The switch from paper design drawings to their electronic counterparts was an important step on the road to digitalization. Now we are about to take the next evolutionary step: the data from the sensor and drive are being transferred to the development of the module, from there to the design of machines and systems, and can later be used during operation as well as for maintenance, services and retrofitting. The promising concept on which this lifelong data flow is based is the Asset Administration Shell (AAS).

Virtual and real world combined

Lenze demonstrates that the AAS is a real support in industrial automation in the live operation of a picker cell. Similar to RAMI 4.0, the AAS also provides information about the real instance, such as serial number and time of manufacture, as well as live data, in addition to the type information. The standardization and structuring of the data as well as the central linking as a "single point of truth", through which all required information is available, are advantageous for both OEMs and system operators. This ensures that relevant and up-to-date information is available and passed on correctly.

In-depth information can be obtained from the comprehensive data without having to install additional measuring points. Combined with application expertise and suitable analysis tools, this allows effective condition monitoring to be set up.

Planning the system solution

One of Lenze's central tools for digital engineering is the EASY System Designer. The web-based planning tool supports the user in the complete planning of machine solutions, consisting of automation and drive components as well as software. Based on the extensive integrated automation knowledge, the tool checks the feasibility of the developed system solution and documents everything necessary for those involved in the engineering process. This saves valuable planning time, shortens the decision-making process and reduces the risks in the project. The overall solution can be immediately transferred to the EASY Product Finder shopping cart to speed up the quotation process.

It is also possible to prepare a PLC program based on the planned system solution. The machine structure, selected hardware components and software modules as well as the application parameters and other relevant project data are available to the programmer in his engineering environment. This enables him to finalize the PLC program and get the machine up and running much faster. Parallel to this process, the Asset Administration Shell fills up: it is further processed with all tools that know and understand the structure of the AAS.