Advanced digitalization is requiring that automation solutions – which previously functioned on a local scale – increasingly network the various different production plants at a site and across multiple sites, even beyond the boundaries of manufacturing companies. How can PI help?

Recent events at Hannover Messe 2022 revealed the latest on PROFINET over TSN and progress towards a common TSN test plan for all industrial protocols using the IEC/IEEE 60802 TSN profile for Industrial Automation.

1. PI (omlox), AIM (AutoID), and the OPC Foundation (OPC UA) will collaborate on a 'Global Positioning' Specification. 2. A demo using omlox and VDA 5050 is orchestrating AGV fleet management. 3. Finally, omlox is maximizing forklift efficiency in a separate demo.

With the impressive growth of IO-Link, companies are now adding IO-Link Safety products to their portfolio and TÜV Süd has joined the IO-Link Community to support the certification of these devices.

For us at PI, networking is not just a technology. It is what we live day by day and worldwide. Collaboration and standardization are more important than ever in these times. That is why we are so excited about the return to Hanover Fair this year. The range of PI technologies on display will be unprecedented.

Continuing the positive trend for PI technology, PROFINET is fast approaching the 50 million installed devices milestone, while IO-Link is experiencing extraordinary growth. With Ethernet-APL, PROFINET is well positioned for the future in process automation as well.

A new white paper describes how OPC UA information models open up data access for existing and future PROFINET devices. The first standardized, open information models for PROFINET and IO-Link are already available. Also, watch a short video that summarizes the uses and benefits of structured information models.