Future technology and breakthroughs will be beneficial, regardless of how the world continues to change. It is already included in Siemens’ TIA solution, increasingly integrated and translated into tangible added value for our discrete and process industry clients.
Table of Contents
What is Integrated Automation?
Integrated Automation (TIA) is an industrial automation philosophy that refers to the control and integration of all components of a manufacturing process through a single technology platform. Manufacturers can use TIA systems to boost productivity, quality, and safety while decreasing costs.
A typical TIA system is composed of a central controller that monitors all process operations and sensors and actuators that offer real-time input on the production’s state and performance. The controller can monitor and manage all facets of the process, from machine operation to material management and product completion.
TIA systems have several advantages over more traditional forms of industrial Automation. They are more intuitive and efficient and can assist firms in achieving greater operational integration.
TIA is the basis of the Digital Enterprise
The industry will be able to meet the upcoming challenges by leveraging digitalization and Automation. It will be vital to make sense of the vast amounts of data generated by organizations – from development to production, from their own devices, and consumers and partners.
It is accomplished by the seamless integration of the physical and digital worlds and integrating the whole value chain from concept to reality. It’s all because of Siemens’ ground-breaking approach to Automation, Totally Integrated Automation (TIA). It has occurred for decades!
Future-Proof to Enter New Dimensions
Since 1996, Integrated Automation (TIA) has utilized an open system architecture to enable seamless interaction between automation components, software, and higher-level systems and services.
It is ensured by consistent data management, worldwide standards, and uniform interfaces from the field to corporate administration.
End-to-end consistency is not a goal in and of itself; it saves money and time and paves the way for the next step toward the digital enterprise, with room for future development.
Tia and the Power of Three
Siemens uses the term Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) to refer to comprehensive integration: hardware, software, and services integrated seamlessly. Horizontal and vertical information flows. TIA is gradually broadening its scope to incorporate new technologies.
Regardless of the degree of Automation or digitalization a business is, the outcome is genuine added value across all industries.
Integration #1: Integration of Hardware, Software, and Services
TIA ensures maximum consistency and transparency by ensuring that all software and hardware components work in unison. A holistic engineering approach, integrated security and safety technologies, open communication standards, and data intelligence contribute to real-world added value across the value chain.
Machine builders and plant operators can take advantage of various services, ranging from consulting to implementation and optimization.
Integration #2: Horizontal and Vertical Integration
By merging the physical and digital worlds, it is feasible to make meaningful use of data. The TIA program enters the picture: Due to rigorous, seamless communication, the field and machine levels can be connected horizontally, connecting the operations and Operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) vertically. TIA adheres to worldwide standards to achieve utmost transparency and openness. For example, convert existing software and applications to our Edge Management System, and connect third-party components.
Both your automated system and the Cloud benefit from integrated security and connection. The TIA Use Cases are a collection of scalable solution bundles that complement the core TIA offering. These aid in developing the digital enterprise and highlight how to overcome future challenges swiftly and efficiently.
Integration #3: Integration of Future Technologies
When new difficulties occur, existing TIA capabilities are expanded to embrace new technologies such as edge computing, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, autonomous systems, cognitive engineering, blockchain, and 5G.
With TIA, new technologies are anticipated and gradually incorporated, assuring a secure investment regardless of the stage of operation at which a business is currently operating. At the point when “digital” becomes “real,” TIA becomes the heart of a digital organization.
Benefits of Totally Integrated Automation
There are benefits that we can provide and which are listed below:
- Productivity
- Flexibility
- Quality
- Cost savings
- Safety
- Reliability
- Availability
- Certainty
- Data Management
Productivity
Productivity is defined as the amount of economic value created by a unit of input in a unit of time. With Totally Integrated Automation, manufacturing companies can improve productivity by minimizing product defects, reducing machine set-up times and training time for new employees, and decreasing process variability.
For example, suppose a robot is not moving as quickly or accurately as expected. In that case, a TIA program can quickly bring in other robots to help complete the task. This process is created and defined by a program written by the manufacturing team. The program is then uploaded to TIA, and the robots can interpret the commands.
Flexibility
TIA-based automation systems are designed with great flexibility in mind. This flexibility is required not only in manufacturing environments but also in distribution and warehousing sites.
For example, suppose an essential package is missing from a shipment in a distribution center. In that case, a TIA system could quickly alert the shipping company to come back and pick it up.
Quality
The quality of a product is the degree to which it meets the end-user’s requirements. Quality is often associated with the cost of a product. The higher the cost of the product, the higher the product quality.
With Totally Integrated Automation, manufacturing companies can produce higher quality products faster. For example, suppose a company is looking to make a lot of a specific product. In that case, it can be automated to ensure that each product is the same. TIA systems can assist in enhancing the quality of products without increasing the cost of the product.
Cost Savings
Cost savings are realized when making a product is less than the cost of purchasing the same product. With Totally Integrated Automation, manufacturing companies can cut production costs and save more money. For example, suppose a company knows that it produces a specific product. In that case, TIA will already know the exact amount of materials needed, the exact amount of time to produce the product, and the product’s cost.
Safety
Safety of the environment and the general public is crucial when manufacturing a product. To ensure safety, utilize an Integrated Automation to control equipment, restrict access, and control procedures.
For example, suppose a machine needs to be disassembled. In that case, TIA can disable the power to the machine and prevent anyone from entering the area.
Reliability
Reliability is the ability of a machine or product to perform its required functions for a specified period without failure. With Totally Integrated Automation, manufacturers can create more reliable machines and products.
For example, suppose the power supply to a machine were to lose power. In that case, there is a backup battery in place to continue working. It would give the machine the necessary time to either track down the problem or shut down if the issue is not fixable.
Availability
Availability is how a product or service is operational when needed. With Totally Integrated Automation, manufacturers can create more available machines and products.
For example, TIA can automatically send a new part to the machine if a machine breaks down. This process can happen automatically or with the assistance of a person.
Certainty
Certainty is the understanding that uncertainty has been eliminated. With Totally Integrated Automation, manufacturers can enhance the certainty of a product or service.
For example, suppose a product is to be delivered within a specific time frame. In that case, TIA will account for delays and ensure that the product is delivered within that specified time frame.
Data Management
With Totally Integrated Automation, manufacturers can collect, monitor, and manage all of the data collected from the different devices in the manufacturing process.
For example, a TIA system can collect data such as the location of a part and the amount of time it takes to create a specific part. This data can then be used to find wasted time in the manufacturing process and optimize the process to create a more efficient manufacturing method.
Who Uses Integrated Automation?
Many different manufacturers use integrated Automation in many different industries. Some of these manufacturers include:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Energy
- Food and Beverage
- Medical
Aerospace
Integrated Automation is used to create more reliable and better parts in the aerospace industry. Some of the TIA companies are Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer.
Automotive
Integrated Automation is used to create more efficient and higher quality parts in the automotive industry. Some of the companies that use TIA are BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen.
Energy
Integrated Automation is used in the Energy industry to create more efficient and higher quality parts for solar and wind power. Some of the TIA companies are GE Energy, Gamesa, and Siemens.
Food and Beverage
Integrated Automation is used in the food and beverage industry to create better-tasting products and make the manufacturing process more efficient. Some TIA companies are Coca-Cola, Heinz, Mars, and Nestlé.
Medical
Integrated Automation is used in the medical industry to create better quality and more efficient medical equipment. Some of the TIA companies are Medtronic, Stryker, and Johnson & Johnson.
Final Words
Integrated Automation is a future-proof production system. This system is designed to consolidate all of the different devices that a company may have and seamlessly work together.
This system also makes it possible to make changes and tweaks to the manufacturing process without worrying about the different machines being used. This system also helps to eliminate the need for human error during the manufacturing process. With TIA, manufacturers can be sure that they are creating the highest quality and most efficient product.
