SICK’s sensors are built into production lines and perform multiple functions, from detecting foreign body contamination and line and machine performance to monitoring changes to the production environment and health and safety risks.
SICK IntegrationSpace enables users to feed sensor data from devices to the Cloud, making data and sensor use clearer and more transparent, according to the firm.
Data from SICK sensors and other third-party devices would become “valuable raw material” to be collected, represented and manipulated, using the appropriate web-based service, it said.
Sensors
SICK IntegrationSpace modules are designed to work with all SICK’s sensors and technology, plus its AppSpace software framework.
Customers can use the SICK Installed Base Manager smartphone app to build a database, with fingertip access to information about SICK and third-party installed devices. It allows users to collect data on all the sensors they use.
The app automatically detects and logs the serial number and age of every SICK device and assigns it to the machine and plant, with the option to add photos and the exact GPS location. Sensors can then be located using the search function, with quick access to technical data and product manuals.
The system also allows for the SICK AssetHub, a web-based enterprise asset management (EAM), which enables users to manage digital twins of their assets.
The sensors feed information into the Cloud, providing detail about the machines they are attached to, as well as themselves.
Device data evaluated
This evaluates device data, so that maintenance happens at the right times, software and parts are up to date and that inventories for spares are well-planned and optimised.
In addition, the SICK LiveConnect real-time access capability from sensor to Cloud and the SICK Monitoring Box allow for early detection of status changes in sensors, machines and plants.
Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK product manager for Imaging, Measurement and Ranging, said: “The modular concept of SICK IntegrationSpace allows you to subscribe only to the services you use. You can connect your SICK devices in three simple steps. Firstly, create a virtual representation (digital twin) of your device, then pair the real device with the virtual representation. Finally, via the virtual device, manage how the data is routed and forwarded to other SICK data applications, such as individual dashboards, digital maintenance services, as well as to your third-party dashboards or business improvement systems.”
