Digital Factory is a term that’s often thrown around frequently, and mostly related with concepts of Industrial Ethernet, IoT, and Machine Automation. However, it is vital to realize that the foundations for a Digital Factory are laid by solutions that aren’t judged by their magnitude but by their ability to improve the efficiency of the plant floor.

Industrial production is composed of a number of tasks, all of which go hand in hand. One of these tasks is measuring distances. The applications are so non-uniform in nature that producing one sensor capable of meeting all requirements is extremely difficult. Thus, Banner Engineering offers a number of laser distance sensors that have been designed for varying user requirements, while keeping the reliability, safety and workability in check.

Electromagnets are highly popular and relied-upon in the entire fabrication industry. But in recent years, a new technology has made headway, one that revolutionizes the entire concept. Magswitch Technology aims to offer a switchable mechanism to welders, eliminating the need for electricity while providing magnetic fields stronger than electromagnets of the same size. Magswitch automation magnets aren’t permanent magnets either; instead it holds the capability to turn on/off with the switch of a button. This gives it a significant advantage over permanent magnets, specifically the ability to power it off to allow debris to fall from the magnet.

Monitoring and control equipment for operators is a necessity whenever machinery and plants need to be controlled. The challenge faced by system integrators is not limitation in terms of variety, but finding a solution that’s long-lasting and flexible according to changing needs.

Simatic HMI Panels have proven their value in almost all applications throughout the industrial sector. Their diversified portfolio demonstrates their ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of all types of customers. Siemens has made a recent addition to its Simatic portfolio with the IP65-protected HMI Comfort Panels PRO, for visualization and automation without control cabinets.

Temperature and Vibration Sensors are physically minor yet highly impactful components of any plant. The data they provide can be used not only for automation of equipment but to increase efficiency of processes.

Banner Engineering has years' worth of experience and expertise in the design, development, and production of Temperature and Vibration Sensors. Three of their newer temperature sensors bring precision, adaptability, and durability to the long line of Banner Engineering products.

The RSL 400 is an outstanding laser scanner from Leuze Electronic, and is underlined by its wide scanning range, reliable operation and robust build. Featuring operating ranges up to 8.25 meters, scanning angle of 270 degrees and ability to track four protective fields simultaneously makes it a perfect one-in-all replacement for multiple scanners.

Over the years, drive technology has truly advanced and gotten more diversified, giving users a wide variety to choose from. Low voltage VFDs have made their way to applications of up to 2500 HP, and greater, while medium voltage VFDs are being used for applications as low as 150 HP. A 2016 industrial survey revealed that customers were considering making the shift from LV to MV VFD solutions.

Magswitch claims it's changing the way things are done; a statement that is very much accurate. The mechanical device’s phenomenal ability to turn permanent magnetic field on/off at the switch of a button makes it eligible for an exhaustive list of applications, while revolutionizing the way things are currently done in the steel fabrication & handling industry.

Flexible control of production, efficient management of assets and synchronization of supply chains; who doesn’t want it all? More than being a want, all these factors are becoming a necessity as the competition gets fierce. Fortunately, Siemens has a solution for this as well, encapsulated by its range of RFID and code-reading systems that offer unrivaled integration, delivering highly effective identification solutions.

Fiber optics have revolutionized the communication industry globally, and filled the vacuum left by medias such as copper & electromagnetic waves. Providing higher throughput over longer distances, fiber optics form the backbone of the world’s communication, connecting cities, countries and continents.

However, this isn’t the only application where fiber optics are used. In recent years, fiber optics have also penetrated the industrial sector, providing sensing in hard to reach areas that are otherwise effected by electromagnetic interference.