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Real-world application

Machine connectivity and integration

In advanced machine engineering, production solutions have to be usable on a global level and also comply with regulations, support advanced analyses, and enable remote access. Find out how machine connectivity and integration in various production environments can make you more competitive.

Challenge

As a successful machine builder, you've standardized designs, optimized engineering, and offered worldwide service. But how do you meet unique customer automation needs or provide additional process data to IT when engineering resources are stretched and support is required worldwide? Are your machines truly prepared to keep pace with future changes?

Solution

Meet unique automation needs and deliver process data to IT with standardized field connectivity, OPC UA, and secure remote access. Centralized engineering simplifies machine integration and IT/OT communication. Remote commissioning, diagnostics, and support reduce on-site effort, while scalable interfaces help machines adapt to changing requirements and stay ready for future demands.

Benefits

  • Reliability: Select hardware and networking components for efficient, reliable automation and communication.
  • Flexibility: Divide systems into modular components for improved flexibility and maintainability in serial machine design.
  • Simplicity: Design machine interfaces for easy system integration, with built-in remote service support
  • Efficiency: Parametrize and commission network devices and I/O periphery to ensure proper wiring and control panel functionality.
Person pointing on a tablet beside robotic arms in an automated manufacturing facility.

How to get started

Improve machine connectivity across the entire process. Seamlessly connect sensors, controllers, and IT systems, simplify data exchange and machine integration, and enable efficient remote commissioning, diagnostics, and support to keep operations flexible, scalable, and future-ready.

Electrical designer in front of a notebook

Electrical design

Choose the right automation, networking, and communication components for your application and environment. Create scalable network architectures with flexible I/O systems and seamless sensor connectivity to ensure reliable machine performance and efficient data exchange.

Engineers working on a project

Basic engineering

Configure serial machines faster with modular designs, automated I/O checks, and integrated protection settings. Generate hardware configurations and network setups automatically to accelerate engineering and ensure consistency.

Detailed engineering with TIA components

Detailed engineering

Engineer standardized machine interfaces to enable seamless data exchange, parallel data access, and efficient system integration. Enable fast remote service, operation, and monitoring of standalone or distributed machines through secure connectivity, including cellular networks.

Retrofit and Modernization Services Keyvisual

Installation and commissioning

Configure and analyze industrial networks efficiently to ensure reliable communication and optimized system performance. Test and validate I/O systems after machine setup to verify correct installation, functionality, and commissioning readiness.

Digital transformation

Seamless integration and robust data exchange are key technical considerations for optimizing operations, enabling new business models, and supporting advanced analytics in modern industrial environments.

Globalization with increasing regional diversity

Global operational flexibility, accommodating diverse local requirements, and efficient remote support are crucial technical considerations for industrial companies navigating varied market and production environments.

Time to market

Rapid market responsiveness, flexible design for evolving customer needs, and efficient, cost-effective engineering with easy integration and connectivity are key technical considerations for OEMs.

Case study

Fast diagnostics and shorter commissioning time

Automated production machine with modular assembly stations, conveyors, and integrated safety enclosures.

Davide Maternini SPA

Machine building, Italy

Davide Maternini SPA streamlined production using SIMATIC ET 200AL and ET 200SP. Flexible ET 200AL installation reduced engineering effort, junction boxes, costs, and project time. Integrated diagnostics from ET 200SP and IO-Link devices enabled faster installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting without additional programming.

Have any questions?

Let’s connect – our industry and technology experts will guide you to the best solution for your requirements.