A manufacturing facility may have multiple PLCs from different suppliers, each with their own communication protocols. This can make it difficult for tool controller suppliers to keep up with the various protocols. Fortunately, there are suppliers that support many PLC protocols and have developed controllers that conduct data analysis and are easy to integrate and manage. For example, Ingersoll Rand®, a global leader in reliable and innovative power tools, recently introduced its
INSIGHTqc™ controller with plug-and-play hardware and software that works with any industrial protocol.
Think about how Apple® forever changed the smartphone market with a simple and intuitive interface. Today, simple and intuitive web interfaces are changing the way factories are using controllers. Plug-and-play controller platforms with web interfaces allow plant personnel to easily set up and program controllers with PLCs. Additionally, there are no additional software or licenses required or a need to install software on a separate computer.
With an easy-to-use web interface, the time it takes to set up a controller to a PLC can be reduced by 50 percent. If a controller fails, the recovery time to set up a new controller can be 80 percent faster. Ingersoll Rand makes the recovery process quicker by designing the controller’s high-capacity hard drive so it can be quickly removed and easily installed on a spare controller in minutes. This can translate to big-time savings for manufacturers.
