by Gary Mintchell | Sep 24, 2014 | Automation, Internet of Things, Operations Management, Technology
This week’s edition of the PI North Americs (formerly PTO) annual general meeting in Phoenix celebrates 20 years of Profibus/Profinet/Profisafe industrial networking in North America.
Chairman and Executive Director Mike Bryant began the session–the largest gathering so far–recounting the people and experiences that contributed to the growth of the organization and the technology over the past 20 years.
Where will the next area of growth lie for Profinet? Bryant and others are exploring the application of Profinet as part of the Internet of Things (or Industrial Internet of Things). As a technology built upon Ethernet, Profinet is an enabling technology for moving data from the “things” part of IoT to the Internet part.
My take on this is that they are on the right track. The IoT is essentially just moving data from the sensor/device level to a level where data becomes information displayed in such a way to enable analysis and decision making. Technologies such as Profinet will be an essential link in the train.
by Gary Mintchell | Feb 11, 2014 | Automation, Technology
I recently had the opportunity to interview Todd Gordon, computer/instrument technician leader at We Energies courtesy of the FDT Group. He discusses how the ability to see into smart field devices using diagnostics from digital networks and an asset management system prevented many production problems.
by Gary Mintchell | Nov 25, 2013 | Automation, Technology
Industrial Routers Integrate Industrial Automation and Networking
I am seeing a plethora of Ethernet and networking products. We have definitely reached a critical mass for industrial networking. Are all of you automation engineers adding network engineer to your resume?
Here, Red Lion Controls announced adding the compact all-in-one RAM 6021 to its Sixnet series RAM 6000 [industrial routers]. RAM 6021 routers offer industrial and manufacturing site operators a secure, flexible way to remotely connect, monitor and control assets, saving time and reducing costs across industries that include factory automation, oil and gas, and water/wastewater applications.
According to its release, these industrial routers are purpose-built for extreme conditions and deliver the security required to prevent unwanted intrusion in both the connected factory and remote locations. By facilitating communication between local and wide area networks, the RAM 6021 provides the ability to seamlessly connect, monitor and control machinery and equipment. Add in robust security features, which include a stateful firewall, network address translation (NAT) and VPN connections, and the RAM 6021 delivers a powerful all-in-one solution that seamlessly connects to existing Ethernet infrastructures, including networks with Modbus and DNP3 enabled devices.
The RAM 6021 also provides a “high-performance user interface” that simplifies unit configuration and management. This sleek, graphical web interface is now available across the entire portfolio of Sixnet series RAM and IndustrialPro industrial routers.
“The connected factory is now a reality, and Red Lion’s new RAM 6021 router allows customers to benefit from using industrial automation and networking to increase productivity, control and visibility while reducing operating costs,” said Diane Davis, director of product management for Ethernet networking at Red Lion Controls. “With an easy-to-use web interface, flexible configuration options and enhanced security features that protect against intrusions, our rugged RAM routers deliver reliable communications across the factory floor and other extreme environments.”
