Schneider Electric launched a service to help industrial manufacturers modernize their programmable logic control (PLC) systems easily, safely and more cost effectively, sometimes in less than one hour. By reducing downtime and disruption to the operation, says Schneider, the service provides an easier migration to the company’s Modicon M580 programmable automation controllers (ePAC). With built-in Ethernet capability, the Modicon M580 ePAC is the only PLC that can enable 100 percent ROI within three months for hybrid applications, according to its maker.
Modernizing to value-focused technology
“Upgrading older or obsolete PLC systems is proven to increase the safety, efficiency, reliability and, especially, profitability of our customers’ hybrid and process operations,” said Nathalie Marcotte, senior vice president, Industry Services, Schneider Electric. “Our PLC modernization service helps manufacturers quickly and efficiently leverage Schneider Electric’s value-focused IIoT technology and expertise to gain better insight into their industrial operations. Upgrading to the Modicon M580 ePAC will empower their workforce to make better, more accurate business decisions at the right time, which enables them to drive measurable improvements to their operational profitability, safely and sustainably.”
The migration combines a Unity M580 application converter with a migration-expert-configuration-utility tool, which identifies operational gaps and provides recommendations to solve each customer’s unique systems challenges. This combination enables customers to convert Unity software applications on both Quantum and Premium platforms to be compatible with the Modicon M580 ePAC, while providing the option to produce a pre-engineering proposal for the new M580 I/O. A quick wiring system for the TSX Premium processor allows upgrades to be completed in less than one hour, according to Schneider.
“Today’s pace of business, especially in manufacturing, requires technology built for faster, more connected operations. Many of our customers are relying on older, inefficient PLCs that are less reliable, have a higher total cost of ownership and leave operations vulnerable to new and emerging threats,” said Marcotte. “Modernizing to the Modicon M580 ePAC gives our customers a future-proof, IIoT-ready platform, one that can quickly help them control their operational profitability in real time, without disrupting their business.
“These services are the latest example of how we help our customers migrate to value-focused IIoT solutions via EcoStruxure Plant. Our open, interoperable, IoT-enabled system architecture and platform allows us to innovate at every level to improve the safety, reliability, efficiency and profitability of our customers’ operations in real time. It helps them convert their automation investments into the profit engine of their business.”
