Benefits of Industry-Standard Networks Explained
Modern control and business systems require open, digital communications. Industrial networks replace conventional point-to-point RS-232, RS-485, and 4-20 mA wiring between existing measurement devices and automation systems with an all-digital, 2-way communication network. Industrial networking technology offers several major improvements over existing systems. With industry-standard networks, we can select the right instrument and system for the job regardless of the control system manufacturer. Other benefits include:
- Reduced wiring -- resulting in lower overall installation and maintenance costs
- Intelligent devices -- leading to higher performance and increased functionality such as advanced diagnostics
- Distributed control -- with intelligent devices providing the flexibility to apply control either centrally or distributed for improved performance and reliability
- Simplified wiring of a new installation, resulting in fewer, simpler drawings and overall reduced control system engineering costs
- Lower installation costs for wiring, marshalling, and junction boxes
Standard industrial networks offer the capability to meet the expanding needs of manufacturing operations of all sizes. As our measurement and automation system needs grow, industrial networks provide an industry-standard, open infrastructure to add new capabilities to meet increasing manufacturing and production needs. For relatively low initial investments, we can install small computer-based measurement and automation systems that are compatible with large-scale and long-term plant control and business systems.
