3. Reduced Complexity: Traditional safety products are hardwired separately from a standard controller and can require extra hardware like safety relays. A networked safety product like an AC drive with integrated safety can share the same Ethernet network as a standard controller and reduce the need for added hardware. This can simplify your system and reduce its costs.
Networked safety and control products can also be programmed, configured and maintained in one software environment, further reducing complexity.
4. Better Insights: An AC drive with integrated safety can give you access to rich analytics to help you improve your performance.
For example, you can track the time, location, frequency and duration of when the drive’s safety functions are being used. This can help you better track safety-related downtime and identify changes to improve uptime. Drive diagnostics can also help you see where safety-related failures occur to speed up troubleshooting and recovery.
5. Greater Flexibility: An AC drive with integrated safety can grow and change with your business.
For example, you can use the advanced safety functions later if they’re not needed today. The drive delivers integrated safety through a card that you can add at any time.
You can also easily change the drive’s safety applications as your requirements evolve over time. A hardwired safety solution can require complex planning and rewiring to meet new safety requirements. But a networked solution only requires updating code in your safety PLC.
Safety as a Business Enabler
Networked safety products offer more than compliance – they can help you maximize the performance of your business. Especially today, if you want to digitize your operations to be more competitive, networked safety products can help make you more intelligent, more connected and more productive.
Learn more about low-voltage AC drives with integrated safety here.
