Water skid starter kit
Industrial controls

Upgrade your machine for Industry 4.0

The ifm controllers offer distinct advantages over a standard PLC, including integrated IO-Link support, advanced monitoring capabilities, and simplified programming for efficienct and flexible automation solutions at a much lower cost.

Reduce the total cost of a machine:

Improve the user experence for the machine operator:

Gain remote access to your machines:

One HMI controller can replace a PLC, HMI, and multiple sofware licenses
The HMI controller with an IP67 environmental rating can reduce the size requirements for the control panel
IO-Link field-mount devices can be connected mechanically, versus labour-intense wiring harness

Touchscreen controls and a large display can eliminate complexity
On-board support videos and graphics can reduce the learning curve for operating a machine

Cloud connectors allow for simple data collection to build new business models for digital services
Reduce service costs with remote access for machine diagnostics
remotely update software to connected machines for new functions and benefits

Advantages of controllers vs. traditional cabinet controls

	Controller	Traditional Cabinet Control
Development	Simple sotware management: An all-in-one (PLC + HMI) controller uses one free programming software Software flexibility: Support multiple programming laguages (e.g. ladder logic, structured text, sequential function chart (SFC), function block diagram (FBD), and control flow chart (CFC)). Additional software benefits: Includes built-in IIoT functionality and features like recipe management, trending, and data logging Enhance process data quality: Digital communication eliminated analogue-to-digital conversion errors and provides diagnostics	Unnecessary software management: A two-piece system (PLC + HMI) requires separate software for each component. Software constraints: Restricted to one programming language (e.g., ladder logic) Proprietary software subscriptions: Expertise in proprietary software is also necessary. Analogue-to-digital conversion errors: Potential data losses occur when the signal converts from analogue to digital to integrate with software.
Production	Streamline labour and assembly: An all-in-one (PLC + HMI) IP67 rated controller that is field mountable eliminates the need for separate control cabinets and terminal wiring. Improve scalability: Reduced BOMs and M12 connection technology leads to faster build times.	Labour and assembly challenges: Wiring harnesses, terminating wires, and IO cards can increase labour. Integrating third-party control panels can lead to longer assembly times. Unnecessary hardware management: A two-piece system (PLC + HMI) requires larger cabinets and excessive terminal wiring.
Service	Expedite installation and troubleshooting: M12 connection technology facilitates ease of assembly and allows for field IO connections. Improve operator experience: Create an intuitive experience with fully customisable high-resolution and touch screen displays. Eliminate human error with real-time feedback and alerts.	Troubleshooting challenges: Wiring harnesses, terminating wires, and IO cards increase troubleshooting times. Complex interface: Complicated display navigation requires training.
Financial	Reduce lead times: Reduced BOM and M12 technology improve efficiency to meet customer demands. Cost savings: No additional costs for software benefits. Labour savings: Eliminating terminal wiring leads to savings in material costs, labour-intenseive processes, and maintenance and troubleshooting costs.	Increased lead times: Integrating third-party control panels can lead to higher costs and longer lead times. Reoccurring costs: Proprietary software subscriptions and support. Hardware costs: Increased BOM leads to higher costs in components, labour, space requirements, maintenance, and support.