Industrial automation has become an essential element in the race for efficiency, productivity and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
The industrial automation sector uses communication protocols to enable its heterogeneous equipment to communicate with each other reliably and securely. These protocols define the way in which data is transmitted between the various components of the automated system: format and structure of the data exchanged, synchronisation, routing, security, etc. They thus represent the foundations of communication within industrial automation systems and contribute to their smooth operation and the optimisation of their performance.
The benefits of efficient, reliable communications protocols within a product improve its competitiveness by making it more efficient and better adapted to market needs and developments.
In this article, we explain how communication protocols specific to industrial automation can optimise an existing product.
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Openness to the outside world
Openness and programming flexibility are truly strategic benefits, as they facilitate the integration of new equipment without the need to develop new code or new gateways.
This is why the use of communication protocols specific to industrial automation, capable of ensuring easy connection and seamless integration between different equipment and systems, is an advantage.
These communication protocols also facilitate cooperation with existing applications, making it possible to multiply a product’s initial functionalities. They are designed to work with a variety of equipment from different suppliers without compatibility problems.
Finally, their use facilitates the exchange of information and data with the various equipment around it, which improves the coordination and synchronisation of operations.
So using industrial automation software that supports specific communication protocols such as Modbus, Profinet, BACnet, CANOpen, Powerlink, IEC6180 or IEC60870 represents a strategic advantage in terms of business development.
Modernising the system
Because they are based on international standards, the use of these industrial protocols means that a system can be designed for any market and in any language. This flexibility makes it easier to modernise and upgrade these systems.
Industrial protocols also enable the system to be modernised by facilitating the integration of new equipment, such as the addition of more advanced sensors, more intelligent actuators, more modern control systems, etc., or the updating of existing equipment software.
They also ensure that the end product lasts longer because they are based on stable technology that evolves but is not likely to change overnight.
Finally, by choosing to use stacks maintained by the supplier, the risk of obsolescence and errors that take time to resolve are considerably reduced.
Enhanced security
Communication protocols specific to industrial automation incorporate security features, such as data encryption, to protect systems against cyber threats and maintain their integrity.
Some also enhance system security by managing equipment redundancy and seamless transition in the event of component failure.
Integrating such communication protocols into an existing product makes it more reliable, because the sensitive data it contains and shares is better protected and its smooth operation is guaranteed.
It is therefore by providing greater openness, flexibility and security that communication protocols specific to industrial automation can optimise a product already existing within an industrial system. In this way, they help to add value to the product, particularly by meeting the needs of upgradability and durability, which are criteria that any manufacturer should consider today. This implies a long-term relationship with the supplier, so that together we can create new functionalities and bring ever greater performance to our products.
To find out more about the technical side of industrial automation, download our free guide to industrial programming languages. It will give you both a comprehensive and detailed overview of their roles and operating principles for automating complex industrial processes.
Download the free guide on programming languages
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