SOFTWARE & SYSTEMS NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS
CLPA
Only an open network technology will enable the transition to high productivity e-F @ ctories
Already fast becoming a reality , the e-F @ ctories of the future leverage the Industrial Internet of Things ( IIoT ) to support smart , data-driven operations . These facilities are setups that can only work ( and succeed ) if backed by openness , interoperability and interconnectivity . This is why choosing the right network technology and protocols from an industry-leading organization is key .
Tom Burke , Global Strategic Advisor at the CC-Link Partner Association ( CLPA ), explores the key aspects of network communications for future-orientated manufacturing facilities .
e-F @ ctories are all about dataflows , which generate and transfer insights on processes , equipment and other assets to drive productivity , performance and efficiency . This means that industrial communications can no longer be segmented , with parts of the enterprise completely disengaged from others . Instead , converged networks are required to fully realize the potential of digital transformation strategies .
Standard communications solutions have certainly come a long way in enabling interconnectivity . However , the current situation is still fragmented , requiring machine builders and end users to carefully consider the individual features of network technologies and the protocols available when embarking on a digitalization journey .
In effect , the market is still characterized by custom industrial Ethernet solutions , based on vendor-specific proprietary standards and with limited interoperability . Nonetheless , there are leading players in the sector that are bucking this trend , driving the development and adoption of technologies that can overcome present limitations to realize seamless connectivity .
DEFINING INTEROPERABILITY AND INTERCONNECTIVITY
The first aspect that companies should seek when looking at their communications is openness . A solution that enables open networking architectures ultimately supports the exchange of data among hardware devices form a multitude of makers . In effect , automation vendors are able to decouple network hardware and software to develop compatible devices and interfaces .
It is precisely for these reasons that the CC-Link family of network technologies for industrial communications was developed as an open-source solution . Even more , the CLPA is committed to driving its adoption by helping device vendors to develop compatible products , certify them as well as enhance their market reach .
In addition to openness , it is recommended to favor a network or protocol that can offer interoperability or other companion specifications that support the unification of industrial communications . Thanks to this approach , end users can easily tap into the information produced by different machines or divisions within an enterprise .
When looking at this aspect , the CLPA has been driving key initiatives to deliver seamless connectivity , e . g . by incorporating MQTT and establishing valuable collaborations with other prominent organizations . These include , for example , the development of a joint specification with PROFIBUS & PROFINET International ( PI ) as well as the incorporation of OPC UA technology within CC-Link IE open gigabit industrial Ethernet .
IDENTIFYING FUTURE-ORIENTED FEATURES
One of the most interesting parts of interoperability is the ability to reliably leverage solutions that were previously not accessible to specific domains . One example is the application of Simple Network Management Protocol ( SNMP ) to the operational technology domain .
This technology has been widely used throughout information technology ( IT ) to help engineers gain a unique insight into the health and performance of their networks and devices , however the operational technology ( OT ) side has never been able to benefit from it . Thanks to one of the industry ’ s most advanced network technologies , CC-Link IE TSN , this is no longer the case . Therefore , it is now possible to use SNMP to advance industrial automation and Industrial Internet of Things ( IIoT ) applications .
Finally , selecting a solution from a network technology provider that is committed to unified conformance testing is extremely advantageous , especially when it comes to delivering pioneering solutions . More precisely , as the market demand for Time-Sensitive Networking ( TSN ) grows , businesses can benefit from a standardized test plan to confirm the conformance and compatibility of products with TSN functions . This can ensure that all devices within a network can utilize the same protocols and standards .
To address this need , the CLPA is committed to the TSN Industrial Automation Conformance Collaboration ( TIACC ). This aims to develop and promote a single common conformance test plan to certify TSN-compatible products , in line with the IEC / IEEE 60802 TSN profile for Industrial Automation . Thus , the organization is actively engaged with other leading specialists , such as the Avnu Alliance , ODVA , OPC Foundation ( OPCF ) and PI , as part of this newly launched industry-wide initiative .
A SOLID PILLAR
The network of the future will be characterized by enhanced interconnectivity and openness in order to support seamless communications between a wide , ever-expanding range of devices . With a proven track record of improving and building on these core elements with every network technology released by the organization , the CLPA is well placed to address the need for easy to implement , transparent data sharing . By selecting the CC-Link family of network technologies , machine builders and end users are a step closer to achieving the unified architectures of the future .
For further information , please visit www . cc-link . org / en /
118 PECM Issue 60