Software for the smart factory

The term ‘smart factory’ describes an industrial facility that leverages internet connected technology to improve manufacturing processes. Central to the success of a SMART factory is the technology that makes data collection possible, the sensors embedded in industrial equipment and, importantly, the industrial software to collect and analyse the data to ensure that the correct decisions are made to improve the factories KPIs. 

Easy integration
Typically, a manufacturing facility will comprise an array of equipment. Usually, these machines will differ in terms of vendor, age and the communication standard used. These environments mean that, to collect the necessary data for smart manufacturing, the hardware within the facility, like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human machine interface (HMIs) panels, consumption devices or PCs need to be communicated with at the same time – a difficult task for machinery and facilities designed on varying communication standards.

Successful integration of these devices does not require a complete equipment overhaul for the manufacturer. Instead, organisations should consider choosing software that is platform independent. In an industrial environment, ‘hardware independent software’ describes software that can be implemented into any industrial automation system, regardless of the hardware used in the facility.

Truly independent software can be integrated seamlessly into any device within the facility - irrespective of the age or manufacturer of the equipment. COPA-DATA’s zenon, for example, provides over 300 native communication protocols. This provides manufacturers with the freedom to quickly integrate new or existing shop floor machines, new buildings or production areas into the data system, regardless of the communication standard used. COPA-DATA’s zenon also supports all common standards, including OPC UA, Modbus RTU, TCP and Open Modbus.

Reduced down-time
Choosing industrial software that runs on a variety of different communication protocols means that manufacturers can reap the benefits of a smart factory. For example, they can scale the system to visualise the full value stream map over time. However, the benefits of scalability go beyond improved flexibility.

Production down-time is a costly inconvenience for any manufacturer. In the food processing industry, unexpected production stoppages can create a significant drain on budgets and logistical resources. Usually, if a HMI panel is damaged or fails during production, the machine cannot be operated and the entire production line must stop.

Waiting on the delivery of a new HMI panel that can run the same software and projects is not always a viable option. However, using automation software that is truly independent means that any generic HMI panel can be used as a replacement.

Hardware independent software can run on different hardware platforms, regardless of the screen resolution. For manufacturers, this means that in the event of a HMI failure, any generic HMI panel can be used as an interim solution.

Furthermore, the lifecycle of the zenon project within the damaged HMI is also easily maintained as the project can then be upgraded and installed onto a newer operating system. This is a huge benefit because it not only minimises the risk of obsolescence but importantly ensures a safer facility with improved cyber security.

Future flexibility
Extensibility is also a key requirement of the SMART factory. The ability to internally optimise factories to provide growth through the open platform of zenon ensures that improvements can be added at any time, using specific modules. 

From the perspective of a systems integrator or an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), choosing hardware independent software can remove future limitations for both themselves and for their customers — and potentially grow their business into new industry sectors.

Systems integrators are often faced with the challenge of searching the marketplace for industrial software for each of its separate projects. Choosing software that is platform independent gives customers a more flexible approach to automation architecture. This way, systems can be designed in a way that best fits the facility and can be changed quickly and cost effectively.

This method can also reduce the time and costs associated with internal training for different systems. Seven-six percent of manufacturers either have a smart factory initiative in place, or they are currently working on formulating it. However, 39% of manufacturers admit that they are struggling to successfully implement their smart manufacturing initiatives. As a key enabler for the digital transformation of manufacturing facilities, choosing the right software should not be an afterthought.