ABB Factory of the Future: Digital solutions for engineering and intelligent manufacturing
Published on : Monday 30-11--0001
ABB will be showcasing its solutions for the digital transformation of manufacturing at SPS IPC Drives, the leading trade fair for smart and digital automation . ABB’s digital solutions include innovative systems, software and services that allow companies of any size in the manufacturing and process industries to increase productivity, enhance operational efficiency, and improve safety and security.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is shaping the factory of the future by processing ever-growing volumes of data generated from intelligent automation, and producing analytics that drive performance. As a pioneering technology leader, ABB is mastering these challenges. With its suite of ABB Ability™ digital solutions, ABB enables industrial customers to leverage the benefits of digitalization.
ABB’s business unit for machine and factory automation will launch its first cloud application for OEMs based on the ABB Ability™ platform. The new ABB Ability™ Asset Performance Monitor collects data on production rate, energy consumption and temperature, and provides a 24/7 overview of an OEMs’ entire installed base from which more informed business decisions can be made. Users define required information, and the application automatically calculates Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness, from which improvement recommendations can be made. Asset Performance Monitor displays the data in a digital dashboard, giving OEMs the insight to recommend actions that will improve customer performance, such as machine upgrades and advanced services. State-of-the-art security standards and transfer protocols ensure security and data integrity.
At SPS, ABB will showcase flexible, scalable and secure solutions that facilitate the shift to smart factories. As an agile industry partner with a deep understanding of business and technology requirements of engineering firms and system integrators, ABB builds custom solutions to meet their needs.
Digitizing the production process increases availability and throughput, reduces raw material and energy use, and improves product quality to bring greater business value to customers. Virtual commissioning of drives and PLCs can cut project costs significantly while boosting engineering productivity. Communication based on the OPC UA standard eases data exchange among multiple vendors, and facilitates machine and systems integration.
ABB offers a wide range of solutions for secure and efficient energy distribution, for example, by deploying an innovative cloud platform to connect electrical devices in a facility with the industrial Internet, and using switches for precise information and control functions. New, intelligent compact circuit breakers use integrated connectivity to link smartphones, tablets and PCs with data analysis tools in the ABB Ability™ cloud platform in real time.
The ABB Ablility™ Digital Powertrain also builds on digitalization. This solution consolidates sensor and drive data with cloud-based analysis of all components in an industrial system into a single unit – from frequency converters and motors to pumps and bearings. This makes decisions on key issues, such as maintenance tasks,more informed and reliable, while reducing the risk of down-time. Digitalization has even entered the realm of cable protection. A new sensor-aided cable protection solution monitors protection systems to respond quickly, for example, when moisture enters the system or undesirable temperature levels are recorded.
These solutions incorporate cybersecurity and safety. A multilayer security approach enables customers to take advantage of the benefits of digitalization without compromising safety. It is also possible to realize comprehensive safety zones that provide maximum safety even with an increase in productivity and complexity.
Digital solutions demand teamwork across enterprises that is agile, flexible and collaborative. During live workshops at the ABB trade fair booth, customers will have the opportunity to discuss with ABB’s digital experts how the digital transformation will impact their industry, and identify solutions for their businesses. Visitors will experience performance-enhancing digital solutions, and ABB will learn more about its customers.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner in ABB Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees.