A notable trend is the increasing reliance on cross-functional collaboration by large, globally operating companies as part of their digital transformation. A 2020 Accenture study found that companies using this approach achieved more than double the sales growth compared to those that didn’t. Effective collaboration across functions reduces costs and leads to measurable returns. Companies benefit even more in innovation and speed when they involve external partners in their development processes, alongside internal efforts. This shift turns a closed company system into an open ecosystem, tapping into external knowledge and creativity. Deloitte highlights this openness as a critical competitive advantage in the fast-paced digital economy.

The PLCnext community is working on a sustainable project with the “Beehyve” campaign to protect bees using advanced automation. ChatGPT, an AI-based system, represents a new form of collaborative technology. Phoenix Contact has been working in collaboration with its customers, the science community, and society ever since it was founded 100 years ago.

The Linux OS, especially with PREEMPT-RT, is widely used in automation devices, with growing popularity. Recent Linux versions support Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext Tech ecosystem, based on RT Linux, supports TSN on suitable Ethernet hardware.

The responsibility for TSN implementation under Linux has shifted from device manufacturers, like Phoenix Contact, to chip manufacturers. Consequently, an automation device’s performance and quality hinge on the underlying TSN hardware and software. This shift has prompted device manufacturers to develop their network drivers to ensure the desired quality. In some cases, specific hardware, like FPGAs, is required, adding expenses and making hardware changes during a product’s lifespan more complicated.

Standards like DIN 14675-1, DIN VDE 0833-1, and DIN VDE 0833-2 define the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of fire alarm systems. The fire alarm control panel serves as the central hub, connecting signal lines from fire alarms and internal alarms. Interfaces automate device and air conditioning control, manage extinguishing, voice alarms, smoke, and heat ventilation, and assist transmission units.

Examining connection ergonomics during the initial stages of field device development is undeniably advantageous. This process entails evaluating the choice between fixed connections and connector solutions, while also taking into account factors like installation location and protection requirements. Moreover, developers should proactively tackle technical considerations such as connection sizes, voltages, currents, and pitch at an early stage. By anticipating installation conditions and future maintenance needs, developers can intelligently guide device customization, thereby efficiently streamlining the entire installation and upkeep process.

Phoenix Contact’s LPT and LPC PCB terminal blocks and connectors feature spring-actuated contacts for reliable connections. Furthermore, an indicator lever shows clamping status, effectively preventing errors. Moreover, the preprogrammed spring force ensures stability without torque-related issues. Notably, these components meet international standards, including UL 1059, greatly simplifying approval for global markets.

The “System Protection Technologies Factory,” operated by Phoenix Contact, utilizes MORYX since 2017 for the digital integration of ERP, MES, and PLM systems. MORYX serves as a higher-level digital instance, enabling seamless operation of all systems. The integration has resulted in significant improvements, including zero makeready time for one product line and reduced setup time from 10 to 5 minutes for other lines. The advantages and successes of MORYX’s implementation include parallel production of orders, automated machine setup, handling high product variance, flexible process definition, and accelerated production due to MORYX’s adaptability to changing production environments.

Phoenix Contact utilizes machine interaction applications, such as smartwatches to enable seamless communication between machines and skilled workers in one of their plants since 2019. MORYX records real-time machine conditions and messages, sending support requests to plant personnel via smartwatches if problems are detected. The smartwatches provide location-specific details, issue types, severity, and potential solutions, allowing one employee to supervise multiple machines, even across different production halls. The advantages of this system include optimal time utilization, stress reduction for employees, and access to real-time information for efficient decision-making and support.