Beckhoff Automation designs its solutions with flexibility, ensuring they serve as long-term investments in an ever-changing environment. Supriya Suhale, category manager – connectivity at Beckhoff, explains that the company’s automation solutions align with the evolving needs of the industry.
“We not only provide automation solutions but are tasked with aligning our product and technology innovations with the evolving needs of the industry,” says Suhale. “We pride ourselves on not only helping our customers keep pace with change but lead it.”
Beckhoff’s approach includes principles such as innovation, flexibility, scalability, modularity, and openness in product development. The technology is designed to integrate into any environment or application, whether expanding systems, integrating with existing infrastructure, or meeting new performance requirements.
“Flexibility at Beckhoff goes beyond just functionality. It's a fundamental philosophy ingrained in our culture and approach to innovation,” says Suhale.
“In layman’s terms, adaptability in automation means solving many problems and achieving various goals while adjusting to changing needs using either a single solution or an integrated set of solutions.”
Beckhoff's modular hardware architecture allows for tailored systems, scalable to precise requirements.
The company's software platform, TwinCAT, facilitates the seamless integration of various automation tasks and technologies. Beckhoff's dedication to open standards and interoperability ensures easy integration with existing systems and third-party technologies.
Beckhoff highlights several advantages of its adaptable technology. “Flexibility enhances scalability, allowing for the addition or removal of components as needed without disrupting the entire system. It reduces development time and enables faster responses to market opportunities,” says Suhale. Beckhoff’s modular I/O systems connect effortlessly to various sensors and actuators, supporting standardised communication protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT.
Beckhoff’s PC-based control integrates IT and OT, automating machines, buildings, processes, and smart devices.
“Our PC based control, unlike traditional PLC setups, seamlessly integrates IT and OT, providing a powerful platform to automate machines, buildings, processes, and smart devices. We achieve flexibility through ensuring interoperability creating seamless integration and communication across diverse devices, systems, and technologies within an automation environment,” explains Suhale.
“Our open automation systems, enabled by EtherCAT and TwinCAT software, support a wide range of industry standards and protocols. This openness allows for easy integration and real-time communication, enhancing scalability and reducing development time.”
Users can configure Beckhoff systems to accommodate different manufacturing processes and production requirements. “The TwinCAT software platform allows users to configure and customise automation processes by adjusting parameters, integrating various software components, and optimising system performance according to specific operational needs,” adds Suhale. Beckhoff Industrial PCs can be designed and built for customer-specific requirements.
Beckhoff's flexible approach to automation leads to easier maintenance, cost savings, and swift responses to market changes.
