The benefits of Plug & Play over hardwiring for Integrated Industry
Due to customer requirements for increased flexibility within production, manufacturers now need their factories and plants to be more agile so they can quickly produce smaller, customised batches or build a variety of products on a single line.
In order to work effectively, this process needs tools and machines to be rewired or connected together quickly, whilst ensuring the manufacturing process is efficient and product quality is maintained.
As facilities move away from rigid structures and mass production techniques, they require connectors that are agile, versatile and robust. Not only do HARTING’s wide range of Plug & Play products simplify the adoption of a modular approach to a manufacturing line or production facility, they also come with a raft of benefits.
Maintenance: Machine downtime is extremely costly for manufacturers. Fixing a hardwired machine requires a specialist maintenance engineer or contractor to attend, which is expensive from both a financial and time perspective. Using a Plug & Play set up, it is relatively easy and inexpensive to disconnect the unit and replace it.
Efficiency and Costs: As well requiring expensive specialist maintenance, hardwiring can also reduce plant efficiency. Managing electrical faults, factory shut downs or service intervals is easier with Plug & Play, as it’s much simpler to connect to and disconnect from the electrical circuit, resulting in substantial cost and time savings. Modular connectors can also provide energy management information, thanks to an integrated current measurement feature.
Installation: Hardwired components have to be assembled onsite, which requires specialist electrical contractors and a lengthy testing process to ensure the wiring has been connected correctly. Plug & Play connectors can be easily linked to each other and machinery, resulting in a simple, flexible and versatile installation experience.
Flexibility: As we touched on above, manufacturing flexibility is essential in a demanding and competitive marketplace. Whether you’re looking to make a one-off item or relocate production to another part of the factory, versatility is key. Plug & Play connectors allow production processes to be adapted quickly and simply and can often be performed by machine operators themselves. In addition, HARTING’s range of modular connectors can combine power, signal and data into one connector, meaning they can be produced to your specific requirements.
The solution: Han-Modular®
HARTING's Han-Modular® series gives you the flexibility to design your own connector by combining individual modules into one connector housing. Whether it’s data, signal, power or even compressed air, you can merge them all into one safe, reliable and unique connector.
