The digitization journey, which makes it possible to implement Industry 4.0 applications, means much more than automation of the production line. Real-time result prediction and operational optimization require accurate digital models of physical assets and processes. Currently, state-of-the-art industrial networks that provide closed-loop control by connecting physical production lines to their digital twins play a critical role for a successful transition to cyber-physical systems that provide the capability to be ready for the future beyond the traditional understanding of automation. CLPA Turkey Manager Tolga Bizel pointed out that industrial networks are the defining actors in the digital transformation that we encounter in every layer of life, from industry to manufacturing, and emphasized that communication protocols should be part of the value chain to talk about digitization in accordance with global standards.

Digitization, which is spreading to every layer of life, creates its own rules and methods and changes and shapes different disciplines. When digital transformation is considered in the perspective of Industry 4.0, at the core of the business; big data analytics, smart sensor technologies, digital twin systems and robotic technologies. Industrial networks stimulate the mechanism in which all these dynamics take place. CLPA Turkey Manager Tolga Bizelexplained why industrial communication is a fundamental element in digitization and the points to consider when making the selection.

Industrial networks bring realism between the physical and digital worlds

Tolga Bizel said industrial networks have done a lot of work as digitization unites the physical and online worlds; “The number of companies developing digital models that adapt to the assets, machines, systems and processes used in the production line is increasing day by day. The created virtual twins serve as a unique tool for creating a simulation of the real production line, such as control and product lifecycle management (PLM) or the interactions between components and component wear rate and failures. In either case, digitization provides access to meaningful and applicable information in manufacturing operations, empowering manufacturers to create effective and efficient plant management and a transparent system. “So while digital models don’t need to be directly connected to their physical twins to support production, the real-time feedback loop between these two worlds makes a significant contribution to building smart and flexible factories.”

With CLPA, the physical world is integrated into the virtual world

Tolga Bizel pointed out that it is possible to check whether the processes in the production line match the model predictions with a simple process, such as allowing the physical and virtual worlds to communicate with each other; “Manufacturers need to make careful considerations to find suitable industrial network technologies as part of their digitization strategy towards Industry 4.0. At this stage, as CLPA, an expert organization in its field, we support the growth of manufacturers by meeting their ever-changing industrial automation needs with both our experience and our products. Most importantly, we make sure they have the latest technological solutions. For many years we have supported companies in their journey from industrial communication to Ethernet and now to the future technology Time Sensitive Network (TSN-Time Sensitive Network). Our latest open technology, CC-Link IE TSN, combines innovative Time Sensitive Network (TSN) technology with Gigabit Ethernet and can process large amounts of data generated by sensors and models in cyber-physical systems. These two key elements enable companies to move from existing automation solutions to the technology of the future. As a result, such a network allows manufacturers to prepare for the future, while helping them run their current processes with maximum compatibility.”