Mission-critical systems, such as water purification systems, require secure and reliable data networks to ensure that they perform efficiently, effectively and without interruption.

In the machine industry, the significance of functional safety has grown continuously as a result of advancing digitalisation.

If you’ve ever had to integrate an IO-Link device into any kind of automated system, the chances are you’ll have had to create a function block. Time savers as they are, function blocks are still rather a tedious part of the job.

In 2020, manufacturing had to cope with the consequences of a global pandemic, unpredictable markets, and political instability, all while dealing with pressing issues that were already troubling the sector before, such as the need to form sustainable production practices.

Designing machinery for future performance is always difficult, with many different factors to consider, such as emerging technology, manufacturing and assembly. To reduce the uncertainty, it is always advisable to use standard components, explains Martin Ahner, Product Trainer and Head of norelem ACADEMY.

System failure or unplanned machine downtime are among the industry's most significant cost drivers. Hence, maintenance engineers are demanding more condition-monitoring systems and predictive maintenance solutions to make it possible to schedule maintenance and prevent unplanned failures.

As packaging line machinery has become more sophisticated, it’s also become more complex. This increased complexity, coupled with a high number of interactions between operators and machines, increases the potential for safety incidents.

Throughout pharmaceutical manufacturing, pure and ultrapure water is required for many processes and end products. Both OEMs of production skids and end users appreciate the importance of maintaining the water quality standards in the production loop.