Advantech provided a production line monitoring solution that combines WISE-4050 IoT wireless I/O modules with its WebAccess/SCADA software. At the front-end of the solution, multi-channel digital I/O WISE-4050 modules connected to the three-color warning light and counting/timing sensors of the machines collect and wirelessly upload signal data to the back-end management system. At the control center, the WebAccess platform is used to dynamically display the collected front-end data, enabling managers to remotely monitor the production line equipment. The collected data and periodically generated reports can also be used to analyze equipment utilization.
Advantech’s wireless WISE-4050 module supports data logging with RTC timestamp and is capable of handling more than 10,000 data samples. In the event of a network disconnection or interruption, data can be temporarily stored in the internal flash memory; after network recovery, data upload operations can be resumed without data loss. The counter function records the number of WIPs. This allows users to calculate the time difference between WIPs in order to evaluate the production efficiency. With support for multiple communication protocols, including Modbus/TCP, TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, and HTTP, and RESTful web APIs, WISE-4050 module ensure captured data can be easily transmitted to diverse software programs and systems for analysis. Moreover, integrated wireless technology enables data communication without additional wiring. To facilitate flexible installation in complex and potentially crowded factory environments, WISE-4050 is compact (80 x 148 x 25 mm) and compatible with DIN rail, wall, and stack mounting.
Considering the size of the panel factory in this case, Advantech supplied its WebAccess Professional software platform with 600 tags to ensure sufficient access rights for production line monitoring. This software provides powerful SCADA management functions, including animated graphics displays, real-time data updates, scheduling control, trend analysis, alarm notifications, and action logging. Equipped with numerous drivers, the WebAccess platform facilitates communication between a whole range of factory devices, including desktop computers and mobile systems. Additionally, because WebAccess is a 100% web-based solution, all engineering, database configuration, graphics building, software administration, and monitoring operations can be conducted remotely via a standard web browser. WebAccess allows real-time data, operator actions, and other system logs to be stored in ODBC databases, such as SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft Access, for integration with MES, ERP systems, and other IT applications. Furthermore, with Advantech’s software customization services, the production line monitoring solution was adjusted to satisfy the panel maker’s specific usage requirements.