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Talking Down to Machines
 Whether complex or simple, machines are integral to automation. But how integrated are they in factory-wide systems? Here, we explore the ramifications of reaching into machinery with networks.
Much has been written about the growing shortage of
engineers and skilled automation professionals–a problem compounded by the near-term retirement of
the huge generation of baby boomers.
What happens when top -down automation data reaches a machine controller—does it go any further? And, what happens when bottom-up data generated by the machine controller tries to move upward, past the machine controller into the automation system?
The automation world has become so complex that there are no simple answers. Taking a holistic view of manufacturing, every machine in a facility has the potential to become a tightly integrated entity in a smoothly running enterprise-wide system. And, taking a machine-by-machine view, every machine in a facility can just as easily work in isolation from any top-down system, quietly sequencing its switches and driving its motors as it pushes a workpiece or process along.
Why talk at all?
If we cannot solve the puzzlement around how machines, controllers and automation should relate to one another, we can at least look at some of the give-and-take-the opinions and the reasoning for adopting this or that strategy.
The first question, of course, is why create an automation environment that reaches into a machine, or vice-versa, a machine that transmits out onto the automation network. After all, a top-drawer accountant sinking into the carpets in walnut acres is unlikely to want to know the X,Y,Z position of a tool, or the flow past a valve at any given millisecond. Even dropping several hierarchies, the plant manager would not have much interest in that information. But the closer you bring the camera to the machine—past operations and production management, down to process supervisor, maintenance crew and finally, to operator—the more important the individual bits and bytes might be... Read more
System Integrators Expand Engineering Duties
As plants trim engineering staffs, systems integrators take on more control responsibility.
The eyeglass manufacturer, Ophthonix Inc., in Vista, Calif., needed to integrate a lean-based flexible conveyor to accelerate production time and improve the quality of its custom-made lenses. The goal was to develop a variable speed drive module to run at a quicker pace with ample cooling. The company turned to Bosch Rexroth Corp., Hoffman Estates, Ill., for a VarioFlow flexible conveyor and brought in Eagle Technologies Group, in Bridgman, Mich., as the systems integrator for the project... Read more
Changing Perspectives Improves Asset Management
Taking a new perspective on metrics and personnel, along with a shift in strategic thinking, can help manufacturers improve asset availability.
Sometimes people will say, “Asset management, that's just a maintenance function,” as if that is a bad thing. Ensuring the production availability of all the equipment that has been procured and installed—often at the cost of millions of dollars—is an awesome task. And, it is the task of everyone—not only the maintenance department. Operations departments play an important role in finding problems before they escalate. Tying data into information technology systems can provide additional benefits. Everyone needs to play in this game... Read more |
