In a world where industrial manufacturing products and processes are becoming more complex, how do OEMs create solutions that are simple, compliant and productive? An aging workforce, flexible manufacturing needs and limited floor space (among other challenges) make meeting customer demands and industry standards more difficult.
That’s why Rockwell Automation's panel optimization solutions help OEMs improve control panel design to make the process more streamlined, less costly and more profitable.
Looking for a competitive edge? Here’s how OEMs benefit from panel optimization.
WHY PANEL OPTIMIZATION MATTERS
Combining power and control circuits, the electrical cabinet is the nerve center of any industrial machine. That means panel design improvements can have a huge impact on overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Traditionally, panel designs have taken up a lot of plant floor space with excessive wiring and a patchwork of components from different manufacturers.
Rockwell Automation’s panel optimization solutions address those challenges with
- Simplified, compact panel designs that reduce machine footprint and wiring complexity
- Pre-tested, coordinated, compatible components that minimize integration risk
- Smart technologies with real-time analytics and diagnostics
PANEL OPTIMIZATION BENEFITS FOR OEMs
1. Accelerated Time to Market
OEMs can significantly reduce engineering and commissioning time using Rockwell’s panel optimization solutions. Simplified wiring, coordinated components and access to real-time data can help them move from design to deployment faster without sacrificing quality.
For example, EtherNet/IP™ in-cabinet technology’s compact, space efficient design helps reduce wiring time by up to 80% and project engineering time by up to 30%. The best ability is often availability, and less wiring and engineering time means OEMs can more easily meet customer deadlines.
2. Reduced Total Cost of Ownership and Risk
Piecing together control and power circuit components from multiple manufacturers can cause compatibility issues, increased validation time and higher costs. That’s why Rockwell offers an integrated ecosystem of coordinated components that are tested and certified to work together. This helps OEMs streamline parts lists, minimize wiring errors and lower total cost of ownership.
The M100 electronic motor starter, for instance, minimizes parts lists by combining the function of a contactor and overload in a compact footprint. With fewer components and substantial wire reductions, it reduces panel build costs and labor expenses for a lower total cost of ownership.
3. Simplified Compliance, Safety and Security
Electrical standards are constantly changing. How do OEMs ensure they’re meeting the latest requirements? Rockwell Automation not only provides code compliant components but also participates in the industry organizations that shape those standards. Using Rockwell panel optimization solutions helps OEMs stay ahead of regulatory changes and build machines that are code compliant.
Plus, panel optimization improves machine safety. OEMs can reduce maintenance time and improve OEE by integrating smart safety solutions directly into the panel. Integrated network safety simplifies machine design and minimizes component redundancies.
4. Smarter, Differentiated Machines
Today’s industrial manufacturers expect more than just functional machines. They want intelligent systems that provide actionable insights, reduce downtime and support digital transformation. Rockwell’s panel optimization solutions help OEMs meet those expectations with smarter machines.
OEMs can build modular, connected machines that are easier to scale and maintain with solutions like PointMax I/O and Armor™ PowerFlex® On-Machine™ drives. With seamless integration in Rockwell’s Studio 5000® design environment, these smart components offer advanced diagnostics and actionable insights that end users can use to make smarter decisions with their manufacturing data.
M100 Electronic Motor Starter
By combining the function of a contactor and overload into a compact footprint, the M100 simplifies panel wiring and reduces engineering complexities. Features like Point-on-Wave switching technology, removable terminal blocks, and embedded functional safety measures ensure seamless operation and adherence to safety standards.
Ethernet/IP In-Cabinet Solutions
This solution offers a compact design for easier installation and maintenance. It reduces wiring complexity and accelerates setup and communication speeds for real-time connectivity of traditionally hardwired components. Seamless integration into your existing infrastructure streamlines network architecture, allowing for scalability without restructuring your application.
Branch Motor Control & Protection
Allen-Bradley® branch motor protection solutions are tested together and certified to UL and IEC standards. They enable OEMs to create more modular and scalable machines while reducing footprint, component count and downtime.
PointMax 5034 I/O
With a smaller footprint and modular design, PointMax I/O modules reduce panel space and simplify system layout. This maximizes freedom of panel design and adaptability to changing requirements and flexible manufacturing needs. Advanced diagnostics and simplified integration enable manufacturers to design more efficient machines while simplifying deployment and maintenance.
Armor PowerFlex 330 On-Machine Drives
This is a smaller, lighter, more eco-friendly On-Machine drive motor that combines a compact, ultra-efficient IE5 permanent magnet motor with an integrated variable frequency drive and an On-Machine logic module. With it, OEMs can design flexible, modular machines that are more efficient and productive.
DISCOVER YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Panel optimization isn’t just a technological upgrade. It’s a strategic advantage for OEMs. By simplifying panel design, reducing engineering time and enabling smarter machines, OEMs can go from design to deployment faster and more profitably than ever before. Looking for an upgrade? Let us know your biggest challenges, and one of our smart devices specialists will follow up with the solution that’s right for you.
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