Industrial automation systems are made up of many different pieces — sensors, controllers and actuators — which need to be integrated into a cohesive whole. In other words, each component needs to communicate with every other component in order for the system to work efficiently.
This means that if you want your industrial automation to work properly, you need to design it with system integration in mind from the beginning. But even if you've been working with industrial automation for years, it can be hard to tell whether or not your current system is fully integrated. Here are three signs that your industrial automation has inadequate system integration:
1. You Can't Share Data Between Different Systems
If there are multiple systems involved in your manufacturing process — such as ERP and MES systems — but they can't share data, then they aren't truly integrated. Even if they use similar protocols and formats for sending information back and forth between each other, they won't be able to share all the necessary information needed for accurate production tracking and control. This makes it hard for manufacturers to run their businesses efficiently as well as maintain quality standards in their products. Industrial electrical technicians can help you integrate these different systems so that they can share data with each other. This will ensure that all of your production data is recorded in one place and is available for analysis, making it easier for you to identify trends and make improvements.
2. You Don't Have Access To Real-Time Data From Other Systems
One of the biggest advantages of using industrial automation software is being able to access live data while working in the field or remotely from home or another location outside of your office building or factory floor. If you don't have access to live data while working remotely, then this could be an indication that your software doesn't have adequate system integration capabilities. Without access to live data, it will be much more difficult for you to make decisions about your equipment or processes.
3. You Have Problems Creating Reports And Dashboards For Your Data
Another sign that your industrial automation does not have adequate system integration is if you have problems creating reports and dashboards for your data. If you are having trouble with this task, then it could be due to the fact that your software does not allow for easy reporting and dashboard creation. Industrial electrical technicians and engineers need to be able to see what is happening with their equipment, but they can only do so if there is adequate system integration.
To improve your industrial automation, contact a technician to help you with your system integration needs today.