Automation solutions in no time
C6 COMPACT 3 and NOA for getting started in IIoT
Implementing automation in your own company is complex, expensive and requires in-depth IIoT expertise on site. A smart solution from KEB Automation proves that these assumptions are incorrect. The combination of the C6 COMPACT 3 embedded automation device and the open NOA automation platform creates customised options for plant and machine manufacturers to make data usable. Particularly practical: with the C6 COMPACT 3, users get a complete ‘toolbox’ for modern machine automation.
Small and medium-sized plant and machine manufacturers in particular often face a difficult balancing act: on the one hand, applications need to become more efficient and benefit from the possibilities offered by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). On the other hand, they sometimes lack the resources to implement the hardware and software required for these tasks. In addition, IIoT platforms developed in-house require a high initial investment and must be maintained. The openautomation platform NOA from KEB provides a remedy here – an out-of-the-box solution that is cost-effective and expandable for customer-specific applications thanks to its scalable billing model.
With the C6 COMPACT 3, more than ‘just’ a controller is available. It is in fact an embedded automation device. “Based on the Linux operating system and container technology, customers can integrate their own software and a wide variety of applications such as NOA on the device. A practical feature is that the amount of memory that can be used can be specified in advance,” says Michael Zacharewicz, Head of Product Management and Systems at KEB. “With the addition of the NOA Portal, users can distribute, update or version the applications on devices in the field.”
More than just a control
The NOA Portal is an optional cloud component that enables cross-location management of apps and devices. This makes it even easier for plant and machine builders to enter the world of IIoT and Industry 4.0. One of the key features of NOA is its openness. This means that the automation platform can be used on KEB hardware as well as third-party hardware. The strengths of the interaction between NOA and C6 COMPACT 3 are evident in practice.
As an edge device, the C6 COMPACT 3 ensures that data is collected via different interfaces. This data is then made available to the NOA portal for further processing or preparation. This process has been optimised to such an extent that the amount of work required by users to implement IIoT measures is drastically reduced and resources are freed up. “Thanks to its container functionality, the device can be seen as an all-in-one toolbox for simple automation. As it can be used both as an edge device and as a gateway, it can handle several use cases in addition to IIoT: PLC and motion control, open automation and even retrofitting.” In the medium term, remote service will also be possible via NOA. Depending on performance, the C6 COMPACT 3 can also perform multiple functions. Zacharewicz sums it up: “C6 COMPACT 3 as robust and future-proof hardware and NOA as an easy-to-implement and open automation solution are a powerful duo that paves the way to IIoT in a cost-effective and convenient way.”