customer background
Our customer is a multi-billion-dollar company well-known for delivering smart production solutions for connection technology, electronics, and automation. Headquartered in Germany, the company boasts a 100-year record in providing automation solutions through a global network.
customer need
The customer’s mandate was to adopt and implement Industry 4.0 use cases to maintain and strengthen their market position as an innovator. An edge technology-driven business strategy was chosen to allow for real-time digital insights, cost savings, and higher agility. To meet the demands of Industry 4.0 trends, the customer engaged with Softdel as its technology partner.
softdel’s solution
- Softdel developed a modular, open control IoT edge platform that connected the customer's PLC (programmable logic controller) systems to its IT systems, integrating visual programming frameworks (particularly 'Node-RED') to provide field engineers with an easier programming environment.
- To extend adherence with common standards and connectivity protocols, Softdel expanded the platform’s fieldbus protocols to accommodate systems like Modbus RTU and OPC UA.
- The solution enabled cloud connectivity with various platforms like Azure IoT Hub, AWS IoT Core, and GCP cloud.
- The combination of the open control platform, modular engineering software, and cloud integration enabled quick adoption to the changing demands of the industry and allowed efficient utilisation of existing and future software resources.
standards and technology
PLC standard:Â Open international standard IEC 61131 for programmable logic controllers and programming interface
Fieldbus protocols: Profibus, Profinet, CAN, Modbus, and OPC UA
TICK stack: Telegraf, InfluxDB, Chronograf, Kapacitor
Visual Programming Tool: Node-RED
benefits
- Highly customisable: The open-control platform facilitates quick and simple integration, allowing for maximum customisation.
- Next-gen solution development: The breakthrough edge computing platform facilitates the development of next-generation advanced controllers with real-time capabilities.
- Future-ready application: The solution is ideal for any future automation applications in smart manufacturing.
- Intelligent networking: Cloud connectivity and the integration of current and future communication standards enables intelligent networking.
