IEN: How can this sector meet rising demand for greater automation and flexibility?
Lesnick: By using decentral drive solutions, variable speed drive gearmotors can be utilized to vary the speed of the distribution process as required through a simple Profibus DP V1 interface and local sensor connections with just one installed device and without the need for extensive motor and remote I/O wiring.
IEN: What innovations are in store for users of equipment, systems, components, materials, and software?
Lesnick: Decentral drives will allow customers to reduce costs by using single units to fulfill requirements that are currently being met with a multitude of components. These drives simplify installation and reduce downtime during failures with features like local I/O processing onboard and simplified connectivity. With power and fieldbus being the only connections that need to be made, commissioning and servicing are fast, easy, and inexpensive due to reduced components and wiring costs.
IEN: What advances do you see in plant floor connectivity? Web services?
Lesnick: Ethernet, Ethernet, Ethernet. This simple TCP/IP hardware platform will finally allow ease of use and standardized connectivity while providing improved setup, startup, and diagnostic capabilities of the complete system. A simple browser interface will provide easy and instant access to system status data.
IEN: What progress do you see in meeting safety and security goals?
Lesnick: Safe components and safe fieldbus will allow for reduced component count and thereby save time and money.