The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) focuses on the interconnectivity and utilization of powerful data in a manufacturing environment. IIoT enables the acquisition and accessibility of important plant data at far greater speeds, security and reliability. IIoT incorporates machine learning and big data technology, harnessing the sensor data, machine-to-machine communication and automation technologies that have existed in industrial settings for years. The driving philosophy behind the IIoT is that smart machines are better than humans at accurately, consistently capturing and communicating data.
The driving force behind IIoT’s data communication is the industry accepted MQTT protocol. EZLogix built in MQTT protocol support, acts as a “bridge” between existing operational technologies within a plant, for example factory machines, and plant database networks, so valuable data can be shared reliably and securely for productivity monitoring and preventative maintenance.
The EZLogix PLC can be used to control the machine or simply interface with existing PLC technology as an edge-gateway device for less than $250, but most importantly is used to communicate critical data for operational improvements. In this application note, we use the EZLogix to control tank levels, log critical machine data and send it to designated plant personnel over the MQTT protocol using the FREE EZIIoT Utility and EZLogix Designer Pro programming software. The EZTouch HMI is used simply as an operator interface for manual control of the tank, but is not required for the productivity monitoring application over the MQTT protocol.
EZ Automation
Filed Under: IoT • IIoT • Internet of things • Industry 4.0