Connectivity drives business efficiency Digitalization enables better decision making . For example , an operator may be interested in reducing their facility ’ s energy usage due to high energy prices and Net Zero targets . They can use data from their drives and motors to identify energy intensive processes that could be optimized . They can also find the least efficient systems and create a plan to modernize them .
What ’ s more , all this data is communicated securely over the network , either locally or through the cloud . Cloud connectivity means that operators and decision makers can access real-time data from anywhere , including on their smartphones .
Staff are also able to work more effectively using digitally connected drives . They can access a drive ’ s Bluetooth control panel from their smartphone to easily make changes without the need for physical access .
A smarter approach to maintenance
Digitalization also unlocks the opportunity for faster commissioning and smarter equipment monitoring and maintenance . This was one of the key motivations for the Straub Cosmetics plant in Wertheim am Main , Germany . One of its most critical processes is an agitator , which uses a motor to stir products to achieve the desired mixture .
For this application , Straub specified a powerful general purpose drive from ABB . An ABB-authorized partner then used ABB ’ s online , remote technical support platform to set up the parameters on the new drive . Nobody at Straub needed to worry about the technical details , and ABB ’ s partner did not need to visit the site . This resulted in significant time and cost savings .
The same technology enables greater reliability and simpler maintenance . The drive can automatically detect anomalies in the drivetrain – without the need for external sensors – and alert a human operator . When maintenance is required , the online platform solution enables a member of staff to work with an expert from their smartphone . They can chat , share images , view parameters , and remotely send support packages . With maintenance time allocated correctly , employees can focus on value-adding activities rather than travelling around several facilities to conduct routine maintenance .
Going digital is as easy as “ plug and play ” These benefits are within reach for industrial businesses because today ’ s digital solutions are simple to install and operate . ABB ’ s digitally connected drives are “ plug and play ” solutions , meaning that they do not require an outside expert or specialist equipment to install . An operator can easily use their smartphone to configure the installation , access technical information , and an expert can remotely connect to the drive via smartphone to provide support if required . This significantly reduces the time and cost commitments associated with upgrading .
Now is the ideal time for industrial businesses to commit to digitalization . Those that do will unlock remarkable benefits : energy and cost savings , greater reliability and more effective decision making .
Learn more about ABB Ability™ . Industrial Internet of Things — ABB Ability™
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