Factory automation solutions to modernize the factory floor

Communication for Factory Automation

Robots, drives, packaging machines, sensors, actuators, controllers – most modern industrial devices in a factory are connected. HMS products enable millions of devices to communicate on fieldbuses and industrial Ethernet as well as connect to software and systems for IoT.

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Connect to any network — fieldbus or industrial Ethernet

Industrial network connectivity

Want to connect an older part of a processing plant to a newer system? Or embed network connectivity into an industrial device?

Anybus solutions from HMS Networks connect any device to any network in factory automation.

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Stay connected!

Network diagnostics

HMS can also help you with network diagnostics in factory automation — health checks, reports and best paths of repair for industrial networks – all to avoid costly downtime.

It includes permanent monitoring and troubleshooting solutions as well as services, training and tools for more robust infrastructure.

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Access, monitor and troubleshoot from afar

Remote connectivity for factory automation

Access your equipment from anywhere at any time, ensuring seamless and secure industrial IoT.

Easily connect to any PLC within your factory and do remote troubleshooting and maintenance .

Or get instant access to machine data and insights enables efficient monitoring and problem detection.

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Industrial wireless solutions

Get rid of the cables! Connect machines and devices via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular wireless (3G/4G/5G) to create wireless bridges or access machine data.

Got 5G?
Want to evaluate 5G in your factory? HMS offers 5G routers and starter kits allowing you to implement and test 5G in your site.

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Integrate functional safety – the easy way

Functional Safety in factory automation

Moving machinery in a factory needs to operate in a safe way to avoid harming people or equipment. But connecting to safety networks such as CIP Safety, PROFIsafe and FSoE is complex and time-consuming.

Ixxat Safe from HMS Networks offers the industry‘s most comprehensive product and service offerings for integrating safe IOs and communication solutions based on EN ISO 13849-1 and EN/IEC 62061.

  • Pre-certified by TÜV Rheinland
  • Speeds up your development process
  • Reduces development costs and risks
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All you need for CAN

CAN and CANopen are the communication backbone of many industrial machines. HMS Ixxat products enable CAN communication such as PC connectivity, CAN line extension, bridges, gateways and much more.

Product categories

Products used for communication in Factory Automation

What users say

Case studies and testimonials

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Embedded network interfaces Anybus

SVIA: Connectivity between Profibus, DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP with Anybus X-gateway

Anybus X-gateways connect DeviceNet-based robot cells to several other industrial networks. This is cheaper than using a robot cabinet with multiple networks installed and provides clear cuts between the robot cell and the factory network.
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Remote gateways Ewon

Galvanizing plants kept precisely tuned thanks to the Ewon Flexy

Hasco-Thermic uses HMS Networks' Ewon Flexy for secure remote connectivity in their hot-dip galvanizing plants worldwide. The Ewon Flexy creates a Virtual Private Network (VPN) over the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), allowing real-time plant monitoring, data analysis, and alarm management, improving energy efficiency and quality.
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Ewon

Seiko, packing its machines with new added value!

Seiko, a packaging and bottling machine manufacturer, improves customer support and operational efficiency by implementing Ewon's secure remote connectivity solution, reducing downtime, and offering remote monitoring services.

Q&A

What is communication for Factory Automation?

Communication is key for a well-functioning factory. PLC systems from an older part of the factory need to communicate with a newer part. Machines need to be accessed remotely, New machines need to be integrated. And the entire factory network needs to be monitored and failsafe. HMS offers communication for factory automation solutions to solve these issues.

Which are the most common networks in Factory Automation?

According to HMS research, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP share first place when it comes to new installed nodes within Factory Automation, both with 18% market share followed by EtherCAT at 12%. Industrial wireless is also growing rapidly with 8% of the market, while fieldbuses like PROFIBUS and Modbus-RTU are declining. Due to the large installed base, there are still many Factory Automation machines using fieldbuses.

How can I do remote access for Factory Automation?

With Ewon Remote solutions from HMS Networks, it is possible to remotely access PLC-based machines to do troubleshooting and maintenance from anywhere. The remote solutions are secure and penetration-tested and enables quick access to machines with a laptop or tablet, just like being on site.

 

Talk to an expert about Factory automation

Have a communication expert from HMS contact you to discuss your specific requirements.