Is a PLC still worth it these days?

Is a PLC still worth it these days?

The programmable logic controller gives a number of benefits, and its strengths absolutely lie in relatively straight forward programming thanks to easy software languages ​​and in powerful real-time data processing, that's specifically critical when the usage of enormously efficient production machines wherein the data from many sensors is evaluated and brought into account at the same time have to. But, the limited potential to integrate into existing structures and their weaknesses compared to the high-level languages ​​in information technology need to also be taken into consideration. The timely adaptation of individual production steps using the PLC can sometimes be tricky if programs must be rewritten or loaded for each production variant. Clearly extra current systems score right here,

Industry 4.0 and PLC – do they still go together?

One of the biggest challenges of industry 4.0consists in an ever-growing variety of variants within manufacturing with a simultaneous boom in production capacities. In many areas, the programmable logic controller reaches its limits here, particularly in terms of its adaptability. Nowadays, consequently, different technologies such as edge computing are often used with the assist of so-known as edge controllers. The latter are also a form of programmable logic controller, however they're able to very quickly analyse and filter the records provided through the sensors. The main difference to a PC is that cloud technologies can be used, i.e. decentralized data processing and storage of the program data takes place with edge computing.

Conclusion

The programmable logic controller remains up to date and has clear benefits in many areas. But, a few different technology are already taking their place, particularly current systems for decentralised data processing inside industry 4.0. However, the PC has meanwhile also adapted to the requirements of modern production techniques, considering the fact that it could now be integrated into present infrastructures much better than before. In this respect, different structures which include p.c. and edge controllers are shifting ever closer together in a few areas, in order that developments in absolutely different guidelines do not constantly should occur.