Design and development

• Reducing development time and costs: With modular concepts, proven modules can be reused in different machine configurations, which shortens development time and reduces development costs.
• Flexibility in the design process: By using decentralised concepts, individual components can be developed and tested independently of each other; this reduces the complexity of the overall system and minimises sources of error.

Production

• Economies of scale through standardisation: The use of standardised modules leads to economies of scale in production, as the same components can be used in different products.
• Simplification of the supply chain: Fewer individual parts and greater reuse lead to a simplified supply chain and lower logistics costs.

Installation and commissioning

• Faster installation and commissioning: Modular systems can be tested in advance and are quick to assemble; this significantly reduces installation and commissioning times.
• Reduction of installation errors: Since modules are checked in advance, the risks and costs that are sometimes associated with installation errors are reduced.

Operation and maintenance

• Easier maintenance and repair: Modular and decentralised systems are easier to maintain and repair, as defective modules can simply be replaced without taking the entire system out of operation.
• Less downtime: Modules can often be replaced during operation, thus minimising downtime and the associated costs.

Upgrades and extensions

• Expandability: It is much easier to scale modular machines and adapt them to changing production conditions by integrating additional modules.
• Future-proof: By simply integrating new technologies into existing systems, companies can utilise innovations without having to completely replace existing systems.

1. Selecting the most efficient technology

Choose technologies that offer clear cost savings thanks to low energy consumption and lower maintenance costs. Consider both pneumatic and electric options to identify the most cost-effective solution for specific automation tasks.

2. Full flexibility to avoid unnecessary complexity

Use concepts that enable you to opt for solutions with a completely modular structure or use simpler variants with fewer interfaces, depending on your requirements. This saves you unnecessary complexity and therefore costs. You only pay for what you really need. At the same time, you have the freedom to adapt your systems to changing requirements.

3. Utilising economies of scale

Make use of standardised components and interfaces to benefit from economies of scale. Standardised parts are often cheaper to procure and maintain, and also simplify warehousing.

4. Maintenance-friendly design

Choose concepts that are quick and easy to maintain, such as the ability to replace individual modules without shutting down the entire system. A clear, intuitive design with component categories that are easy to understand simplifies work for your service staff. All this minimises downtime and maintenance costs.

5. Optimising energy consumption

Look out for solutions that are designed for high energy efficiency. In pneumatic systems, for example, particularly short tubing lines between the valve terminal and pneumatic drive lead to significant energy savings.

6. Being open for future technologies

Make sure that your concept is open for the subsequent integration of future technologies such as artificial intelligence. With AI, you can use predictive maintenance to identify faults at an early stage and avoid costly repairs.

Product highlight in terms of modularity: Valve terminal VTUX

With the new VTUX valve terminal family, Festo is focussing on sophisticated modularity that offers a high degree of flexibility and efficiency in combination with a wide range of technical options. This innovative product line was developed to meet the requirements of a wide range of applications and to impress both in the automation sector and in process control.