Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 33 2021 | Page 6

Simplifying Robust Process Manufacturing Networks

In today ’ s food and beverage processing environment robust and reliable end-toend network physical layer infrastructure is required from the enterprise to the edge . This is essential in order to maximise the understanding and benefit of increased data flows and optimise the processes , increase safety and provide increasingly more management information .
As more industrial operations are linked to corporate networks , connectivity is pushed to devices that increase the number of network access points . Factories need solutions that manage and strengthen the facility infrastructure by implementing lockout / tagout products and tools to protect employees and infrastructure from hazards created by energised systems .
Implementing optimised industrial communication and linkage from enterprise throughout the plant floor enhances network uptime , allows segregated networks , manages network security , provides network asset visualisation and proactively reports network information . 6 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
Food and beverage applications require reliable network infrastructure for end point devices and network connections . Structured cabling with fibre or copper is fed into zone enclosures which are engineered to accommodate the correct connection . The zone enclosure provides downlinks to control panels , OEM skids and end devices . A consistent network infrastructure that distributes Ethernet beyond the control room and across the plant floor improves Overall Equipment Effectiveness ( OEE ), increases network visibility and resiliency . Active and passive equipment architecture provides localised network traffic and reduces network redundancy and cost .
Connecting systems across the plant floor results in consistent Ethernet node growth and utilising best practice guidelines you can deploy Ethernet networks in a control panel environment . This results in higher performance , less susceptibility to EMI noise and enhanced network security , together with space optimisation . Additional benefits include noise mitigation and increased safety . Data access ports also prevent unintentional control panel disruption by unauthorised personnel . Standard network cable is not designed to be near high voltages . However , in industrial environments cables in control panels or near manufacturing machines are often in close contact . Panduit offers 600V rated solutions to ensure the integrity of your network from high voltage interference .
Implementing the appropriate cabling infrastructure from control panel to machine addresses effective cable routing , strain relief and environmental protection , which helps maximise plant uptime and ensures extended reliability .
Industrial reference drawings are the concepts that provide control and network services for mixed environment Operational Technology and Information Technology . For more information visit https : / bit . ly / 39AjtCk
More information on food and drink processing networking infrastructure solutions is available at www . panduit . com or contact Panduit on 02086017319