In this article we will highlight the advantages of using a Floor Control that uses IT standards (both hardware and software) and how the computer equipment becomes a fundamental tool in its use.
First, we must clarify that we are aware of the advantages of precision, stability, and remote control that PLC- and SCADA-oriented systems bring to floor control. However, due to the significant price difference and the need for specialized personnel to operate, configure, and repair these systems, we decided to weigh and evaluate alternatives where your own IT and plant personnel can take care of installing, operating, and maintaining MODERN FLOOR CONTROL systems.
The elements where the IT area plays a very important role are the following:
1. Equipment: Current Floor Control Software (such as Gespline) is installed on computers or PC-type panels and not on PLCs, which allows maintenance, updates and repairs to be carried out without the need for personnel specialized in this type of PLC. In addition, there is ease and speed in obtaining spare parts and hardware improvements. You can even use virtuales servers, saving the infrastructure of having them physical. Also, these systems leave the door open to connect and capture data collected by PLCs.
One of the important points of having a PC on the floor is that the machine operator has access to all kinds of software, as well as tools for capturing extra information, such as Excel, including software modules of the corporate ERP.
2. Communication and connectivity protocols: As they are installed in computers or PC-type panels and have a standard operating system (Windows), they will use common protocols such as Active Directory, SQL Databases and Web Servers. They can also connect via both WiFi and Ethernet (it does not handle high volumes of data). It also facilitates the updating of protocols, security or physical ports. In terms of connection to sensors, today there are a wide variety of options for data acquisition cards, which are connected to a PC through the USB port, or the serial port, without programming or complex configurations.
3. Remote access: Centralized management can be carried out. From the computer center, it is possible to access the equipment in the plant and carry out sensor signal checks, communication to servers providing centralized remote support, in addition to giving remote access to the supplier when more complex actions are required, reducing the need to travel to the machines and allowing immediate response. This applies both to the company's IT area and to those in charge of providing support to the service provider.
4. Customization: The floor control modules and screens can be customized according to the specifications of the computer equipment, in this wau reports can be presented with the information in the exact fields and used for analysis according to the company's formats. This characteristic is fundamental in future growth in terms of information capture, new indicators, new trends, new technologies.
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From our experience in this type of system, by 2018 we have successfully installed more than 600 machines, in more than 50 customers, in medium and large factories, with results of return on investment in a very short time.
We hope you will write us comments on the subject, we would like to clarify any doubts you may have.
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