Quick and easy data collection
Intelligent data acquisition with our compact Data Collection Box – from sensors and measurement modules through to the cloud
Data acquisition without interfering with the production process
Data is the key to the successful digitalization of your production. Countless pieces of information are generated from data every day. This information can be used to optimize production, generate new business models, and much more. They should be available in real time and evaluable at any time. In order to be able to increase productivity, a cross-factory and yet individually adaptable data collection concept must be implemented. This concept should take both old and new systems into account. Particularly in brownfield plants, the appropriate standard interfaces such as MQTT and OPC UA are not available across the board. In terms of IIoT and Big Data, factories currently offer a wealth of data that is ripe for acquisition. While measured values, such as temperature, water, pressure conditions, or machine data, were recorded locally and evaluated individually in the past, data is now collected, consolidated, and evaluated holistically. This provides a comprehensive insight into the actual state of machines, systems, and processes in production. In addition to providing an overview of the resources used, this also allows potential process or quality issues to be identified so that new potential can be unlocked. It is only in this way that a factory can be gradually transformed into a sustainable, CO₂-reduced net zero factory with increased overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
The solution
Optimization of processes and sustainability thanks to increased transparency
Efficient data acquisition is essential for achieving complete transparency in the production process. This transparency enables sustainable and efficient production. The Data Collection Box collects extensive energy and process data without influencing or disrupting ongoing operations. Thanks to the modular and compact design, both greenfield and brownfield applications can be easily implemented with the different versions of the box.
Tailored to every application
Mastering any challenge with the Data Collection Box
The Data Collection Box can be used in a variety of ways to collect energy and process data in greenfield and brownfield plants. The collected data is mostly stored locally, but with a few minor adjustments it can also be transferred to IT or cloud services such as PROFICLOUD. You can choose between standardized boxes or fully customized versions. Customization is not just limited to the hardware; it also extends to the software.
When selecting the Data Collection Box that is right for you, all you need to do is follow the two steps below.
Step 1: What data do you want to acquire?
The right equipment for every data type
A comprehensive product portfolio is available for the acquisition of energy data from your machines and systems. This allows you to select the right measuring devices and associated components to meet your requirements. For example, the EMpro energy measuring devices enable you to transfer your data either locally to the network or directly to the cloud. Discover the wide range of options for intelligent data collection, so you can pave the way for sustainable energy management.
When it comes the acquisition of process data, such as the duration of a particular process in your system, our remote I/O systems are ideal for the Data Collection Box. The focus here is on the Axioline F and SE I/O systems.
In order to acquire and process the required data in production, appropriate controllers, IPCs, or EPCs, are required in addition to the I/O system. With PLCnext Technology controllers and EPCs, you get a wide variety of different designs. This portfolio is complemented by a wide selection of powerful IPCs.
Step 2: Which Data Collection Box is the right fit your project?
Already preconfigured or does it need to be customized? Choose the right box for your design.
Various standardized solutions are available in the form of ready-made versions. They are already tested and ready for use in various applications, and only minor parameterization is required. This enables fast startup of the Data Collection Box.
Furthermore, the boxes are CE certified. Alternative certification, such as UL or CCC, can be implemented on request.
If none of the standardized versions fully meets your requirements, the ready-made solutions can be used as the basis for new versions.
Simply choose which modules you want to use for process and energy data collection and for data processing, and which type of housing you need. It is even possible to integrate third-party components.
Even when your requirements and applications are very specific, we will work together with you to develop a completely new Data Collection Box. You can freely select the modules for data processing and for process and energy data collection, plus the housing, as well as all the other parameters. This ensures that the Data Collection Box is ideally suited to your application and needs.
The Data Collection Box is designed for data collection in the OT area. It can also be extended quickly and easily thanks to the PLCnext Technology open control platform. This means that data exchange beyond OT can be implemented by means of the IIoT framework. The framework can be used to reach any IT or cloud system for unlimited data exchange. In addition to the existing OT, IT, and cloud connectors, you can also add your own ones independently.
Furthermore, MLnext provides you with machine learning software that makes it easy to evaluate even large and complex volumes of data using neural networks. Here you can choose between different versions where evaluation is started manually, semi-automatically, or automatically. Appropriate optimizations, e.g., to the processes in your Digital Factory, can be implemented through the use of AI-based algorithms.
Your advantages
From ready-made solutions to custom designs, we offer you the right product for your application and your needs.
Smart products for the acquisition of process and energy data ensure easy and error-free startup in your production operations.
Optional IIoT framework extension enables unlimited data exchange beyond OT into IT and cloud services.
To make optimizations even more targeted and faster, even large volumes of data can be analyzed smartly with the optional MLnext AI extension.
A large number of customers are already benefiting from a global, multi-site data collection concept that we have been able to tailor to their needs and resources with our individual and scalable approach.
Efficient data acquisition in the PLCnext Factory
Easy measurement of energy consumption levels
An average of 2.7 million data points are recorded per day in the electronics production at our PLCnext Factory in Bad Pyrmont (Germany). The Data Collection Box is already being used in many positions to help shape resource-efficient production. Our experts discuss the current challenges associated with data collection. You will also discover how a corresponding version of the box can be integrated quickly and easily in practice.
We will be happy to support you on the path to an efficient, sustainable, and safe factory.
Products
Powerful components in just one compact box
Power supply units
With their design and high power density, our UNO POWER power supplies are the ideal solution for loads up to 960 W, particularly in compact control boxes.
Enjoy very high degree of openness with the PLCnext Technology open control platform. To get the performance you need for your application, choose between controllers or EPCs, depending on the type of use.
The remote I/O systems from Phoenix Contact with IP20 and IP65/IP67 degrees of protection are suitable for all common bus systems and networks. They enable you to capture the required process data directly in the Data Collection Box.
The compact housing allows the Data Collection Box to be mounted on your system or in the ground. Furthermore, you can choose between different housing materials, such as plastic or stainless steel, and select the appropriate option for the relevant environmental conditions.
Still haven’t found the right product?
Feel free to contact us. We will consult with you to find the ideal solution together.
