July/August 2020

www.smartmachinesandfactories.com July/August 2020 | 17 | | FEATURES | and control all that data using a real-time virtual environment. Space for integration So, in June 2020, SICK unveiled a third pillar to its hardware and software offering to sit alongside its rapidly advancing sensor technology portfolio and AppSpace. Sick IntegrationSpace is a web-based platform for data-based digital services whose purpose is to align efficiency in automated factory, process and logistics operations with enterprise-wide business improvement systems. SICK IntegrationSpace is not only a ‘self-serve’ distribution channel for a growing, modular portfolio of cloud-based applications; through a combination of digital tools and services, users will be able to vertically integrate from the sensor right through to the cloud. Data from SICK sensors and other third-party devices can be directly accessed via web-based services as a raw material for individualised, added-value business processes. SICK IntegrationSpace is a means to gather and represent sensor data in a virtual environment. It is the mechanism by which users will visualise both the sensors and the data they produce. Furthermore, the sensor data can be refined, simplified and integrated using cloud-driven services such as Deep Learning to add value to processes. Through dashboard-based tools, users will gain insights into the operating health and service status of devices. SICK IntegrationSpace therefore creates the transparency necessary to maintain automated systems with maximum uptime and minimum inventories. Data can be directed seamlessly to provide real time analytics, while being recorded and integrated into predictive and prescriptive maintenance systems. Three simple steps You can connect your SICK devices in three simple steps: Firstly, create a virtual representation (digital twin) of your device, then pair the real device with the virtual representation. Finally, via the virtual device, manage how the data is routed and forwarded to other SICK data applications, such as individual dashboards, digital maintenance services, as well as third party dashboards or business improvement systems. The modular concept of SICK IntegrationSpace allows you to subscribe only to the services you use. Start simply with the SICK Installed Base Manager: A foundation module for the IntegrationSpace concept it’s a data ‘acorn’ that can grow into the digitisation of entire maintenance regimes. You can use this smartphone App to build a database that gives you fingertip access to information about your installed devices. By simply tagging the 2D code label on each SICK device, users can collect data on their entire installed sensor inventory. The SICK Installed Base Manager also enables non-SICK devices to be added. For every SICK device, the App will automatically detect and log the serial number and its age, assign it to the machine and plant, with the option to add photos and the exact GPS location. Individual sensors can then be located quickly using the search function. Authorised employees can interrogate and update the asset base with new devices at any time, with quick access to technical data and product manuals. All stored device data can be exported for use in the customer’s own systems. A key foundation element of the IntegrationSpace concept is SICK AssetHub, a web-based enterprise asset management (EAM) tool that provides a feature-rich and interactive view of all your sensors, systems and other devices. You can manage a digital twin of those assets along their entire life cycles. Data is evaluated in the AssetHub to ensure maintenance happens at the right times, software and firmware are up to date and that inventories are well planned and optimised. The AssetHub also provides transparency for SICK field services to support customers effectively and enables maintenance programmes to be optimised. SICK LiveConnect unlocks a secure, standardised and easy-to-use live data connection from each sensor to the SICK AssetHub via an edge gateway such as the SICK SIM1012 or the TDC-E. The sensor status can be visualised in the cloud and process data integrated into monitoring applications. The LiveConnect service creates a digital trail linking hardware to SensorApp, and to the Cloud. The SICK Monitoring Box allows for the early detection of status changes in sensors, machines, and plants. It enables visualization of data in a browser-based dashboard for condition monitoring and real time analysis. Integration with sensors is facilitated through standard SensorApps for SICK devices and implemented via the SICK cloud, or at a customer’s premises. Process changes can be tracked directly from devices and users have real-time access to sensor parameters, for example whether pre-set limits have been exceeded. Alarms and notifications can be set up, and historical data and events are presented clearly in a log book format, so they can be used to make application-specific predictions. Turbulent times In turbulent times, organisations must be resilient and agile, responding quickly to fluctuating demand and maximising uptime. Connecting right into heart of operations, the data from sensors is an empowering raw material that can be transformative across entire business processes. The challenge is to sculpt with that data as seamlessly, simply, and securely as possible. By bringing their sensors to the cloud, engineers not only extend the availability and operating life of machines, they harness digital data for business improvement, from the machine and shop floor, through the enterprise level to the supply chain beyond. For more information please visit: www.sick.co.uk