SCADA is on a transformation journey

EXHIBITION REVIEW

computing platform is built around a Cortex-A8 processor and designed for embedded data acquisition applications. It has built-in remote communication capabilities and is Microsoft Azure-ready to facilitate data transfer from field devices to the cloud. The computer comes with dual RS-232/422/485 serial ports and dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, as well as a Mini PCIe socket to support cellular modules.

Mitsubishi Electric set out to demonstrate its ability to achieve greater connectivity of the shop floor operational technology (OT) with IT infrastructure.

The first step in optimising OT/IT connectivity is utilising plant floor data and this is possible with edge computing solutions such as theOPC-AU compatible MELIPC. Data can be pre-processed locally and aggregated to create information locally and can seamlessly connect the shop floor with higher level IT systems such as MES and ERP platforms.

The 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 both shop floor use and IT management systems. The recent acquisition of ICONICS has extended the company’s portfolio in this area and will be able to provide more value by exploiting the data even further.

ICONICS’ suite of software products are designed to offer advanced capabilities on top of traditional, classic SCADA applications, as well as helping to bridge the gap between IT and OT, including advanced IoT technology that is said to bring SCADA to a new level.

Lenze put a focus on the opportunities offered by digital transformation which, it says, is fed by the increasing ability to link available data more closely – not just in production but also during machine and system development.

One of Lenze’s key tools for digital engineering is the EASY System Designer. This web-based planning tool will very soon support users with the complete planning of machine solutions, consisting of automation and drive components as well as software. The tool checks the feasibility of the system solution that has been developed and documents everything necessary for those involved in the engineering process. This can save valuable planning time, shortening the decision-making process and reducing project risk. The solution can also be made available for further engineering tasks and the complete solution can be transferred immediately to the EASY Product Finder shopping cart to accelerate the quotation process.

The planned system solution can then used as the basis for developing a corresponding PLC program. The programmer will have access to the information on the machine’s structure, selected hardware components and software modules, as well as the application parameters and other relevant project data, in their engineering environment. This means that they can finalise the PLC program and get the machine up and running quickly.

HARTING Technology Group showcased a variety of new connectivity solutions for digital and smart automation. A key feature on the stand was promotion for the new SPE Network, an alliance of technology companies which are jointly developing future-proof connectivity solutions for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE).

The collaboration between HARTING, TE Connectivity and HIROSE