Advanced connectivity with a SCADA connection
As industries worldwide evolve toward smart factories, companies must navigate every aspect of digital transformation in their compressor rooms.
From the simplest to the most complex, connectivity solutions help improve efficiency and cost savings. These include remote monitoring, wireless sensor networks, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, edge computing devices, and integrated IoT platforms.
At Atlas Copco, we offer connectivity solutions to drive the digital transformation of your compressor room. In this article, we will focus specifically on SCADA systems. This will help you understand how they are the building blocks of a smart factory.
The role of connectivity in smart factories
Advanced connectivity solutions are essential for the digital transformation in a compressor room, starting with digitization and digitalization. Once connected, you can monitor and control every part of your compressed air system. This allows you to increase efficiency and reliability.
Atlas Copco’s SMARTLINK is a compressor monitoring solution that comes standard on every machine. It leverages data to provide real-time insights, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency.
Customers can choose their level of integration through different licenses, including SMARTLINK Service, SMARTLINK Uptime, and SMARTLINK Energy. SMARTLINK thus offers benefits ranging from basic monitoring to fully prescriptive maintenance with recommendations to enhance uptime and operational efficiency.
Scaling your monitoring capabilities is possible with wireless sensor networks. Our SMART AIRnet connects wireless sensors to an air network and integrates it with SMARTLINK. This bridges the physical and digital worlds.
For customers who prefer to connect their machines to their own monitoring platforms, Atlas Copco’s Gateway 4.0 is a SCADA solution that ensures your facility aligns with Industry 4.0 standards and is ready for the future.
While SCADA systems deliver raw data, integrating Gateway 4.0 with SMARTLINK offers an added layer of intelligent analysis.
Why do you need a SCADA connection for your compressed air system?
SCADA systems combine hardware and software to monitor and control compressed air systems in real-time.
These systems collect data from sensors and devices like compressors, generators, and dryers. This allows operators to monitor, analyze, and optimize plant operations in real time.
For a fully realized Industry 4.0 environment, connecting your compressed air system to an industrial network or SCADA system is essential.
Benefits of SCADA Connection
The power of SCADA systems lies in their ability to provide numerous benefits, including:
- Remote monitoring and control: Operators can oversee operations from a single location. This reduces the need for manual intervention and speeding up problem resolution.
- Efficiency: Real-time data collection allows for quick identification and resolution of issues, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Cost savings: By optimizing processes and reducing manual labor, SCADA systems contribute to significant cost savings.
- Safety: With continuous monitoring you can identify and address potential issues promptly. This improves overall safety.
- Scalability and flexibility: SCADA systems can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs and can adapt to changes in processes or equipment.
Modern protocols compatible with a SCADA connection
SCADA systems are compatible with various communication protocols. Here are some protocols that support Atlas Copco’s Gateway 4.0:
- Modbus TCP/IP and RTU: Enables efficient data exchange between devices in an industrial network.
- Ethernet/IP: Offers high-speed data transfer for real-time control applications.
- Profinet and Profibus: Designed for real-time data exchange in automation systems for fast, reliable communication between controllers and devices.
- OPC UA: Machine-to-machine communication protocol that enhances data security, reliability, and interoperability across industrial networks.
- BACnet: Enables efficient management of building automation systems like Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and lighting.
In addition to those mentioned above, we have a wide range of other protocols available to meet your specific needs.
What is a PLC, and what are its functions?
A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an industrial digital computer that automates processes by controlling machinery and processes based on inputs received from sensors.
PLCs control and monitor industrial processes. They use digital logic programming to control machinery on a production line, improving efficiency and productivity.
The path forward
Based on the information above, it's easy to see how important it is to get your compressor room connected to have full control over it. Atlas Copco’s SMARTLINK, SMART AIRnet, and Gateway 4.0 solutions offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity solutions to support your digital transformation journey.
Whether you’re starting with basic remote monitoring or scaling up to a fully integrated SCADA connection, it’s important to have the right partner for advanced connectivity. Atlas Copco’s technologies provide the flexibility and scalability needed to future-proof your operations.
As a comprehensive solution, SMARTLINK offers the flexibility to scale through different licenses, including SMARTLINK Energy, SMARTLINK Uptime, and SMARTLINK Service. From basic data monitoring to service alerts to fully integrated diagnostic and assessment management for various equipment, SMARTLINK can connect to SMART AIRnet, Gateway 4.0, and more.
This ensures that your connectivity solution grows with your needs, providing continuous optimization and efficiency improvements.
Contact us today
Ready to take your factory to the next level? We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the topics covered in this article. Contact us today to learn more about our connectivity solutions to get your compressor room connected.
