ifm offers automation and intelligent systems and solutions being integrated into the equipment
ifm distinguishes itself in market by offering Automatic/Semi-Automatic and indicative solutions that enable the users eliminate redundancies in their work, prevent overwork and utilise machines to their true potential. More than a decade of ifm in India serving to Construction Segment with its wide product rage like robust controllers, displays, de-centralised CAN open Input / Output modules, camera systems, and IP69K powered sensors and connectors.
– Amit Hatgine
Manager, System Business, ifm Electronic India
What are the latest automation and control solutions from your company for the construction equipment (CE) segment?
ifm distinguishes itself in market by offering Automatic/Semi-Automatic and indicative solutions that enable the users eliminate redundancies in their work, prevent overwork and utilise machines to their true potential. More than a decade of ifm in India serving to Construction Segment with its wide product rage like robust controllers, displays, de-centralised CAN open Input / Output modules, camera systems, and IP69K powered sensors and connectors.
ifm has Specialized solutions for Construction Machines, Aricultural and forestry machines, Municipal Vehicles and Transport and logistics.
Talking about latest systems developed by IFM has unique class a ‘Decentralised I/O module and mini controller in one unit’. ioControl is a decentralised I/O module connected to the controller via CAN bus. It is installed away from the controller on remote machine parts right where the signals are generated. The high protection rating makes it suitable for outdoor installation in wet and dirty areas.
DEUTSCH connectors or alternatively M12 connectors, which are widely used in mobile automation, ensure an easy and safe connection of sensors and actuators. Networking of the CAN bus is effected via prewired drop cables.
ioControl can either be used as a configurable I/O module or as a mini controller in the field. CODESYS is used as a programming system.
What are the productivity features in your range of solutions? Do you provide controllers and monitoring systems as an inbuilt package or as an upgrade solution?
Indian CE Industry is witnessing the second phase of mechanization in its sector. One of key element is machine productivity.
In recent years, there has been tremendous modernization in CE, with most OEMs launching technologically advanced and energy efficient equipment at regular intervals.
Aiming to an objective to enhance productivity, reduce downtime, bring cost competitiveness, manage better inventory of spares and so on.
On other hand, end users are also focusing on ‘Total cost of ownership’ rather than initial purchase pricing.
ifm offers automation and intelligent systems and solutions being integrated into the equipment. Periodic and predictive maintenance alerts not only help in minimizing downtime and operational cost,
But also enables the owner to keep an eye on his machine through his smartphone.
He is alerted on the machine’s location, in case of any unauthorized use, theft of fuel or machine part, which is quite common at project sites.
How do you view the growth of monitoring and control technologies in CE over the years?
The growth is very positive but at the same time experiencing a major hurdle due to shortage of semi-conductor chips. This is leading to longer delivery periods for existing updgraded systems to new automation platforms and longer development periods.
How far have government initiatives such as ‘Skill India’ helped to upgrade operator efficiencies?
Construction Industry in India is growing at pace of nearly 16% p.a. At one side, there is demand to increase productivity and efficiency of machines, which forces to integrate sophisticated electronic systems on machine and on the other side is the skilled man power to handle these technologies.
‘Skill India’ has helped to cater this need by offering certificate courses for driving of heavy machinery, driving of tower cranes, tunnel boring machines etc. However, additional courses like machine maintenance of construction, building Railways, ports equipment and so on will be need of time. This can be addressed by more and more of Public-private partnership, use of ITIs, and opening of other schools through network of infrastructure created for diploma and engineering colleges.
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