Balluff GmbH, a sensor and automation specialist, provides important information about the condition and control of machines and entire systems, with its intelligent components, the Smart Automation and Monitoring System (SAMS). The portfolio is extensive, with a focus on the integration of software and hardware.

Small batch sizes, different types of parts, external influences and time-consuming error search on production lines: the challenges for users in manufacturing and logistics companies are increasing. Possible consequences include long setup times, downtime, and production loss. At the same time, the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in industrial automation is growing. This is where the Smart Automation and Monitoring System (SAMS) by the company comes in. With intelligent devices, it provides important data about the condition of individual machines and entire systems. Additional smart functionalities also enable various automation tasks to be solved directly in the sensor, eliminating the need to burden a controller with them, as data preprocessing already takes place in the sensor itself.

Capture, analysis, and diagnosis

Smart, powerful sensors, and network components form the core of the system. The SAMS portfolio includes various products such as optoelectronic sensors, digital position indicators, inductive sensors, identification systems, and IO-Link masters. These can be individually programmed, configured, and easily implemented. Once attached to machines and equipment, the sensors continuously capture important measurement values such as vibration, temperature, or exceptional environmental conditions through condition monitoring. This allows them to monitor the technical condition of a device. “Possible deviations and trends are recognized and analyzed in the subsequent comprehensive data analysis and diagnosis, with logical connections being directly inferred,” explains Dennis Seng, Automation Solution Manager, Balluff. “The gathered information from cross-machine monitoring helps to identify or even prevent potential malfunctions, enabling timely responses and alleviating the burden on the control level.”

Focus on smart factory

Combining classic automation technology (OT) and information technology (IT): The Smart Automation and Monitoring System (SAMS) from Balluff stands for the comprehensive automation philosophy of the company from Neuhausen auf den Fildern - and paves the way to the intelligent factory in times of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). “Thanks to integrated standard interfaces, retrofitting existing systems is also possible without any problems,” says Seng. In addition, the individual intelligent sensors in the system can be combined with each other and are identical in both configuration and evaluation, regardless of the application scenario and measurement parameters. This makes implementation and operation easier and more intuitive for users. SAMS components are used in a variety of industries, including metalworking, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and packaging. The products have a high IP protection and are made of high-quality housing materials, which makes it possible to use them in particularly difficult environmental conditions.

For more information: www.balluff.com