Mechatronics, Industrial Control & Instrumentation

Advantages of Industrial Control Networks

Industrial networks have evolved to become an integral part of manufacturing replacing the point-to-point communication at all levels. At lower levels in the plant/factory setup, networks provide higher reliability, visibility and diagnosability and enable capabilities such as distributed control, diagnostics, safety and device interoperability. At higher levels networks can leverage internet services to enable factory-wide automated scheduling, control, and diagnostics; improve data storage and visibility; and opens the door to e-manufacturing.

Advantages of Industrial Control Networks

Generally control networks can replace the traditional point-to-point wired systems while providing a number of advantages:

  • The Foremost and simplest advantage is the reduced volume of wiring. Fewer physical potential points of failure, such as connectors and wires result in increased reliability.
  • Another key advantage is that networks enable complex distributed control systems to be realized in both horizontal (e.g. peer-to-peer coordinated control amongst sensors and actuators) and vertical (e.g. machine to cell to system-level control) directions.
  • Lastly, networks provide increased capability for troubleshooting and maintenance enhanced interchangeability and interoperability of devices, improved reconfigurability of control systems, and ease of integration of web service-based capabilities such as cloud systems.

Related: What is Fieldbus in Industrial Communication Networks?

John Mulindi

John Mulindi is an Industrial Instrumentation and Control Professional with a wide range of experience in electrical and electronics, process measurement, control systems and automation. In free time he spends time reading, taking adventure walks and watching football.

Recent Posts

How AI and Machine Learning are Enhancing Electrical Control Processes

Electrical control processes form the backbone of industries, enabling seamless operations across sectors like manufacturing,…

2 days ago

Standard Process Signals for Industrial Instrumentation

Industrial measurement and control processes employ standard process signals that are used throughout all the…

2 weeks ago

Top 5 Benefits of Combining CCTV Cameras with Biometric Systems

The integration of advanced technologies in security systems has become imperative for ensuring safety and…

2 weeks ago

Sources of Power Quality Problems

Power quality may be affected by a number of issues. Our discussion in this article…

2 weeks ago

Common Terms Used When Describing Power Quality Problems

Power quality has become an important issue to electricity consumers at all levels of consumption.…

2 weeks ago

What to Expect from PCB Assembly Services in China

The importance of printed circuit board (PCB) technology has escalated throughout the years with the…

3 weeks ago