Industry 4.0 and digitization brought so many buzzwords around the world of manufacturing. It is difficult to keep track all of them. I will try to list as a reference resource. This document will be revised with upcoming articles.
PLC Programmable logic controller
PLC is an industrial digital computer adapted for the control of manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, or robotic devices, or any activity that requires high reliability, ease of programming and process fault diagnosis.
These are the monitors and controls of a machine that allows the operator to run a machine or monitor a machine. Engineers can program an HMI to perform almost any function that can be controlled or information that can be monitored by a PLC. HMIs and PLCs work together to monitor and control the machine.
DCS Distributed Control System
A DCS or distributed control system is similar to a PLC in that is has rugged computer controllers however the DCS contains multiple autonomous controllers that are distributed throughout a system, also used for automating processes.
VFD Variable Frequency Drive
VFDs are used for running an AC motor at variable speeds or let them ramp up their speed to give them a smooth startup.
DNC Direct numerical control
Dnc is a common manufacturing term for networking CNC machine tools. General term used in shop floor operations to mean the networking of CNC machine tool.
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SCADA system is a collection of both software and hardware components that allow supervision and control of plants, both locally and remotely.
OPC Open Platform Communications
OPC is the interoperability standard for the secure and reliable exchange of data in the industrial automation space and in other industries. It is platform independent and ensures the seamless flow of information among devices from multiple vendors.
Industrial Automation
Industrial automation is the use of control systems and information technologies for handling different processes in an industry to replace a human being.
Gateway
Intermediate structure that connects two systems with different usages. Understands the language of both systems.
Edge Device
An edge device is any piece of hardware that controls data flow at the boundary between two network
IIot Industrial Internet of Things
Interconnected sensors, instruments, and other devices networked together with computers industrial applications, including manufacturing and energy management. This connectivity allows for data collection, exchange, and analysis, potentially facilitating improvements in productivity and efficiency as well as other economic benefits.
MES Manufacturing Execution Systems
Computerized systems used in manufacturing. Also known as shopfloor systems. Tracks and logs the transformation of raw materials to finished goods.
ERP Enterprise Resource Planning
ERP is a process used by companies to manage and integrate the important parts of their businesses.
Machine Data
Machine generated data is digital information created by the actions of computers, mobile devices, embedded systems and other networked devices.
M2M Machine to machine communication
M2M is direct communication between devices. Thanks to M2M decisions are made using information without the need of human intervention.
ML Machine Learning
Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.
AI Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence, the ability of a computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.
Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics encompasses a variety of statistical techniques from data mining, predictive modelling, and machine learning, that analyze current and historical facts to make predictions about future or otherwise unknown events
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance techniques are designed to help determine the condition of in-service equipment in order to estimate when maintenance should be performed. This approach promises cost savings over routine or time-based preventive maintenance.
Preventive maintenance Or Preventative Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is maintenance that is regularly performed on a piece of equipment to lessen the likelihood of it failing. It is performed while the equipment is still working so that it does not break down unexpectedly.
SaaS Software as a Service
SaaS is a software model that incorporates the delivery of a software application to a remote client via the Internet.
Smart Factory
The smart factory is defined as a factory where physical production processes and operations are combined with digital technology, smart computing and big data to create a more opportunistic system for companies that focus on manufacturing and supply chain management.
SM Smart Manufacturing
Smart manufacturing is a technology-driven approach that utilizes Internet-connected machinery to monitor the production process. The goal of SM is to identify opportunities for automating operations and use data analytics to improve manufacturing performance.
Big Data
Big data refers to large, diverse sets of information from a variety of sources that grows at ever-increasing rates.
API Application Program Interface
An application program interface is code that allows two software programs to communicate with each other. An API defines the correct way for a developer to request services from an operating system or other application and expose data within different contexts and across multiple channels.
Condition monitoring is the process of monitoring a parameter of condition in machinery, in order to identify a significant change which is indicative of a developing fault. It is a major component of predictive maintenance.
Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation is the use of new, fast and frequently changing digital technology to solve problems.
Digital Twin
A digital twin is a digital replica of a living or non-living physical entity. Digital twin refers to a digital replica of potential and actual physical assets, processes, people, places, systems and devices that can be used for various purposes.