Within this stack , each layer , from the machine sensors to the business systems , all communicate one layer up or one layer down . You cannot easily skip layers or see data from multiple layers simultaneously . That is where the Kepware server comes in with the world ’ s most extensive library of adapters into different PLCs and controllers from all manufacturers . You can quickly plug that in and then start pulling the data tags you require . You collect data from a highly proprietary environment and make that available into the Thingworx software to build dashboards to provide the insights that are required .
It is the same challenge whether you are a global manufacturer such as Carlsberg or one of the new breed of artisan producers going from strength to strength . What you are looking at is the yield and quality of your product . Whatever the company ’ s size , you are looking to use data about your factory ’ s performance to make informed decisions and drive repeatability to keep your factory running longer .
We use CAD geometry in a traditional augmented reality overlay to instruct them on either a line changeover or equipment maintenance .
IT IS GOOD TO TALK The first step is accessing the data . Looking again at the Carlsberg installation , it was all about collecting data , standardising this data , and sending relevant insights up to the enterprise layer . To do this required the ability to connect shopfloor devices to communicate data , which can be achieved with our Kepware product . Real-time production control and analysis requires frequent information from all machines and equipment on the plant floor . If you can analyse the production data , you can optimise your line and ensure that the manufacturing systems operate efficiently . With most food and beverage shopfloors featuring a myriad of devices from different manufacturers , all with their own languages and protocols , this can be problematic .
Standardising plant floor communications through a connectivity platform such as Kepware enables modern manufacturing plants to implement new equipment and systems quickly . It simplifies the communications architecture , providing connectivity to an ever-growing list of devices and support for legacy , current , and future controllers ’ firmware and operating systems .
Most food and beverage manufacturers operate with an ISA-95 stack within the Factory . The objectives of ISA-95 is to provide consistent terminology that is the foundation for manufacturer communications , providing compatible information models , and consistent operating models .
PICKING WINNING INITIATIVES As the digital transformation gathers pace , food and beverage manufacturers can face a confusing array of possible options . Making the right choice of solution and partner can be fundamental to an initiative ’ s success .
It all comes down to understanding what that customer is trying to achieve from a strategic perspective and what they are trying to accomplish within their factory . Then it is about defining the expected value of the transformation project – how big is the impact ? How much can we reduce the time taken for a line changeover – or how much more uptime can we expect ? And will it scale throughout the factory – and across multiple factories in the future ? Within the Industrial IoT Solutions Platforms , there are answers for these and many other questions .
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