Beta LaserMike networked measurement technology is ready for Industry 4.0

“In this next phase of the industrial revolution, measurement technology plays a crucial role for quality-conscious organizations on the road to Industry 4.0,” says Jay Luis, Global Marketing Communications Manager for NDC Technologies. “With the fusion of production technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), measurement technology requires strong connectivity and the capability to capture quality data faster, better and more flexibly and transfer it to networked devices and systems. It is truly the framework for increasing process efficiency and realizing bottom-line benefits in the smart factory. And, it not only pertains to on-line measurements but also includes the integration of at-line and off-line gauging technologies.” 

To be Industry 4.0 ready means that production technology must be interoperable with other systems that speak the same industry protocols over a common Ethernet infrastructure. Smart factories require the utilization of advance-prediction tools, so that data can be systematically processed into information that allows operators to make the right decisions. Beta LaserMike smart gauges provide industry-standard connectivity via common communication protocols, and built-in web server support provides mobile connectivity for smart diagnostics and smart service.

For example, on a typical wire and cable production line, Beta LaserMike gauges keep “fingers on the pulse” of the jacketing extrusion process. Gauges are integrated into production to accurately capture measurement data, product data and variables along critical points in the process for end-to-end inspection. Using a Beta LaserMike process controller, production personnel can intuitively visualize dimensional, SPC and trend data in real-time to maintain tighter product specifications. Closed-loop control with the extrusion line and integration with other networked systems enables material savings and improves product quality.

At the enterprise level, the Beta LaserMike process controller provides OPC UA connectivity (the industrial network protocol for enabling Industry 4.0) across the organizational value chain via PLC, SCADA, MES and ERP systems. The process controller acts as an edge device when connecting to cloud services. Measurement and process data becomes part of “big data” and enables organizations to use cloud analytics for data-driven decision making, increasing agility and competitiveness. From a global support perspective, NDC provides customers with 24-7 care via its customer service cloud portal – myNDC.