Implementing an all in one solution on a production line to connect all tools and have clear visibility to easily collect data
7/30/2019
Introduction
The system integrator sought to update their equipment with Industry 4.0 features, which is why Advantech was chosen as their supplier.
Advantech solutions enable Industry 4.0 systems for the end user, for example, the panel PC’s are capable of being connected to each other with standard or proprietary protocols.
The client
The challenge
The system integrator needed the end user on the production line to be able to connect all their tools e.g. an electric screwdriver, a barcode scanner and input signal from other machines for engineers to quickly and easily collect data.
It was essential the system could display a visual of all the production processes during each of the assembly steps. Old and new equipment using legacy protocols were being used in the factory. The company required the most cost-effective solution using Industry 4.0 compliant hardware.
The Industry 4.0 national plan set out by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development aimed to promote investments in innovation, technology and skills development.
Industry 4.0 systems can be connected to each other with standard or proprietary protocols, which allow the user to gather a wide variety of data from machines. The user reviews the data and analyses production line performance in order to find ways to optimise the efficiency of the whole system processes. When implementing any industry 4.0 solution the harsh, dirty environment of the production line needed to be taken into consideration.
The solution
The process
The Panel PC’s are used along the production line to display the same information to different users. The data goes to the backend network infrastructure. TPC/IP protocol up to the cloud, typically protected by an internal firewall. The team leader can get the information related to production numbers displayed on a big screen called ANDON which is typically mounted on the ceiling of the factory.
TPC-5000 Modular Industrial Panel PC is composed of:
Computing Box Module with 6thGen. Intel® Core™ /Celeron® Processor
LCD DISPLAY, 18.5" Display Module, PCT touch
The outcome
This meant when a production line worker was using a screwdriver, the system was able to recognise if the torque being applied by the worker was within the required specified range. Productivity increased as data was gathered quickly and easily. Deeper analysis could be conducted on data collected on the production line to the factory MES.
Advantages to the end customer
- All in one solution
- Reduced integration costs with overall savings of 15% on production costs
- The configuration is flexible and future proofed, so they can change the display size or add more modules for new remote analog/ digital signal
- Fanless solution
- Data collected from production line quickly
- Deeper analysis of data carried out on data collected from production line to factory MES
Why Advantech
- Ability to connect to all existing tools
- Ability to connect 2 displays with one PC
- Wired connection or WIFI
- No additional hardware required in order to connect existing tools
- Saved integration time and cost
- Well-known brand in the automotive market as a provider of flexible and modular solutions
- Quick delivery to client
- Open standard connections to connect with external tools
- High quality product which is cost effective
- Industry 4.0 features
- Cost effective price with highest quality
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