Electricity and Control April 2020

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Pick-to-Light solution for efficient assembly The Pick-to-Light Solutions Kit now available from Turck Banner is an integrated solution that consists of an enclosure, a DXM controller, a HMI (human machine interface), plus direct connections for PTL110 devices and power. The integrated device and power decrease installation costs and the kit improves picking sequences and ensures flexible pick functionality. The combination of pick-to-light devices and the Pick-to-Light Solutions Kit helps manufacturers reduce the risk of error in the assembly process, supporting consistent product quality and reducing labour cost. The Pick-to-Light Solutions Kit is powered by PICK- IQ™, a purpose-built serial bus protocol that maintains high speeds even in networks with high device count. Direct connection between the box and PICK-IQ devices provides an ideal solution for production lines and fulfilment stations that require many pick points, while maintaining a rapid pace to achieve or exceed productivity targets. PICK-IQ devices optimise application performance with options including optical sensor, touch button and display. Combined with additional accessories and sensor devices,

new web-based ‘software as a service’ (SaaS) predictive maintenance tool. This collaborative development is facilitated by the e-F@ctory concept which encompasses the e-F@ctory Alliance Network and the knowledge that the partner network provides, coupled with Mitsubishi Electric’s expertise and experience with industrial automation. Improved control and visualisation of manufacturing processes is another example where OT/IT crossover is in demand. Mitsubishi Electric’s SCADA system, MAPS, achieves this by collecting and aggregating production data for shop floor use and IT management systems. The recent acquisition of ICONICS has extended the company’s portfolio in this area and will provide more value by exploiting the data even further. the Pick-to-Light Solutions Kit visually guides operators to pick the correct parts, in the right quantities and the proper sequence. This reduces errors and defects and increases productivity by eliminating a common source of wasted time – like checking and re-checking instructions. The Pick-to-Light Solutions Kit is an ideal easy-to-add solution in industries that require highly visible indication, such as automotive and general assembly lines. In addition to having all the components necessary for time-saving installation, it improves safety, productivity and quality in a variety of applications including: - Pick-to-light assembly - Order fulfilment - Put-to-light stocking - Kitting - Sequencing. For more information contact Brandon Topham at Turck Banner.Tel: +27 (0)11 453 2468, or email: brandon.topham@turckbanner.co.za

The Pick-to- Light Solutions Kit can boost productivity on assembly lines.

Connecting OT and IT infrastructure in manufacturing One of the key challenges for today’s businesses engaged in the process of digitalisation is connecting shop floor operational technology (OT) with IT infrastructure. From machine building, to plant visualisation, automation, networking, robotics and data processing, Mitsubishi Electric and its e-F@ctory Alliance partners offer a range of products, solutions and services to help businesses achieve this.

New business models that improve how we design, build, sell and operate industrial services and machines are being created by improved connectivity between OT and IT. The first step in optimising OT/IT connectivity is processing and using the large amount of data made available by shop floor equipment, such as sensors and PLCs. The new edge computing solutions from Mitsubishi Electric, theMELIPCseries, demonstratesbothcapabilities. It offers edge computing functionality combined with OPC UA compatibility. Data can be pre-processed and aggregated to create valuable information locally and can connect the shop floor with higher level IT systems such as MES (manufacturing execution systems) and ERP (enterprise resource planning) platforms seamlessly. This capability enables machine builders to offer valuable services that can be adapted to suit different IT environments. It has already been demonstrated working with Oracle, SAP, IBM and Microsoft Azure. The technology offers a potential competitive advantage in predictive maintenance, identifying anomalies to improve productivity or simply improve the efficiency of existing equipment. Mitsubishi Electric, together with one of its e-F@ctory Alliance partners, Schaeffler, is also working on another application using the advantages of OT/IT connectivity: a

For more information contact Mitsubishi Electric Europe,

email: Monika.Torkel@meg.mee.com or visit: eu3a.mitsubishielectric.com/fa

Greater connectivity between OT and IT systems, as required for digital transformation, offers manufacturers a competitive advantage.

Electricity + Control APRIL 2020

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