As we now recognize that we are no longer limited to a few machines in a manufacturing process in a preset location, the change of factories into smart, connected, and efficient, is happening. This movement is called the smart factory. The change of technology that is associated with the smart factory is a piece of technology that many do not think about, yet it is vitally important to infrastructure and communication in the industry. That technology is the Industrial Network Switch. Without the switch there cannot be the proper communication between machines in a smart factory and therefore the automated production will not exist.
What is a Industrial Network Switches?
An intelligent factory leverages technology to create efficiencies, boost real productivity, and increase accuracy. In an intelligent factory, machines are connected to data that tell the machine when to start operating, stop operating, or modify the factory operation. Machines in an intelligent factory will do tasks faster than humans, more accurately, at a lower cost and less risk of error. Machines may need to be powered by a strong and reliable network.
Understanding Industrial Network Switches
An industrial network switch functions comparably to a traffic officer controlling data traffic. Just as a traffic light indicates when automobiles can move down the street,Industrial data transmission control the flow of data between machines and computers in a factory, which allows the data to reach its desired destination in time. Industrial data transmission is an important part of the systems, because without them, the machines would become confused, effectively slowing the system down, or freezing it all together.
Industrial network switches are different from a regular network switch too. Smart factory networking is constructed with a focus on performance in an industrial environment where the devices can be exposed to heat, dust, and vibration that would permanently damage a factory network switch.
How Industrial Network Switches Help Smart Factories
For machines in smart factories, it is essential to communicate with each in real time.Smart factory networking , through devices connected to the network, accomplishes this. For example, after a robotic arm has completed assembling a part, it can send a message to another machine to begin its operation. All this communication allows for a factory to flow without interruptions.
The second objective of the Smart factory networking is to improve safety. The switch connects sensors and safety devices so the switch can pass information to the system in case of commercial equivalence. Again, this phase will lead to fewer safety incidents, as well as safer conditions for workers.
The Benefits of Using Industrial Network Switches
When weighed against network switches manufactured for PC's or home networks, using industrial network switches in a smart factory has many advantages. First, there is efficiency. Machines are able to connect and communicate with one another much easier, and there are very quick, reliable ways to exchange data (between production machines). Second, there is downtime; industrial switches are designed to withstand, and do well in, an industrial environment. Therefore there is less cost and time spent repairing and maintaining the assets. Finally, there is scalability: allowing factories to scale, or add more machines to their network, without any degradation of network performance.
Choosing the Right Industrial Network Switch
Not every switch is a proper switch. When implementing switches as part of a Smart Factory, you will want to evaluate the best switch for you and your facility. You will want to deliberately look at speed, reliability, and the number of devices that the switch can support. There are Managed switches - which provide for a more simplistic approach to managing and monitoring the flow of data – and Unmanaged switches which are typically less expensive and require less management.
At swakshi we offer Industrial Network Switches that are designed specifically for Smart Factories. They are reliable, built to last, and you can trust and ensure smooth communication between machines, just what you need to keep your operations seamless and productive.
Industrial Network Switches and Automation
Smart factories depend on automation. And automation depends on real-time connectivity through industrial networking switches. For example, if a machine were to detect an issue during its operation, the machine could notify the other machines on the factory network and stop the production of bad parts or bad products. Without reliable industrial networking switches, this type of automation wouldn’t be possible.
Enhancing Data Security
Data is key to smart factories. Factory automation systems are equally important to secure that data. These devices are built on secure protocols that enable data to move seamlessly without hackers accessing data and sensitive information. This gives manufacturers confidence that they can be productive because a cyber attack will not shut down the system.
Future of Smart Factory Networking
Smart factories are bright on the horizon. Technology is moving fast...things like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and robots. Industrial grade network switches will play a huge part in connecting the technology, and in turn, as factories get smarter, industrial switches will get smarter also.
Conclusion
While compact in design, Factory automation systems perform a lot of heavy lifting that connects machines, automates, increases safety, and secures data. Network switches are a fundamental piece that make smart factories efficient. In fact, choosing the right switch could make the factory safer, more efficient, and simply more productive.
If you're considering an upgrade to your factory, or starting your journey of smart manufacturing then the recommendation is that you should integrate rugged, high quality industrial network switches into your factory. You can rely on swakshi to provide industry solutions to put smart in your factories, and do it safely, quickly, and smartly so you can count on quality manufacturing every day.