Product category:
Fieldbus systems, Fibre-optic systems
News Release from: Procentec | Subject: Holding back from Profibus
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 04 July 2007
Why not adopt Profibus or Profinet? - a
view
It is important to understand the benefits a choice of Profibus or Profinet can bring: even then some people are holding back from this relatively new technology: Why?
It is important to understand the benefits a choice of Profibus or Profinet can bring If you look at the current automation trend, we always want: - more production, more quality, more information with: - less costs, less time, less people, less downtime
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 3 May 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Profibus and Profinet can bring all of this, but some people are holding back from this relatively new technology.
Is it because we are afraid of new things? Are we too old? Are we worried about our job? We should not hold back, but look around us; the best example I can give you is the aviation industry.
Before an airplane lands, it sends wireless information to the ground crew about the status of engine and other parts.
After landing, the ground crew immediately knows what to take from the shelves, put it in the truck and do maintenance on the plane, in order for it to take off as soon as possible and safely reach the follow-up destination.
The pilot doesn't even notice this process.
In the cockpit he is just looking at his indicators saying everything is OK.
Profibus devices have a lot of intelligence and diagnostics.
Why are people complaining about an automation technology that can't fall from the sky! Profibus has been used for many years, in many industries and has proven itself.
We see more and more plants completely equipped with this outstanding technology.
The management of these enterprises are aware that the intelligence and diagnostics of the instruments contribute to costs savings and optimisation of production automation.
So, the critical point is the awareness of modern automation technology.
Especially with maintenance technicians who constantly have to work with this system.
A lot of times their know-how is relatively limited which leads to a point that they are going to look at the installation as a 'black-box'.
This means; training is essential! Also for the parties that have nothing to do with the fieldbus system.
The contractors that have to design the factory itself should also be aware, because they can save on cable trays, cooling and energy.
The people that keep up with spare parts should also be aware, because less are required.
The engineers that do the testing and commissioning should be aware, because less work has to be done.
My conclusion is that the entire "holding off" issue comes down to know-how and trust.
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