SPECIAL FOCUS: COMMUNICATIONS
Mining operations are becoming increasingly smart and digitised, with key pieces of equipment connected via industrial
communications networks to run autonomously
configuration of CC-Link IE, further benefits became apparent. Carlos Sepúlveda at Mitsubishi Electric Mexico, explains: “It is possible to conduct network configuration and diagnostics from the same software used to program the iQ-R PLC, GX Works, which offers a single point of contact. Tis also streamlines any work on the infrastructure and architecture, as, if the topology is altered, e.g. by adding components, the platform automatically incorporates and reflects these changes.” In addition, the installation of CC- link IE helped the company reduce infrastructure costs. While the existing network technology required managed switches to ensure correct operations, these devices are optional with CC-Link IE, minimising capital expenditure (CAPEX) as well as expenses associated with their maintenance. Since the new network has been put in place at the mine, no downtime associated with network failure has been experienced, which is maximising productivity. Te gigabit bandwidth has also supported the mining complex to enhance responsiveness. Furthermore, it is playing a key role in getting the information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) domains closer, hence opening a gateway to the Industrial Internet of Tings (IIoT).
SITTING ON A GOLDMINE OF DATA Sepúlveda comments: “Te customer is extremely happy with CC-Link IE open industrial Ethernet. Tis technology is helping the mining company reduce the gap between IT and OT as well as make its operations ‘smart’, as it can now rely on a robust network that can manage a lot of data packages while offering high performance. Tese successful results are boosting the customer’s confidence in CC-Link IE – this is why they are already planning to use it in a new project.” Te mining specialist is also looking at
futureproofing its facilities, by leveraging CC-Link IE TSN, the first open industrial Ethernet to combine gigabit bandwidth and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) to enhance determinism and convergence. Sepúlveda adds: “Te customer has been showing considerable interest in learning more about CC-Link IE TSN and what benefits it offers.” Mariana Alvarado at CLPA, concludes:
“We are delighted with the positive feedback received by the mining company and look forward to collaborating with the company again soon. Our family of network technologies for industrial communications are designed to offer next-level capabilities and support the digital transformation of businesses by means of round-the-clock, reliable, high-speed data transfers.”
When ineffective communications led to an increase in downtime at a mining complex in Mexico, CC-Link IE network technology offered a solid solution
IE open industrial Ethernet, the company was convinced this was the best solution to address their need for reliability and continuity. In particular, the mining specialist was impressed with how CC- Link IE’s unrivalled gigabit bandwidth could prevent congestions and ultimately downtime. In addition, the company found the diagnostic tools provided extensive and easy to use.
GIGABIT ETHERNET TO ENSURE RELIABILITY When Mitsubishi Electric started to support the mining company in the
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