KROHNE has developed a comprehensive platform for the entire lifecycle of process instrumentation

Numerous industries are rapidly moving to take advantage of smart devices in order to improve their operations and processes, and many devices now have internet connectivity that no one would have ever expected. Manufacturers are incorporating technology, interconnectivity and data into all of their operations. As a result, nearly every device in a manufacturing setting can become a “smart machine.”

Process sensors are no exception to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) revolution. Manufacturers need to utilize “smart sensors” in order to stay ahead of the competition. Luckily, the benefits of adapting to the latest technology are numerous. Manufacturers can enjoy improved safety, cost reduction and increased efficiency if the proper measuring devices are installed.

But if the benefits are so incredible, why hasn’t every manufacturer fully embraced the IIoT?

Switching over devices to the latest technology can result in some issues. If manufacturers are not careful, they could leave operations in worse shape than before adopting IIoT devices. Teams must therefore be aware of the potential pitfalls in order to properly avoid them.

IIoT faces key manufacturing problems

Process plants are under more pressure than ever to improve their operations as budgets are tightened. The IIoT offers manufacturers the chance to accomplish this. However, manufacturers sometimes fail to understand exactly what type of devices they need to install in order to take advantage of these new technologies. In these unfortunate situations, manufacturers may make critical errors in which their sensors do not properly communicate with each other, and various other technical issues are possible as well. Nevertheless, organizations must make this technological switch as teams across the world become more decentralized.

Employees, even those in a manufacturing environment, are presently more likely to work from home than ever before. Since people are working remotely, employees need to be able to access critical sensor data in order to make correct decisions. Without stable access to this data, plants can experience downtime. Additionally, some employees are not properly trained to use IIoT devices, and they are left with a complicated manual or set of instructions without any structured guidance. In these circumstances, newly installed IIoT devices will not be utilized to their full potential; meanwhile, precious resources are wasted. Even worse, employees improperly operating the new devices could leave a company exposed to hackers.

Cybersecurity is one of the biggest issues currently facing the IIoT. Manufacturers have incredibly valuable data, ranging from technical drawings to customer information. If any of this data is compromised, a company could face government fines and a loss of customer trust. Hackers will stop at nothing to find weak points in a network to access and steal data. The IIoT, while valuable, has introduced a variety of entry points for hackers. Every new device that is connected to the internet and cloud represents a new potential weak spot that hackers can exploit to infiltrate a network and steal data.

KROHNE has heard these concerns and developed myDevice as an IIoT comprehensive platform to solve all of these issues. It collects a number of smart service tools for the complete lifecycle of a measuring point.

myDevice offers a solution to all manufacturing sensor needs

myDevice allows the appropriate teams to access information, whether they are working in the plant or sitting at home. These teams will be able to make the proper decisions to keep the plant up and running, and employees will have access to the latest data coming out of the sensors. The facility will be able to save on maintenance costs, as myDevice will improve its ability to track meter wear.

Figure 1: Getting up-to-date information from a device. Source: Krohne

Log and display trends will help users identify potential failures in sensors before they take place. Maintenance teams will be able to take this information and take the appropriate steps to keep the plant up and running. This will also increase plant availability and safety as there will be less downtime. Plants will spend less time in maintenance, all the while keeping teams safe.

The data that myDevice tools gather can be used to perform trend analysis for virtually any application. Teams will subsequently be able to improve processes based on the data. myDevice is a complete solution, which addresses all aspects of the lifecycle of a process plant. From device commissioning to troubleshooting sensor issues, myDevice covers virtually all needs.

myDevice capabilities

All data and connections will be safe, as myDevice utilizes secure connections. The platform encrypts all data within a network, and easily generates test reports to give precise information about the current status of the device. Additionally, internal verification can be completed, whether the device is being commissioned or used in plant operation. OPTICHECK Mobile allows users to easily see the current status of software and hardware for devices.

Figure 2: An employee checking key metrics from home. Source: Krohne

Teams will be fully trained on how to utilize the newly installed IIoT devices: all of the training and tutorials necessary to operate devices can be easily accessed through the platform in eight languages. Step-by-step tutorials and training can show teams everything from basic gas measurement to device installation. Internal documents, including handbooks and parameter datasheets, are stored conveniently in one place, and new hires can be quickly brought up to speed.

myDevice will greatly improve the capabilities of the sensors in a process plant. The entire platform is designed to improve productivity, decrease costs and give teams access to more tools. Reach out to KROHNE today to learn more about myDevice and how it can improve operations and take organizations into the age of the IIoT.