AUTOMATION PANEL

The Benefits of Automation Panels

Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have changed their focus from using standard PLCs to more comprehensive automation panels, which are also known as HMI/controller units.

Traditionally, OEM machines employed a programmable logic controller (PLC), or a newer breed of controller referred to as a programmable automation controller (PAC) for control, input/output capabilities (I/O), human machine interface (HMI), and potentially networking equipment including an Ethernet router, all of which require their own processor, electrical installation and connection, software, and general maintenance.

Automation panels combine these major parts into a single product. The benefits of using automation panels can include:

• Faster installation: since the panel contains all the parts necessary for machine automation, the installation process is streamlined. Only one device, not many, must be installed.
• Simplified Maintenance: with all components on one panel, general maintenance and managing spare parts is far less complex.
• Reduced costs: both software development and hardware costs can be reduced with all-in-one panels.
• Easier Upgrades: when software updates are released, they can be downloaded together, from the same development environment, keeping the system project together.
• Improved performance: communication time and management is reduced with automation panels since all the components are housed and connected within the same hardware.
• Better UX: touchscreen panels offer a better user experience is they are intuitive, easy to use, and can withstand the harsh environments of factories and other industrial settings.