Blog

The most valuable connectivity strategies focus on data that supports performance, maintenance, and quality improvements. Common examples include production output, machine availability, alarm information, energy consumption, and quality-related metrics.

When analysed together, these data sources provide a clearer picture of machine performance and production efficiency. This enables manufacturers to optimise operations, improve resource utilisation, and support predictive maintenance initiatives.

Modern machines combine PLCs, robotics, motion systems, HMIs, sensors, and safety devices. To ensure efficient communication between these components, machine builders increasingly adopt integrated automation architectures that support data exchange across the machine and beyond.

Mitsubishi Electric supports this approach through its machine building solutions, helping OEMs create scalable and future-ready machines while simplifying system integration and reducing engineering complexity.

Legacy equipment can often be connected without major modifications. Communication modules, industrial networking technologies, and edge-level solutions allow manufacturers to access operational data from existing assets and integrate them into modern digital environments.

Retrofitting machinery offers a practical and cost-effective path to digital transformation while preserving previous investments. It also enables manufacturers to improve production visibility and make better use of installed equipment.

Remote connectivity gives maintenance teams access to machine information without being physically present on site. Operational data can be analysed in real time, supporting faster diagnostics and more effective maintenance planning.

Key benefits include:

• reduced downtime,
  
• faster fault resolution,
  
• improved maintenance efficiency,
  
• lower support costs,
  
• greater machine availability.
  

By identifying issues before they lead to failures, manufacturers can move from reactive maintenance towards a more proactive approach that improves reliability and productivity.

Machine builders should ensure that connectivity solutions support:

• scalability,
  
• interoperability,
  
• cybersecurity,
  
• standards compliance,
• long-term maintainability.

Connectivity architectures should also be flexible enough to support future expansion and evolving production requirements. These priorities align with Mitsubishi Electric's four pillars of machine building approach, which focuses on flexibility, efficiency, scalability, and long-term value.

Most factories operate equipment from multiple vendors, making connectivity a key consideration when modernising production environments. Different machine generations, communication methods, and software platforms can create data silos that limit visibility.

A well-designed connectivity strategy enables information to be shared across machines and production systems, helping manufacturers improve operational efficiency and make more informed decisions. Solutions from Mitsubishi Electric support the integration of diverse production assets, enabling organisations to build connected environments that support productivity improvements, maintenance optimisation, and long-term scalability.

Sources:

• OPC Foundation – OPC UA for Machinery
  https://opcfoundation.org/markets-collaboration/opc-ua-for-machinery/
  
•  VDMA – Interoperability
  https://www.vdma.eu/en/interop...
  
• ISA – IIoT Remote Monitoring
  https://www.isa.org/intech-hom...