What are the Key Components of Industrial Automation Systems?
Automation means using machines, control systems, and information technologies to optimize manufacturing productivity with little human involvement. Industrial automation systems implement logic and programming, giving information to machines on how to function.
The advantages of industrial automation solutions are high reliability, increased productivity, quality enhancement, and reduced labor expenses. These are possible because of the components present in the systems.
In this post, we will discuss the components. But before that, we will discuss the types of industrial automation for your better understanding.
The types are:
Fixed automation:
Used in high-volume production settings, fixed automation uses dedicated equipment.
Programmable automation:
This industrial automation type modifies the operation sequence to meet different configurations of the product. It’s mainly used when manufacturing products in batches.
Flexible automation:
There is a material-handling system that connects several machine tools in flexible automation. In this, the system components are controlled by a central computer.
Total integrated automation (TIA):
As the name suggests, TIA refers to the comprehensive automation of production operations. This coordinates all processes digitally and everything is controlled by computers.
The components are:
PLC or programmable logic controller
As an industrial control system, PLC analyzes the status of input devices and makes choices to control the state of output devices based on the defined program. PLC automates the process or machine by monitoring inputs and controlling outputs. It’s composed of three main parts: Input, CPU, and output.
DCS or distributed control system
A DCS consists of autonomous controllers that are scattered throughout the system. The distributed control system in industrial automation systems improves control stability, process quality, and plant efficiency. It’s made up of both software and hardware and is easy to install with most local controllers, reducing installation expenses.
SCADA or supervisory control and data acquisition
This control system architecture consists of computers, networked data transfers, and graphical user interfaces that allow high-level monitoring of equipment and processes. SCADA helps in industrial, infrastructure, and facility-based processes. The component is effective when the process runs in continuous batches and discrete modes.
The subsystems of SCADA are a human-machine interface or HMI, a supervisory system and remote terminal units or RTUs.
Cyber security
As organizations are widely interconnected in digital networks, cyber security in industrial automation systems is important. Remember, industrial automation and process control systems are accessible through the company’s internal and external networks. Data transfer between systems makes them vulnerable to attacks and subsequent system failures.
Cyber security reduces this vulnerability and protects systems against unauthorized internal and external access.
OT networks
The combination of hardware and software in the operational technology or OT helps in detecting and/or modifying industrial equipment, processes and events through direct monitoring and control. The term OT describes the technical and functional differences between standard IT systems and industrial control system environments.
To know more about industrial automation systems and their components, contact Margor Automation, a reputable automation company in Toronto.
