Broad topic selection and hands-on workshops make PROFI Day 2019 a success

With a wide range of lectures, a number of workshops and various stands on the exhibition floor, almost all facets of PROFIBUS, PROFINET and IO-Link were highlighted during PROFI Day 2019.

By: Dimitri Reijerman

Rob Hulsebos from Enode Industrial Network started the seminar program with the lecture 'PI technologies today and tomorrow'. Among other things, he sketched a picture of the history of network technology, such as the rise of industrial Ethernet, wireless networks and the cloud. He asked the question: what awaits us now? Hulsebos was optimistic: “PROFIBUS used to be an island, now there is more cooperation.” He further stated that market figures show that the various technologies keep each other in balance and that the market can therefore be called stable.

Hulsebos mentions a number of new developments. For example, he talked about the arrival of new connectors, because a classic RJ45 plug is now often physically too large. We can also expect single pair Ethernet (SPE). In addition to weight savings, this also saves space. At the end of his story, Hulsebos briefly discussed the application of Time Sensitive Networking and the need for good security of network products.

In the morning, students from Avans University of Applied Sciences presented a number of network-related projects they have worked on. Software development and the challenges that arise were also discussed. The students could also be found on the exhibition floor with a number of tabletops, while visitors to PROFIdag could also attend a number of workshops.

The subject of PROFINET troubleshooting and commissioning was also discussed. Bart Paper from Helmholz Benelux gave a story about this. He cited a practical case at a struggling cement factory. The use of active measurements via the SMNP protocol and the benefits of managed switches and other managed devices emerged.

Tjerco den Exter from Siemens spoke about the benefits of PROFINET, OPC Unified Architecture, and Time Sensitive Networking. To the question 'how do I integrate production cells into a higher-level network with high availability?' Sjoerd Hakstege – Van Eerhout, who works at Phoenix Contact, formulated a number of answers. For example, redundancy for switches and the application of the Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) can be applied and IP address integration.

Peter Domburg from SEW Eurodrive discussed the challenges in the modular factory in his lecture. It is a challenge to make optimal use of automated guided vehicles in such a production environment.

Eavesdropping Eric de Vos from Bakery Borgesius highlighted the subject of maintenance, which is often neglected in the business world. He delved into the history of maintenance, where a lot of knowledge has been gained in aviation. With an interesting and multimedia presentation, De Vos explained which basic elements companies can use to successfully set up a maintenance process.

After an informative day it was time for drinks. And it is certain that the drinks will also be part of PROFI Day 2020.