Comprehensive shop floor integration via equipment type independent universal software platform

Shop floor integration is an essential prerequisite for the implementation of Industry 4.0 concepts. Only a seamless connection of all machines and equipment to the system landscape, horizontal and vertical integration, can ensure the necessary real-time communication. Many companies are currently balking at the high costs associated with complete integration down to the shop floor level. Missing or proprietary data interfaces give rise to considerable integration overheads.

This is exactly where PAC, the Process Automation Controller from znt-Richter, comes into its own. This powerful open platform for the vertical integration of machines and equipment forms the connection between the control level (shop floor) and the higher levels, MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and/or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). A PAC implementation is generally both, cost-effective and requires relatively low effort.

With the help of PAC, equipment from various manufacturers can quickly be integrated into and controlled from virtually any system landscape. The range of functions offered by the Process Automation Controller of znt-Richter far exceeds the typical tasks of operational and machine data acquisition. The controller allows context specific acquisition and aggregation of diverse equipment data, and the distribution of the data to the appropriate locations for further processing. PAC can be configured and extended as desired, with the ultimate goal being a full shop floor automation solution.

Contact: Birgit Knogler, znt Zentren für Neue Technologien GmbH
B.Knogler@znt.de