Connecting sensors and machines


The value of smart machines for manufacturing applications is real. With them, you can enjoy real-time data collection, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and can apply machine learning for improved production quality.


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Getting started with predictive maintenance


Predictive maintenance is an approach used among all types of organizations to achieve increased productivity and efficiency. In this video we will discuss the strategic and operational benefits of predictive maintenance and cover a four step approach to get started with predictive maintenance.


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Connecting mass-customization

Connecting mass-customization production lines

Mass customization enables manufacturers to deliver customized products to customers while keeping production costs low. To accomplish this, custom customer orders are intelligently integrated systems and production limes to initiate standardized, mass production, custom production, and mixed model production.

Creating value for your mass customization

Mass customization creates the possibility of IIoT-ready and CPS-based smart production, which provides manufacturing firms with opportunities to carry out multiple production strategies. In addition, manufacturing firms can improve their competitive position by allowing them to react quicker to changing consumer demands.


For more information, please download our application note here.

Streamlining the end-to-end process

In a smart factory with mass customization, the customer order and the inventory and supplier systems are all connected to streamline the schedule of incoming materials to be “just-in-time” for the production process. And outgoing deliveries to customers will also have a more reliable schedule. 

  1. Connecting inbound supply chain vehicles to the system Connected coil sensors and IP cameras control the opening of gates at loading docks. The cameras recognize the license plates of the supply-chain vehicles and open the gates when necessary. The plate numbers are verified by a plate recognition system in the control room via Ethernet switches and wireless systems.
  2. Dispatching AGVs to bring parts, tooling, materials, and WIPs to production lines With help from connected sensors, industrial computers, and wireless clients, AGV distribution systems direct AGVs to move the WIP, refill or feed materials, or replace tools.
  3. Connecting finished goods to AS/RS with AGVs Wireless access points are used to transmit the information back and forth between the AS/RS and AGV distribution system to accommodate the mobility needs of the AGVs. Redundancy features in your wireless network enhance the reliability of your internal logistics network.
  4. Connecting AGVs to outbound supply chain vehicles Supply-chain vehicles are identified by RFID sensors connected through a serial device server to the WMS. A panel PC updates shipping schedules for the manager while notifying the WMS to instruct the AGV distribution system to dispatch AGVs to receive materials or deliver finish goods.

Connecting smart manufacturing facilities

A connected smart building is built to support the diverse production activities with better energy efficiency, safety and security, and sustainability. With the integration of the Industrial Internet of Things, manufacturers are moving towards a digitalization opportunity to build a smarter, more optimized and manageable manufacturing facility. Facilities are now being connected to deliver operationally efficient, safe and profitable manufacturing processes.

Cybersecurity for smart manufacturing

Smart factories require IT and OT to be integrated by connections to sensors, machines, and production lines, making the ICS network in these factories more vulnerable to the external and internal threats. So the top priority when enabling cybersecurity is to create a “clean” network environment to protect smart machines, production lines and ultimately your entire factory.

  • Protecting your smart machines
  • Protecting your smart production lines
  • Protecting your smart factory

Protecting your smart machines

As network complexity increases with smart factories connected to the industrial internet of things, whitelisting traffic control becomes inadequate to provide effective network security for industrial applications. What is needed are well-designed firewalls that can allow or deny traffic based on protocols, to enable checks on control data commands at the application layer, such as Modbus TCP deep packet inspection.

Protecting your smart production lines

It’s always a challenge for general industrial users to configure security-related parameters. In order to manage the complex network with ease and prevent unauthorized access, utilize a comprehensive automation profile function that supports most common fieldbus protocols, including EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, Modbus/TCP, and PROFINET. Users can easily create a secure Ethernet Fieldbus network from a user-friendly web UI with a single click.

Protecting your smart factory

To enhance the entire network security of your smart factory, the traffic that passes between the ICS network and enterprise network must be scrutinized and filtered. Cybersecurity experts believe that one of the best methods to filter traffic is to pass the data through a demilitarized zone (DMZ).