Welcome to the world of intelligent automation. Welcome to the PLCnext Factory!

Thanks to PLCnext Technology, it is possible to connect building and production data points to intelligently manage energy flows and reduce costs. This supports Net Zero goals through the integration of renewable energies and innovative automation. With open, modular solutions, we integrate photovoltaics, wind energy, and charging management. Through sector coupling and innovative automation, we increase energy efficiency and move towards a Net Zero Factory.

Digitizing industry: increasing efficiency in existing plants

The digitization of existing plants offers enormous potential for efficiency improvements. The first step is transparency over consumption data. With this data, process optimizations can be derived, increasing productivity while simultaneously saving costs, energy, and CO2.

Networking in existing plants: an opportunity for existing systems

Capturing important data from existing plants during operation presents a challenge. A look at the PLCnext Factory shows how this can be achieved. Here, products for automation as well as components for safety and security are manufactured. Step by step, the production has been digitized to become more efficient and sustainable.

The Data Collection Box: easy retrofitting of digitization

The digitization of the factory did not start from scratch but within existing plant structures. The challenge was to retrofit digitization without having to re-certify the plants. The solution: the Data Collection Box. The core of this box is a PLCnext Control, which collects a multitude of signals and makes production steps traceable without having to change the control project.

Networking the data: efficiency and energy savings

Thanks to the open ecosystem of PLCnext Technology, data from production can be networked with building management. Specifically, this means: 66,500 data points in the building and over 10,000 data points in production. The OT world of machines and plants is merged with the IT world, and through digital twins, comprehensive networking of factory and infrastructure is driven forward.

Data transparency: practical applications in everyday life

Networking production and building brings significant advantages in everyday life. An example: Extra work was planned on a Saturday in plastics manufacturing. Facility management provided the infrastructure for drying the plastics. However, due to illnesses, the shift was cancelled. The building automatically noticed after two hours that no production was taking place and reduced energy consumption, saving 400 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

Sustainability and innovation: a driver for progress

Sustainability and CO2 reduction should not only be seen as an obligation. For Phoenix Contact, it was also an important driver for innovation. By continuously working on saving CO2 and optimizing energy consumption, new doors were opened, and efficiency potentials were tapped.

Innovate – collaborate – create impact now!

By collecting data during operation and subsequently networking and automating factory and building, potentials for greater economic efficiency and sustainability are unlocked. The entry into digitization is made easy: No large initial investments, but continuous expansion towards digitization, automation, and networking.

Learn more about the PLCnext Factory and immerse yourself in the mindset of digitalization!