The Next Industrial Revolution: How Future–Ready is India's Process Industry ?

Related Vendors

DÜPERTHAL Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Turck_Your_Global_Automation_Partner.jpg ()

Making the Technology Tranformation Easy

To enable this smart transformation, automation solution providers are offering various solutions. “The local data transmission unit, Fieldgate, with an integrated web server, allows for global data acquisition via private and public communication networks. A standard Internet browser is sufficient for querying inventory data. Fieldgates from Endress+Hauser not only provides current measured values but also offer the possibility of monitoring device stations, requesting information and sending data directly to a superordinate inventory management system such as SupplyCare,” informed Hemal Desai.

Technology Examples of Connected Technology

Other companies too are bringing out a range that fecilitates Industry 4.0, Schaffler, for instance,s offers a product portfolio that includes various rolling and plain bearings, accessories and maintenance and monitoring aids. “Schaeffler Group offers SmartCheck, the smallest online condition monitoring system, which provides different options for monitoring of rotating machines and can be integrated in the control system for triggering control measures,” informed Davesar. Additionally the company also offers other solutions such as a GreaseCheck sensor.

Moreover, Industry 4.0 requires distributed controllers that can adapt independently to processes, equipment and devices. Phoenix Contact has developed solutions in the same area. “The company offers innovative range of controllers in various performance classes. Additionally, reliably protecting the network against third party and unauthorized access is an essential requirement. Phoenix Contact has further developed security applications for industrial use, e.g., firewall,” revealed Milan Desai.

Additional Information

INDUSTRY 4.0: FIVE KEY ELEMENTS

FIVE ELEMENT S TO CONSIDER WHILE EMBRACING INDUSTRY 4.0?

When it comes to embark on the path to Industry 4.0, here are five key elements

industrial organizations should consider:

1) Legacy Equipment: Take inventory of automation devices such as PLCs, RTUs, robots

and drives. How old are they? Do they need to be replaced or upgraded? Is legacy

equipment going to be able to communicate with newer equipment? How much

time and money will this take? What cost-effective solutions can address the current

infrastructure?

2) Protocols/Communication: Along with the equipment, what protocols are being

used by the devices in the network? How many are in use? Do they need to be

converted in order to get the devices to communicate with others in your environment?

What type of media (cabling) is being used at each location? Fiber-optic cable? Serial

(RS-232/422/485) or Copper?

3) Location/Environment: Where is the facility located? If the equipment is at remote

location, can devices be monitored via cellular networks? Also, within the building

itself, what is the overall environment? Is it hot and dusty or kept at a controlled

temperature? Is there lot of vibration? Is industrial-grade equipment that is designed

with wide environmental ratings and industry certifications being used?

4) Security: How can sensitive data be protected when it is collected and transferred?

What security measures are in place for the systems that collect, monitor, process

and store data? Are there any regulations regarding the protection of data and

information transfer?

5) Staff: As more technology-based devices are added to the network, is the right

IT staff on hand, as well as other employees who are tech savvy and can help with

installation and monitoring on the factory floor? Is software or remote monitoring

needed to keep tabs on devices in other locations?

Are we Ready for the Future?

Likewise, technology providers are equipping themselves to be ready to serve the market and they are actively upgrading their devices with onboard IT connectivity to allow smooth exchange of the data. “We are witnessing the appearance of many industrial products for connecting shop floor to top floor, such as controllers, sensors, actuators, etc. Consultations with technology providers will help process industrialists get insights about the evolving technologies and best way to go about them on the path of modernization and expansions,” stated Sivaram.

As mentioned before when the global process industry is moving ahead accepting Industry 4.0 and Indian players have limited choice but to accept it. “To be part of the Industry 4.0 revolution is not a choice any longer but is precondition to stay on course and sustain profitable growth,” concluded Davesar.

Highlight at this years Hannover Messe 2013 is the Industry 4.0 Lounge. (Bild: Deutsche Messe)

* The author is Associate Editor at Vogel Business Media India

(ID:43497507)

Industrial Internet of Things

The Next Industrial Revolution: How Future–Ready is India's Process Industry ?

Making the Technology Tranformation Easy

Technology Examples of Connected Technology

Are we Ready for the Future?