IIoT Connector – Smart Factory Glossary

An IIoT Connector connects workplaces and machines quickly and cost-effectively to the manufacturing IT. Based on standardized interfaces, the IIoT Connector captures both analog and digital input signals, and enables companies to integrate even diverse machine facilities into their system.

The IIoT Connector uses OPC UA and MQTT to provide the recorded signals for further processing. It can also output digital signals. These signals can control a signal lamp and visualize a defined status, for example. Older machines can be connected to the manufacturing IT via operating signals. And even manual workplaces can be integrated if the operator presses a simple foot switch to record the number of pieces.

 

The following data can be recorded:

• Number of cycles
• Operating signal
• Energy data
• Process values (e.g. temperature)

Once real-time machine data is available in a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) like HYDRA, this data can be used to monitor machines, show the current machine status, calculate KPIs, or provide evaluations on past periods.

Consequently, the IIoT Connector is a cost-effective option to implement an IIoT strategy in the company. The IIoT Connector can therefore be regarded as an application building block of the "Smart Factory Elements" model by MPDV.