Build IIoT Networks with Smart Control and HMI Software

Programmable automation controllers (PACs) play the primary role in IIoT systems. Also referred to as machine controllers, PACs provide a centralized architecture; they act as the central programmable logic controller (PLC) as well as motion, vision, pneumatic, hydraulic controller, and even embedded human-machine interface (HMI) or visualization (Figure 1). The benefit of the PAC approach is that the program does not need to share tags between devices due to components being part of the same device and using the same logic. This facilitates IIoT capabilities and reduces programming time. This is critical to IIoT as it allows the flow of accurate, actionable data to easily transfer within the machine and out to the user or server to make critical decisions with that data.