Phoenix Contact’s concept of the Digital Factory now fully considers all areas of production plants. There are various scalable and immediately available solutions along the entire value added chain.

Discover the four fields of action:

• Data Collection - Collect data efficiently, store it flexibly, and evaluate advantages from it
• Data Transportation - High-performance networks are the backbone of your Digital Factory
• Data Storage - No chance for hacker attacks – making OT security secure
• Data Usage Smart use of your data

 and start realizing the potential of digitalization today.

Data collection, storage, and evaluation

The traditional separation of the OT level and IT level is now a thing of the past. Since the advent of the Internet of Things, all devices are networked and can communicate with each other. This offers many advantages, such as analyzing data using artificial intelligence (AI) and the associated increases in productivity. However, it inevitably also presents challenges. One of them is the integration of existing machines into the network and the collection of their data without losing CE conformity. In order to connect the old world to the new and to ensure smooth data exchange all the way from the machine to the MES, it is also necessary to create interfaces for modern communication protocols. The data is then stored either locally or in the cloud depending on the specific application.

Data transportation

Data is generated in all levels of the Digital Factory – from the sensor through to the cloud. The growing number of devices that are connected to Ethernet and send or receive data is resulting in increasingly complex networks. Here, efficient data flow is a basic requirement in order for production to run smoothly in a Digital Factory. Furthermore, the subsequent integration of additional intelligent devices into the network leads to constant expansion and continuous changes. In order to create an infrastructure that is future-proof, a sufficiently flexible structure is required along with the option of network diagnostics.

Data security

Connecting all the devices in a network to the Internet provides many advantages for production operations, such as being able to easily access machines from anywhere, whether for monitoring or maintenance by service partners. However, this also opens up the risk of third parties gaining unauthorized access and therefore requires the full protection of production operations. Phoenix Contact is certified in accordance with IEC 62443 and accordingly provides comprehensive security concepts for trouble-free operation.

Data usage

One of the essential steps on the path to a self-organizing Smart Factory is the targeted use and networking of data. It enables the flexible control of material flow in production and makes it possible to respond quickly to changes in volatile markets. The horizontal and vertical integration of systems into the Digital Factory is necessary in order to achieve shorter production lifecycles. The networking of ERP, MES, and production is key here. New information is generated from the stored production data enabling increased efficiency through optimization. Along with the data, there are also challenges associated with the integration of global safety, as well as communication and security concepts that need to be taken into consideration. Among other things, this is aided by Industry 4.0 and new automation standards.