Did you know that the benefits of IO-Link are built on three pillars?
The tremendous success of IO-Link rests on three pillars whose value is clearly recognized no matter the industry sector: simplified installation, simplified parameter assignment, and diagnostics.
The first pillar is the simplified installation, which is reflected in the reduced control cabinet volume as well as in the use of three-core and unshielded standard cables in place of non-flexible special cables and application-specific wiring that predominated previously. IO-Link users can typically make use of a standard plug-in connection and cable even for complex sensors with multiple signals.
The second pillar is the simplified parameter assignment. The effort required for manual parameter assignment using local operator input elements on the sensor is generally always perceived as too great. With IO-Link, several options exist for drastically simplifying parameter assignment and even for automating it, if required.
The third pillar is provided by the diagnostics, which thanks to IO-Link allows a look all the way to the sensors and actuators, for the first time without additional costs for interfaces and cabling. Completely new applications are opening up in the process. Time will tell what changes this will bring about for status-based maintenance, in MES and SCADA systems, and even in ERP systems.
The continuation of this success story will be made possible through the close collaboration between the IO-Link Community and users. Open questions will be openly discussed and put into practice. Most recently, the aspect of usability has been singled out. This led to the formation of two working groups that are now developing sensor profiles for low-complex sensors and for measuring sensors in order to simplify and facilitate PLC programming across manufacturers.