With DIMA (Decentralized Intelligence for Modular Applications), WAGO has developed a concept that supports the highly adaptable production processes required by Industry 4.0. For its revolutionary approach, WAGO was recognized as an industry leader with the “Industry 4.0 Innovation Award” bestowed by the VDE (German Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) publishing house in cooperation with ZVEI (German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturer’s Association).

WAGO’s PFC100 and PFC200 IoT Controllers are now Microsoft Azure certified. This certification guarantees users that the systems work optimally with the Azure cloud, allowing IoT projects to be easily and safely implemented.

The networked, intelligent, self-controlling, self-optimizing, and resource-efficient production is the central scenario of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) – the smart factory. Despite the alleged advantages that IIoT appears to offer, questions remain for many companies, such as: Why is it even necessary? What level of their own production must attain 4.0? What steps should be first on their path to the smart factory?

Ordering and production processes are being increasingly digitized. An integrated system provides transparency from the order to the finished product.

Cisco is relying on IoT-based systems, which communicate with traditional building systems using WAGO’s BACnet Controller for their innovation center in Berlin.

If hackers or a technical glitch paralyze the servers of a corporation, the failures can lead to millions in damage. One company, Correct Power Institute, has developed a method for monitoring computer centers that quickly traces faults in the power supply to maximize uptime for the IT systems. The approach: Controllers from WAGO detect all electrical current and environmental data and use the cloud for analysis. The hardened Linux® operating system in the WAGO controllers and Correct Power’s sophisticated security architecture ensure the highest level of data security.

Thomas Holm has been involved with the optimization of production processes in “Market Management Industry & Process” at WAGO since 2015, and is a leading participant in developing the DIMA concept (Decentralized Intelligence for Modular Applications). In the interview, Holm spoke about the opportunities that Industry 4.0 provides to mid-sized companies and offers insights into the corporate practices at WAGO.

Manufacturing execution systems (MES) are prerequisites for Industry 4.0 and a pivotal point for digitized production. At the end of January, the MES DACH Association invited participants to the 6th conference, “MES in Focus”. The host this year was WAGO in Minden.

Data in the cloud, added value in the company: In a series of presentations about the “Connected Factory”, Microsoft and WAGO demonstrated how companies can profit when they combine their production and systems data in a cloud.

“Your practical knowledge is the theoretical.” Professor Holger Watter repeats this statement three times during our interview about increasing automation in maritime technology. We are sitting in the university cafeteria in Flensburg, where he has served two years as president. What does digitization contribute? What do trainees and students need to acquire by the end of their apprenticeships if they plan on smooth sailing in a maritime 4.0 world? And why, with as much as we love high-resolution line charts, network systems and tables on large monitors, do we still actually need analog displays?

It all starts with data collection. That’s at the root of all of these digital transformation efforts. Collecting the info that informs insights that make you run smarter, faster, more reliably... better.

Using a simple MQTT software upgrade, any member of WAGO’s PFC controller family can be transformed into an IoT controller with cloud connectivity – merging IT and automation.

With the development of the Asset Management Cloud, M&M has created a foundation for industrial applications, like energy management and predictive maintenance. The company, part of the WAGO Group, offers a comprehensive solution package for cloud connectivity – both in production and buildings.

The networked, intelligent, self-controlling, self-optimizing, and resource-efficient production is the central scenario of Industry 4.0 – the Smart Factory. Despite the alleged advantages that Industry 4.0 production appears to offer, questions remain for many companies, such as: why is it even necessary? what level of their own production must attain 4.0? and what steps should be the first on their path to the Smart Factory?

With DIMA, WAGO presents a new, manufacturer-independent solution for automating modular systems which significantly reduces plant engineering and facilitates future system modifications. DIMA links modularity and Industry 4.0 approaches into a winning value added process over the entire lifecycle of a facility, from design up to recycling.

Greater individuality, speed, economic value – according to Linus Schleupner, Professor in Strategic Management at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences, consumers, like businesses, could soon take advantage of Industry 4.0. However, all players have to follow the rules of the game.

Providing, collecting, evaluating and using data: In addition to the PFC100 and PFC200 IoT Controllers, WAGO is expanding its digital performance portfolio with the new WAGO Cloud capability. This pioneering technology enables even the rather conservative shipping sector to function more efficiently.

Industry 4.0 and big data open up unexpected possibilities for manufacturers and lay the groundwork for promising business models – therefore, increased data protection is necessary. Flexible and intelligent technical solutions that collect data at the field level and provide it to the cloud will establish this foundation.