PLCS are an integral part of almost every field of modern automation, from food and beverage production to water supply facilities to manufacturing. Through the real-time program, PLC can collect input data from the factory floor equipment, and use the user defined logic program to respond, generate output data or instructions, and structured query language (SQL) database and other tools together, run a variety of applications.
Modern PLCS are the cornerstone of the IIoT
As manufacturing companies are undergoing digital transformation through the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies, the same progress has been made using PLC approaches. In modern SCADA systems, data is the focus, but the traditional polling method of collecting data from PLCS sometimes does not meet the requirements. In more complex or decentralized systems, PLCS remain the cornerstone, but they can support a wide variety of different architectures.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology provides new interoperability for enterprises. Modern PLCS are an integral part of these IIoT networks. Many of the recent technological advances revolve around the implementation of on-board IIoT enabling technologies, enabling devices to play a more active role in the overall system architecture. The notion that PLCS are only useful for basic I/O is outdated. On the contrary, the latest PLCS with multiple communication capabilities, including cloud connectivity and edge computing, are powerful tools whether on the factory floor or in remote locations.
PLC for edge empowerment
Especially in industries such as oil and gas, gathering data at the edge of a network can be very difficult due to harsh environments or lack of infrastructure. Edge computing can overcome these difficulties by moving PLC polling closer to the data source, thereby reducing time delays and improving reliability.
Network edge PLCS typically employ IIOT-enabled communication protocols, such as Message Queue Telemetry Transfer (MQTT), which use a publish-subscribe model to save bandwidth while maintaining open data flows. MQTT's store-and-forward function avoids network connection problems that may lead to massive data loss. Data volumes up to 7 days can be collected and stored on the PLC, and when the network is reconnected, the information will be sent to the server.
Let PLC play a greater role
While PLC is critical, it is only one part of a successful data management architecture. To fully unlock the functionality of the system, the PLC needs to be connected to the best solution. By implementing powerful automation software, you can not only collect and record data on virtually all PLCS, but also provide advanced analytical tools to help your enterprise make more informed, data-driven decisions.
