As an expert and enthusiast in network technology like Stephen Langer, Product Custer at Bluff, the needs of organizations in aspects related to automation and future challenges, especially in IT-integration. Thanks for the OT link.
Network technology, i.e., connectivity between systems, has been a recurring topic in the field of automation for years, and in this context, connectivity becomes the hub that connects everything.
InfoPLC++.- How has the automation connectivity market evolved and where are we today?
Stephen Langer (SL):.- Looking back, considering that fieldbus technology has been around for over thirty years, many interesting developments can be seen at the same time. With the development of this technology, the idea was to create an infrastructure that transports data from sensors to control, allowing for network automation.
Initially, all control vendors offered their own bus systems; However, the need for standardization was increasingly emphasized, followed by a shift to standardized fieldbuses such as Profibus or Devicenet, and finally to reach Industrial Ethernet, i.e. a fieldbus based on technology. Today, we are in the midst of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and face the challenge of integrating not only operational technology (OT) but also information technology (IT) into communications. We want to bring both worlds together, and to do this, we need to further develop network technology. Only in this way can we achieve our most important objective: increasing efficiency.
InfoPLC++.- How can we achieve that goal?
SL.- It is increasingly important for users to run their machines as efficiently as possible. For example, they have to confirm the status of each machine. Likewise, attention should also be paid to their impact on the environment. In the same way: What should I do to avoid possible stops?… Answering all these questions is possible only if decisive information is available, so it depends on the data; That means they need to be captured, transported and evaluated quickly and easily.
InfoPLC++.- So, is this where networking technology comes into play?
SL.- Yes exactly. In this sense, I must acknowledge that my company has always worked on signal generation with photoelectric, inductive or ultrasonic sensors. The decision process is reflected in the data; But they correspond to functional data that provide information about the environment and state. However, we knew from the outset that we needed to provide the means to ensure that signals get to where they are needed in the required time, quality and quantity, both in OT and IT. That's why we've relied on IO-Link from the beginning, the standard for perfect communication between field level and control. Simply put: network technology for generating, transmitting and processing data completes our portfolio. In this way, we can offer our customers a complete solution. It is the focal point where everything converges.
InfoPLC++.- Which balaaf products are particularly important in this context?
SL.- We offer a wide range of network modules for fieldbus technologies. At the same time, our portfolio also includes so-called I/O modules that act as interfaces between control systems and sensors, actuators and machines. Additionally, we provide switches that ensure data reaches its destination correctly across users' complex networks.
InfoPLC++.- Speaking of users, what matters to customers when it comes to network technology?
SL.- International standards are undoubtedly of great importance at all levels. Standardization not only promotes consistency and quality, but also increases focus on cyber security. Beyond that, speed and the ability to access a wide range of components are features that weigh heavily on users.
InfoPLC++.- How does Balluff address the needs around cyber security, speed and the ability to access advanced network capabilities?
SL.- At an industry level we clearly communicate what standards we intend to meet. We strive to maintain the core of our portfolio and, at the same time, offer a wide and high-quality range of products. A Bluff advantage is based on its extensive experience in standards, security and software, with more than a hundred experts operating worldwide in its development labs, working closely on product development to ensure that all component software complies with all requirements. We are very well positioned in this area.
InfoPLC++.- Let's see the future. Where is Balfe headed in networking technology?
SL.- It would be nice to have a standardized network; That is, a communication protocol that applies to all dimensions of OT and IT. Our industry has been concerned about this issue for some time. But this is only possible with a combination of different standards. The open standard for OPC (Open Platform Communications) interfaces will play an important role in this environment in the future, As well as single-pair Ethernet, a later development of Ethernet, it allows much faster transmission over long distances.. Then there is the question of cloud control. As controls migrate to the cloud, this will also impact future network technology.
InfoPLC++.- Let's end with a more personal question. He has been working in the field of automation for more than 25 years. What motivates you to pursue this field?
SL.- The reason is, I am committed to end-to-end automation. Control of systems and machines has fascinated me since my university days. Once I became aware of its existence, I realized it was my thing and I've been following it ever since. What keeps me going is that the industry is constantly changing and we, the people at Balafe, are a part of it by creating the solutions needed to achieve the goal. I really enjoy it all.
