Plant connectivity and plant productivity: Wireless technologies meet OEE

In the future industrial world, plant connectivity plays a central role — it is no longer just a “nice-to-have” but a must for future-oriented companies. The revolution of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) is paving the way for seamless communication between machines, systems and people. This opens doors to real-time analysis of data, to respond to disruptions and to implement preventive strategies. In this article, we dive deeper into the benefits of these technologies, highlight the role of wireless connectivity, and show how companies can maximize their overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) through advanced solutions.

Connected future: How wireless connectivity and OEE are shaping Industry 4.0

A key element of Industry 4.0 is monitoring and optimising the overall effectiveness of systems. The OEE is a proven measurement tool that helps companies to evaluate the productivity of their production units. By combining connectivity and OEE, companies can precisely analyze and minimize unwanted downtime, increase throughput, and ultimately increase profitability. Wireless data transmission can play a central role in this by offering a flexible and scalable solution for the requirements of modern production.

The future of manufacturing: CoreTIGO and oee.ai implement machine connectivity and optimization

Together as partners, CoreTIGO and oee.ai work hand in hand on innovative projects to continuously expand the limits of what is feasible.

CoreTIGO is an innovative company based in Israel that specializes in wireless, industrial connectivity solutions. CoreTIGO has attracted investments from major venture capital providers and has since established itself on the German market. Their wireless technologies and solutions have made them a pioneer in their sector.

CoreTIGO enables faster and more flexible connectivity through high-performance wireless connectivity and edge solutions for machine and plant manufacturers. With CoreTIGO products, machines can be designed and retrofitted with wireless transmission technology.

CoreTIGO's solutions are based on the global IO-Link Wireless standard, which was developed specifically for harsh factory environments and provides a reliable wireless connection of sensors, actuators and industrial devices.

Wireless connections based on IO-Link are an option for system connectivity

As industrial automation continues to advance, there is increasing interest in wireless solutions as an alternative or addition to traditional cable connections. Both technologies have their advantages, but IO-Link is proving to be a pioneering wireless option in certain industrial applications.

Basic advantages of IO-Link compared to wired solutions:

• High reliability: In industrial environments where machines and systems must communicate seamlessly with each other, IO-Link offers a high level of stability and reliability thanks to its wireless technology.
• Fast data transfer: Thanks to IO-Link's wireless connection, fast communication is ensured, which enables system responses in real time.
• Maximum flexibility: Without the restrictions and effort that cables entail, IO-Link enables easier system adjustment, expansion and reconfiguration. This flexibility is particularly valuable in dynamic production environments where requirements and setups can change rapidly.

IO-Link: Wireless revolution in automation for maximum production efficiency

IO-Link is an advanced wireless communication standard in automation technology. It enables bidirectional communication down to the sensor level and serves as an innovative alternative to wired systems.

When IO-Link is particularly suitable:

• Large-scale systems: In extensive systems, IO-Link makes data transmission and integration easier due to its wireless nature.
• Modular systems: Thanks to its wireless functionality, IO-Link allows rapid adjustments in flexible production lines without extensive new configurations.
• Systems with moving parts: Here, IO-Link offers constant and interference-free communication, without the restrictions that cable connections could entail.

This also positions IO-Link as a technology option for connecting systems to oee.ai.

CoreTIGO & oee.ai: Data-driven optimization for outstanding productivity

CORETIGO's product portfolio enables data collection and transmission for the purpose of OEE analysis using two specialized sensors:

• Counter: This sensor is a precise measuring instrument for recording quantities, which allows performance data and quality parameters to be continuously monitored. Companies can therefore constantly keep an eye on production output and, if necessary, take optimization measures.
• Bridge: This is a specialized sensor for recording the status of systems, which is used in the OEE environment to determine the availability of machines. Through its use, production interruptions can be analyzed.

The third element used is Master as a collection point that receives the data from the two types of sensors. After the data has been combined in the master, it is sent via Ethernet to the central Engine redirected. Here, companies can access the collected data and use it for analysis, reporting, or to improve production efficiency.

With this technology, CoreTIGO ensures that companies get a holistic view of their production processes. In combination with the oee.ai solution, you can not only optimally evaluate your OEE, but also efficiently monitor production and increase productivity.

If you would like to learn more about how the technologies from oee.ai and CoreTIGO work together and how they can be integrated into your business, we would be happy to help you. Please contact us at info@oee.ai. Your optimization options are just an email away.

Author: Linus Steinbeck