In the era of Industry 4.0, industrial automation systems are moving towards intelligent and connected systems, improving operational agility, increasing productivity and efficiency. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a major contributor to achieving smarter production methods. With the advent of IIoT, machines are capable of sharing data and decisions with each other, and their operators.
EPC Industrial Control Computers (ICCs) are vital components of smart industrial automation systems. EPC ICCs can perform multiple tasks, use less power, and be programmed to perform complex calculations, all while remaining safe and secure. In this article, we explore the versatility of EPC ICCs and how they are empowering smarter automation.
1. How IIoT Helps Increase the Level of Intelligent Manufacturing in Industrial Automation Control Systems
The Industrial Internet of Things connects devices to the internet via different communication means, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. This connection allows devices to communicate and share data, which greatly enhances their efficiency and productivity. One of the key benefits of IIoT is its ability to improve data analytics to identify trends and anomalies in operations. With this information, production teams can make decisions and take action before a small issue turns into a big problem.
IIoT also provides real-time monitoring of production which enables companies to adjust and optimize machine performance in real-time to achieve maximum efficiency. IIoT systems help eliminate machine crashes and failures by monitoring and preventing breakdowns before they happen.
2. Real-Time Data Processing - Its Role in Automation Control Systems
Real-time data processing refers to the immediate analysis of data in real-time, as data is being produced. This type of processing complements industrial automation systems, where industrial sensors generate large volumes of data at a high speed. By and acting promptly, automation can prevent production errors and streamline the entire production status, which also leads to effective resource allocation. Real-time data processing can deploy machine learning and artificial intelligence to predict machine faults in real-time.
3. How IIoT Supports Large-Scale Data Collection and Monitoring in Intelligent Manufacturing
With the ubiquitous and connected nature of IIoT, it’s convenient to gather large data on machines, machine parts, and production lines. By using cloud services, businesses can monitor the collected data and generate insights to fine-tune production systems, identify critical issues, and take prompt corrective actions. IIoT can reduce downtime, maintenance cost, and fast track predictive maintenance significantly.
Now, industrial manufacturers can also monitor production via apps on their phones or laptops whenever they are, wherever they are. This accessible monitoring empowers production teams to identify and correct problems remotely.
4. How to Use EPC ICCs to Achieve Efficient Real-Time Data Processing and Analytics
EPC ICCs are designed with the capabilities to support real-time data processing and analysis. These computers can handle tasks that are required of them while operating multiple system software and hardware simultaneously. EPC’s ICC has a wide range of features that allow it to deliver on demanding production requirements, while maintaining top-notch safety and security.
These features include high-performance Intel processors, on-board PCI Express (PCIe) for network communications, and dual hot-swappable storage drives that ensure no single point of failure. With EPC’s ICC, businesses can manage hundreds of devices from a single system and have real-time communication and data processing in full swing.
5. EPC ICCs Support Automation Control System Reliability and Safety
EPC ICCs are designed to serve automation control systems with mission-critical applications. They have various safety features like battery backup, hot-swappable functional units, error-checking features, and on-board trusted platform modules (TPM). All these safety features ensure data dependability and the smoothest operation of control system and equipment even when the units suffer unexpected or expected power, mechanical, or computer issues.
EPC ICCs also leverage advanced security features and technologies to secure the data transmission and storage process. By utilizing encryption of data transfer, secure boot, and frequency hopping algorithms, EPC’s ICCs protect system operations from cyber-attacks.
Conclusion
EPC ICCs are key players in the development and implementation of smarter and secure industrial automation systems. With their sophisticated hardware and software, they empower engineers to develop smart automation systems that meet a range of highly specific and demanding conditions. By processing and analyzing large volumes of timely data, delivering high performance, and ensuring essential safety and security features, EPC ICCs create more reliable and secure systems for a wide variety of industrial applications.
