How to get on the road to Smart Machines: The ABC’s of alarm management
Credit to Author: Gregory Bouchery| Date: Thu, 07 Dec 2017 20:48:06 +0000
In an ideal world, a machine such as a coffee maker would typically only need to be programmed to manage the main functions of start, stop and make the coffee. However, in reality a lot more can happen with this coffee maker during operation, for instance the water or coffee tank can often be empty or a cup can become jammed into the machine. As with this everyday life example, unexpected event management is key for industrial machines, especially alarm management. And thus, it would not come as a surprise that there are several alternatives that can be adapted for use cases in industrial environments.
Have a look at the different solutions presented below along with the pros and cons of each option and then determine which one you feel would work the best…
Solution 1: Alarm Management through HMI
Pro: Full list of alarms, details on the alarm content
Con: Long programming, cost and sizes of the screen not compatible with the most compact machines, visibility near the screen only
Solution 2: Remote Alarm on your Phone
Pro: Remote monitoring. Details on the alarm content
Con: costly and high end system requiring programming & special infrastructure.
Solution 3: Tower light & sirens
Pro: Easier installation without programming, perfect to attract the attention of a distant operator This solution also enable the usage of MP3 files to give fully voiced messages like “feeder alarm, please replace the blue ink”.
Con: Not practical for compact machines or for operators very closed to the machines
Solution 4: Diameter 22 mounting buzzers and illuminated buzzers
Pro: Very cost effective, perfect to attract the attention of a nearby operator
Con: No detail on the alarm, with only 1 alarm by buzzer
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