The need to shorten lead times for new machine manufacturing while maintaining flexibility for quick expansions is increasingly important. Advancing digitalization demands higher data throughput in production and IT exchange. Plant operators aim for higher automation to boost productivity, requiring easy machine integration and standardized data exchange interfaces. This increases the load on communication systems within and between machines. Global customers necessitate consideration of local conditions in machine design.

Automation Needs an Integration Concept

New solutions must reach the market faster and remain flexible for changing customer needs. Efficiency in planning and engineering must improve for cost-effective production. Enhancing machine connectivity is crucial for future viability; failing to keep up increases construction and maintenance efforts.

Machine Connectivity is a Key Factor for Siemens

Siemens’ modular automation system, particularly the SIMATIC ET 200 IO system, offers solutions. If a machine’s communication capabilities are maxed out, a more powerful controller can be used due to SIMATIC ET 200’s scalability. Field Data Enablement (FDE) can improve data communication by delivering sensor data to the IT level, linking OT and IT levels better. FDE is available as a gateway or app, usable independently.

For varying communication standards, the MultiFieldbus interface module is recommended. ET 200 stations can connect to controllers using Profinet, Modbus TCP, or EtherNet/IP, opening new markets. IO-Link-capable sensors can integrate data into automation systems via ET 200 series modules, enhancing diagnostics and maintenance.

Other ET 200 components meet time-to-market needs: distributed control and communication simplify cabling, the structure is expandable, and IP65 standard modules can be mounted directly on machines if space is limited.