Makino Unveils ProNetConneX: The IIoT Interface
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has arrived on factory floors, and Makino’s new ProNetConneX provides the data and connectivity necessary for Intelligent Factories to rapidly respond to fluctuating market demands. ProNetConneX offers manufacturers a built-in, instant on-ramp to the IIoT, with secure connectivity to today’s leading software management systems via the MTConnect standard. With support for both secure local network and private cloud-based data resources, ProNetConneX gives users the ability to connect, collect and analyze machine data from anywhere in the world.
“Factory floors are in a state of evolution, where digital connectivity and integration are bringing manufacturing operations out from behind the curtains and into the fold of enterprise planning, scheduling and product life-cycle systems,” says James Brown, manager of controls software development at Makino. “Makino has developed ProNetConneX to provide simple and secure transmission of machine information across connected devices on the factory floor. From machine status monitoring and utilization to ERP [enterprise resource planning] system integration, ProNetConneX equips companies with holistic knowledge and control of their manufacturing operations.”
ProNetConneX facilitates the free-flow of machine data for Intelligent Factories through a variety of capabilities, such as:
- Real-time data collection and accessibility
- Machine health monitoring
- Cloud data collection either locally or Internet
- Secure local network and cloud-based systems connectivity
- MTConnect v1.3 compliancy
Unlike many other IIoT machine interfaces, ProNetConneX is fully integrated into Makino’s latest machine controls, requiring no supplemental hardware. Additional machine sensors can be installed within machines and added to ProNetConneX to expand data collection capabilities based on manufacturers’ unique needs.
Compatibility with the latest MTConnect standards enables Makino’s ProNetConneX to connect with a company’s choice of software management system, including solutions from Memex, Scytec, Lemoine, Freedom eLog, Forcam and many other leading providers. For example, using ProNetConneX, machine data can be supplied to the Forcam system for part production monitoring, control and interfacing to MRP/ERP systems. Data security and cloud services are enabled in cooperation with one of today’s leading network hardware providers, making the networking platform familiar and easy to use for IT technicians.
Makino is set to display ProNetConneX during IMTS. The system is planned to be connected to Makino’s MPmax software and FORCAM’s FORCAM FORCE™ software suite. FORCAM FORCE™ is an advanced shop floor management technology that enables companies to harmonize all manufacturing operations from the top to the shop floor and across the global supply chain and enterprise to create a transparent factory environment. Visit Makino at IMTS in booth S-8700 for a live demonstration.
Maximizing Productivity with MPmax
Among the ProNetConneX-compatible software solutions on the market is Makino’s MPmax real-time machine process monitoring and data management solution. Developed to support manufacturers in optimizing machine processes, MPmax includes analysis tools and capabilities that are not available in any other software platform, including spindle load, speed and vibration monitoring.
“ProNetConneX and MPmax combine to create the perfect package for manufacturers looking to optimize the efficiency of their shop floor and get the most out of their machining investments. Together, these utilities reveal near limitless opportunity to enhance productivity and utilization,” says Brown.
MPmax is compatible with all MTConnect-supported machines and acts as a central hub for monitoring critical processes across a variety of machine platforms. Its data-management capabilities track a variety of key machine performance indicators:
- Status monitoring
- Utilization monitoring
- Alarm analysis
- Spindle and axis monitoring
- Tool data management
- Probe data analysis
- Camera monitoring (option)
- Power-consumption monitoring (option)