Since the announcement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, companies have been exploring how to effectively integrate data-driven services into their value chains. The number of users determines the number of possible approaches. This is why Weidmüller tracks Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) projects from initial goal setting to solution implementation.
The era when internet access was limited to computers, smartphones, and tablets is over. Today, virtually every technological device can connect to the network and communicate through it by being assigned an IP address. This trend has also been widely adopted in the industrial sector . Production equipment, machine units, and even individual tools can collect and exchange data —developments in this area have opened up many new applications in automation.
Digitalization itself is not the goal.
Today, many companies have a basic understanding of IoT applications, but they sometimes lack the specialized skills for independent applications. Although data has been collected and stored in the initial stages, this data is often not used effectively. However, the collected information can only realize concrete and measurable benefits through logical connections and evaluation .
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has diverse applications and can be used independently, such as commissioning location-independent machines, improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness ( OEE), or automatically generating energy consumption reports. Therefore, it is crucial to pre-define specific objectives. Weidmüller supports industrial enterprises in identifying the various possibilities for IIoT applications, developing demand-based solutions, and successfully integrating these solutions into existing infrastructures.
Data-driven Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) services primarily encompass five core functions: data acquisition, preprocessing, communication, analytics, and operator interaction. Over the past few years, Weidmüller has developed a comprehensive suite of digital services based on its "u-mation" automation system , mapping these functions from sensors to the cloud. The Detmold-based group provides services such as the Weidmüller Monitoring System (WMS) for wind power generation, as well as solutions that can be further developed by users. For example, Industrial Analytics' automated machine learning software enables machine operators to leverage their domain knowledge to develop and optimize AI-based analytical models.
"Transformation" is becoming increasingly important
While digitalization is a hot topic, most existing factories and machines are not yet able to leverage the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This is why "transformation"—such as digitally transforming machines and systems—has become a central issue. Adhering to the principle of "never change a system in operation," transformation avoids disrupting existing automation technologies and instead establishes a parallel architecture. To this end, Weidmüller offers customized IIoT systems based on its FieldPower® distributed application system . These IIoT systems , for example, simply connect to existing systems. This approach enables machine operators to economically digitize their installed infrastructure and leverage data-driven services.
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Regarding Weidmüller
As a seasoned expert in industrial connectivity, Weidmüller provides products, solutions, and services to customers and partners worldwide in industrial environments encompassing power, signaling, and data processing. Rooted in these industries and markets, Weidmüller is confident in its ability to meet future technological challenges.
Weidmüller is committed to development, providing innovative, sustainable, and efficient solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Therefore, we have jointly set the standard in the field of industrial connectivity.
Currently, the Weidmüller Group has manufacturing plants, sales companies, and liaison offices in more than 80 countries around the world .
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