Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1442808
16 4.0 S everal factors have led manufacturers and processors to take a more cautious approach to improve their automation systems. Many have been using the same products for decades and hesitate to upgrade, even to a better solution, until their outdated equipment is no longer viable. While the industry has fierce competition, it has been less impacted by the global economic recession than other sectors so the incentive to change is not as high. Additionally, food and beverage manufacturers have some unique challenges, making it more complicated to implement new systems. These challenges include: preventing product contamination; ensuring consumer and worker safety; environmental conditions such as temperature, moisture, and vibration; harsh cleaning and wash-down procedures; and compliance with state and federal rules and regulations. But the need to employ more advanced plant floor networking technologies is becoming clear as manufacturers look to increase operational efficiencies and bottom line profits. Connectivity Is Critical Some of the most critical components of these advanced automation systems are the cables, connectors, and communications systems that bring everything together. In many cases, hard wiring is still prevalent on the plant floor because it is an inexpensive solution. However, it is extremely labor-intensive so it is crucial that the connection system is easy to install, reliable, and secure. Pre-wired distribution boxes save time and help prevent miswiring for applications with a high-density of input or output connections. In both cases, ruggedness is critical to withstand the harsh environment found in the food and beverage plant floor. Electric shorts due to water ingress into electrical and electronic equipment and devices are the number one problem on food and beverage manufacturing lines. Similarly, communication systems such as DeviceNet, an open, device-level control and information networking system for industrial devices; Profibus, a standardized global open network communication system; and Modbus, a popular industrial communications protocol, require cables, connectors, and receptacles that provide versatility, reliability, and signal integrity in harsh environments. The Benefits of Migrating To Ethernet Initially designed for the office environment, Ethernet has recently gained momentum on the plant floor as companies look to gather real-time data and communicate back to the enterprise. Ethernet is especially critical in the food and beverage industry where the production process often requires continuous monitoring to maximize uptime and meet regulatory requirements. For companies looking to gain a competitive advantage by connecting their plant floor equipment to the manufacturing enterprise network, Industrial Ethernet can offer several distinct advantages: The Evolution of Connectivity on the Food and Beverage Plant Floor By Frank Malczyk and Riky Comini, Molex, LLC