Industry 4.0
There are two main developments in the industry 4.0: Networking and automatic controlling. Previously, machines in factories were managed by a central control system. Information was collected in different systems and was analyzed by staff members. In addition, they adjusted production rates in order to made product manufacturing more efficient.
This will change drastically in the industry 4.0. In the digitalized future all machines as well as their components will be equipped with sensors. This way, they are able to communicate constantly with each other and with other systems such as in production, development, distribution. Customers and suppliers will be incorporated in the interconnected world as well.
OPC UA - THE PROTOCOL FOR INDUSTRY 4.0
OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) is a manufacturer-independent communication protocol for automation applications in the industry. It is based on the client-server principle and enables continuous communication from individual sensors and actuators as well as with the ERP system or the cloud. The protocol is independent of platforms and has built-in security mechanisms. OPC UA is flexible and completely independent which is why it is considered the ideal communication protocol to implement Industry 4.0. In addition, the protocol can easily be transferred to other protocols such as MQTT or AMQP. This means that new systems can also be adapted to existing infrastructure.
Why does B&R rely on OPC UA?
- Open standard
- Established on the market
- As OPC UA TSN even real-time capable
As an integrator of B&R components, Kinemation AG appreciates the open standard, the high level of security as well as the complexity of this protocol. Units and value-ranges can be directly assigned to individual variables. In addition, these can be adapted to the respective authorization level.
Web visualization with OPC UA - mapp View
Due to the use of numerous advantages, B&R uses OPC UA products for cross-vendor horizontal and vertical communication as well as for the protocol. The web visualization mapp View, for example, exchanges all necessary data with the machine or facility via OPC UA. This means that it is possible to develop very flexible and modular visualization solutions.
You can find further information/specifications under:
Audit Trail - 21 CFR Part 11
B&R expands the mapp technology with one component for the audit trail. Applications according to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 can now be implemented more quickly. In some industries it is essential to be able to trace all actions and it generally serves to ensure quality standards.