The Snap Signal series by Banner Engineering allows users to collect machine monitoring information without having to change the current controls.
Banner Engineering, a manufacturer of industrial automation, has recently launched a new IIoT products line called Snap Signal. This product can upgrade to Industry 4.0, and increase efficiency, by capturing and converting data from any industrial device’s device into a standard protocol.
It can be difficult to monitor commercial equipment. The end users may not have the data or want to change these systems. Sensors are rarely able to speak the same language as machine parts. It is difficult for manufacturers, therefore, to monitor their machines in order to gain more information about their performance. Snap Signal products can be used to build a brand-neutral IIoT Platform with modular hardware. The system can capture and convert a variety machine signals and protocols including Modbus Analog, Discrete Serial, and IO Link.
Snap Signal can record data by using a splitter to monitor signals from existing devices such as sensors, motor controllers and lights. This allows for condition monitoring and process tracking. When used in this way, it is called an “overlay” network, which means that signals are recorded without disrupting the existing control system. This reduces both deployment time and risk.
Data can be sent to many different locations including PLCs and other HMIs, cloud dashboards, SCADA systems that allow remote monitoring and more. This highly scalable method allows facilities to test IIoT projects by monitoring just one sensor. The strategy of starting small helps in cost management, and shows future ROI by using data from the pilot. Snap Signal’s product line includes signal converters, wireless networks, IO Link masters and hubs as well as an industrial controller. The industry-standard M12 connectors make installation easy. Banner Cloud Data Services, an optional cloud platform for consumers who do not have dashboard solutions in place at the moment, is a solution that can be used by those without dashboards.
Luke Karnas, Director of Global Business Development at Banner, says that manufacturers are looking to IIoT as a way to improve productivity. They need data about the improvements in their processes. Snap Signal allows machines to send data 24/7, instead of workers writing numbers down on clipboards. Snap Signal can be used at any stage of your data flow, and can simplify the transition to Industry 4.0.
