The 10 Most-Read Articles of 2020

  • Post category:PI NEWS
  • Reading time:5 mins read

In 2020, PROFINEWS has shared more than one hundred unique articles with tens of thousands of people around the world. The content in the newsletter encompasses a wide variety of topics. Some articles highlight new technology developments, others feature training opportunities.

The present article is a compilation of the most-read articles of 2020. In one way or another, these articles covered key topics within the community. You can follow the links in the title of the articles to access the complete text. Enjoy!

omlox: The Locating Standard of the Future

omlox, a fascinating new open technology, will enable a significant portion of Industry 4.0: The real-time location-based service. Smart location-based services in the industry can revolutionize factory design.


On Nodes, Numbers, and Industry 4.0

The just-released node counts for our technologies again show the power of PROFINET, PROFIBUS, and IO-Link. They are developing very well, and as recent market studies have indicated, stronger than competing technologies. And this, after 30 years of PI! This is the ultimate proof that we made the right decisions in the past.


PROFINET to the Edge: Single Pair Ethernet

An intelligent, interconnected automation environment requires digitally connected systems and devices. Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) provides seamless Ethernet connectivity from the Enterprise to the Edge on a converged network to unlock the benefits of Industry 4.0.


APL Ethernet for Hazardous Areas Passes Practical Testing

The question of how Ethernet should be handled in potentially explosive atmospheres has been keeping users in the process industry busy for many years. Now, after successful testing of APL technology by BASF, we are closer to a solution.


PROFINET: The World’s Leading Industrial Ethernet Solution

Get up to date with the latest research from IHS Markit | Technology. Findings show the adoption of PROFINET in the industry. In terms of newly connected nodes, PROFINET represented a market share of nearly 30% in 2018, making it the world’s leading Ethernet-based communication solution for industrial automation.


PROFINET + OPC UA = Predictive Maintenance at Audi

Everyone’s talking about predictive maintenance. But, when it comes to implementing it in practice, many users often fail because they don’t have access to the right data. Enter: PROFINET and OPC UA. This application story from Audi demonstrates a successful case of preventive maintenance.


IO-Link vs Ethernet or IO-Link over Ethernet?

Will the penetration of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) into industrial applications down to the lower field level displace IO-Link, or can IO-Link and SPE coexist? Could there even be a solution which combines the advantages of IO-Link and SPE? A concept study on IO-Link over SPE.


Learn All About IO-Link – the Basics

A simple move to turn IO-Link- enabled sensors and actuators into “smart sensors” by connecting them to an IO-Link master will support communication and data sharing, preparing you to handle the next generation of machines, data and technology like Industry 4.0 and IIoT.


What are PROFINET I&M Records? [Tech Tip]

Have you used I&M records during a PROFINET project? I&M records are data blocks stored internally in each PROFINET device. The records contain useful information about a particular device and might be expanded to provide further detail. Learn about PROFINET I&M data records with this article.


Functional Safety + PROFIsafe: Past, Present, and Future

 Functional safety is not only in the interest of the affected persons, but it also makes sense from a business point of view. When the risk of accidents is correctly accounted for, systems equipped with modern safety technology have a much lower total cost of ownership than unprotected ones.