Wireless Communications for Industrial Automation Continues to Expand Because It Performs

Wireless communications capabilities for process control
extend beyond WiFi

Wireless connection between a sensor and control or monitoring station is not new anymore. Products have matured, familiarity with the technology is widespread. Certainly, there are still large swaths of industrial installations that do not utilize the technology. This can be for any number or reasons, but new industrial technology tends to follow a predictable course throughout its adoption. There will be innovators and early adopters that can justify higher risks with the prospect of great returns. Many industries and companies will wait until perceived technological difficulties with implementation are overcome and products become more mainstream and easy to apply. That is where industrial wireless is today. Assembling complete working systems is a straight forward operation. Costs are comparatively modest. It's easier to visualize a payback.

Let's review some of the benefits a wireless installation can bring.

Safety: Wireless connections can reduce personnel exposure to hazardous environments or situations that previously required human intervention or a manual gauge or instrument reading.
Easy Scale-up: Adding points on a network is generally a simple incremental process.
Operational Advantage: When deployed to replace manual instrument or gauge readings, real time data for diagnostics and efficiency measurements are now available. Information that is more accurate, timely, and consistent will produce better results.
Installation Savings: Installation of wireless connected assets has been reported to be up to 10 times less expensive than wired installation. The reduced space and planning for cables and conduit can make what were once complex and time consuming operations much quicker and easier.
Mobility: Wireless technology allows for real time connections to mobile platforms. Whether within a plant, on the road, or on the high seas, there are wireless products that can make the connection.
Distance: Don't just think WiFi, think radio, think satellite, think cellular. Connections can be established across very long distances using standard products from the industry.
Conversion of Legacy Devices: Many existing in-place devices can have their wired connections replaced with a wireless version. This accommodates a staged transition from wired to wireless in facility.

Analynk Wireless manufactures a broad range of wireless communications equipment for industrial process control and automation. Share your wireless connection challenges and ideas with the experts at Analynk and start benefiting from the technology. It's not new anymore. It's mainstream.