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SAP Research has chosen Perle Systems to provide all serial to Ethernet solutions within the Future Factory Lab at SAP Research CEC in Dresden, Germany. The Future Factory Initiative is a joint effort between SAP Research and industrial and academic partner organisations to foster research and development for the manufacturing industry. The lab facilitates research and development in a living lab environment, providing an infrastructure for test, validation, and demonstration.
Several typical scenarios from the manufacturing industry are currently being showcased at the Future Factory Lab. However, these are not with the typical processes you would expect to find on the production floor today. Instead they showcase an insight into the future of manufacturing.
“The mantra behind the scenarios is to ‘automate what can be automated’ – not in order to replace humans, but in order to optimise the tasks that can be handled better by machines," says Dr. Jochen Rode, Development Architect at SAP Research CEC Dresden. He continues, “This gives humans more time to focus on the tasks that require human operation. The result is a highly optimised factory floor, where machine and human complement each others strengths and ensure a more efficient way of working.”
All barcode scanners, weighing machines and measurement devices in the Future Factory have RS232, RS422 or RS485 serial ports. In order to network enable these devices, and therefore to automate the system, a Perle serial to Ethernet Device Server is used.
“I have used Perle Device Servers for years and have found them to be reliable and efficient at network enabling devices on the manufacturing floor,” Comments Dr. Rode.
The ability to securely connect automation equipment to central controlling applications, or a remote operator via a browser, in real time, provides an important component to a cost effective automation solution. From barcode scanners to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), there are thousands of devices that utilise a serial interface for communications. The industrial serial to Ethernet adapter products from Perle allows users to monitor and control these devices across the network with the fastest response time in the industry.
About Perle Systems
Perle Systems (perle.com) is a leading developer, manufacturer and vendor of high-reliability and richly featured serial to Ethernet networking products. These products are used to connect remote users reliably and securely to central servers for a wide variety of business applications. Product lines include Console Servers for Data Center Management, Terminal Servers, Device Servers, Ethernet I/O and Serial Cards. Perle distinguishes itself through extensive networking technology, depth of experience in major real-world network environments and long-term distribution and VAR channel relationships in major world markets. Perle has offices and representative offices in 11 countries in North America, Europe and Asia and sells its products through distribution and OEM/ODE channels worldwide.
About SAP
SAP is the world’s leading provider of business software, offering applications and services that enable companies of all sizes and in more than 25 industries to become best-run businesses. With approximately 82,000 customers in over 120 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE, under the symbol “SAP.”
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