The use of expensive fieldbus nodes in remote I/O systems should also be minimised. Solutions such as a standardised communication language at field level can help to reduce the number of fieldbus headers required without compromising the performance of the machine. Integrating IO-Link technology can also lead to a reduction in costs for machine design, as it is cheaper and is based on commonly used communication technologies that can be easily incorporated into existing system structures.
Valve terminals can also be connected to the control system of your application. They enable the pneumatic functions to be controlled centrally. By combining several valves on a single unit, the space requirements are minimised and it simplifies installation. This also results in a reduction in material and installation costs. With the right remote I/O modules, you can position your valve terminals both centrally and decentrally in the space. Ideally, you should use a hybrid approach by combining both options and thus avoid the risk of oversizing and the associated costs.
Unforeseen downtimes and costly repairs are the biggest cost factors in running operations. Data monitoring is therefore an important topic. Predictive maintenance and real-time diagnostics allow potential problem areas to be recognised at an early stage before serious failures occur. Systematic monitoring and regular maintenance not only reduce operating costs, but also extend the service life of the machines.