking is built on consistent data delivery of data between controllers, sensors and actuators. TSN is one way to ensure that deterministic control information can be prioritized and delivered on-time while simultaneously allowing non-critical forms of application data to coexist on the same network.

Time Sensitive Networks in combination with Profinet provides mechanisms to form an optimal architecture for AI applications. Compared to separate networks for field communication and IT, there are significant advantages for existing and new applications.

With Time-Sensitive Networking creating a standard, unified network that supports different devices, IT and OT convergence are able to require fewer nodes, streamline cabling, and simplify maintenance. These benefits are realized by a wide range of industrial stakeholders from machine builders, to system integrators and end users.

Industry experts agree that the foundation of Industrial Ethernet solutions for factory automation remains laser-focused on smart connected machines, edge and cloud-based computing, the potential impact of AI technology and new products and tools that simplify the ongoing quest for IT-OT integration.

As digital transformation accelerates, factories face both opportunities and challenges. New technologies are key to increased efficiency, but implementing these technologies can be complex and requires thoughtful execution. Explore how digital factory implementations can help realize manufacturing plant efficiencies.

As plants completes the digital transition, communication with process control systems is more and more important. HIMA’s digitalization strategy for functional safety has prioritized offering the most popular industry-standard protocols for safety systems, and now includes PROFINET to handle distributed I/O.

Point Energy Partners has replaced outdated controls with an IIoT Edge Solution that is preventing spills and improving efficiency using Opto 22’s groov RIO. Automating water level monitoring and pump operation has not only made the jobs of field operators easier, but has also resulted in significant cost savings.