Where consumption is truly globalised in a world economy, production is also similarly global in nature. Factories and processing plant may be scattered across the world, but control of critical production processes is often based centrally or in a regional location. Within a single country or region with the headquarters and decision making being done centrally. On a small scale, plants may be contained. The enabling of distributed manufacturing techniques and process measurement systems have also had to keep pace with modern communications due to the advance of digital communications. Th requirement by manufacturers today is a complete solution, from the control system through to the field measurement devices. This displays information clearly to those who require it and also allows complete control over any distribution and security of that information.

 

Foundation Fieldbus Signal conditioning systems and intelligent transmitters can deliver just that plant measurement and control information to your company’s computer network to and from anywhere in the world. This information can be integrated with email systems or exported to a company Intranet or the Internet to allow the accurate and real time distribution of data. The latest in measurement technology incorporates ll of these systems, such as ultrasonic level measuring devices. Preferred where non-contact measurement is essential to avoid contamination. The systems provide superior performance and significant cost benefit to applications where more powerful transducer systems would normally be required.

Using transmitters of this type for information as essential as level measurement data, dependant on the application, decreases infrastructure needs and wiring volumes. It also allows manufacturers to combine technologies and share the same cables, thus cutting cost. Digital communication also offers control over maintenance through remote monitoring of performance and diagnostics. To save time and money such systems can also provide remote VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) information by making sure customers don’t run out by anticipating demand or just ensuring that there is enough room for the next delivery.