Last week, we spoke a little about how a Remote Monitoring System from MASK Control Systems Ltd could save you downtime, money and hassle. Over the next few posts, we’re going to talk in a little more depth about how remote monitoring systems work, starting with installation.
Remote Monitoring Revolution
Remote Monitoring technology is transforming the way in which industries operate. It gives unprecedented levels of insight into systems and machinery. So how does it work?
Well, as with most systems installed by MASK, the specifics of your remote monitoring system will depend on your particular needs. We’ll tailor your system to fit in with your existing operation (which saves you money and cuts down the disruption to your business!). However, as a general guide, this is how many of our installations go:
Work out what you need
First, we’ll need to establish what you need from your remote monitoring system. We usually find that people can get a lot more out of these systems than they expect, so it’s worth taking a bit of time over this stage. Uses for remote monitoring systems include (but are not limited to):
Fault detection
Remote start/stop of operations
Proactive breakdown warning
Breakdown notification
System status notification
Leak detection
Maintenance
Mapping processes and progress over time
Connect your new PLC
Once we’ve worked out what you want to monitor, and how you want to receive your data (more on that upcoming!), we’ll connect the relevant components to a “Box”. Inside the box there will be an industrial PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The PLC will collect and distribute the relevant data on your system's operation.
This PLC itself can act as a data logger or data server. This means that, at the most basic configuration, you will not need to pay monthly data storage fees. Nor will you need any specialised IT infrastructure. However, should you wish for a more comprehensive or complex system, we’ll happily talk through IT and storage options with you!
Future-proof technology
One of the problems with a lot of automation tech is that it’s reliant on systems which are not future-proof. Such systems need constant updating (which is frustrating and often eats into maintenance budgets). Our PLCs are not based on operating systems like Windows. This means that they will continue to work, without needing updates, well into the future. If you do need to replace or upgrade anything, you can be sure that our PLC manufacturers will still support their products many decades down the line.
We work hard to ensure that any work our engineers do is convenient for you. We pride ourselves on our efficient and business-friendly work. Our engineers will be there on time, will cause minimal disruption and will stay within budget.