Historically, signaling devices used in industrial automation, were wired together, whether locally, or over relatively long distances within the facility. Given the relatively high cost of labor and shortage of resources, and the high cost of materials (wire), it becomes more difficult to sell a customer on a signaling device that needs to be mounted locally as well as in some remote location within the plant.
Werma recently introduced their WIN (Wireless Information Network) System. The Werma WIN System consists of a WIN transmitter element that can be easily added to an existing Werma modular stack light by mere physical insertion into the stack. The WIN transmitter wirelessly sends its signal regarding the function of up to 4 companion elements (2 functions per each of the 4 elements) within its stack light to a Werma WIN receiver. The up to 4 companion elements in any given stack, can be any visual color element, any functionality of that color element, and/or include one audible element. Up to 50 stack lights, each with a Werma WIN transmitter, can communicate with a single Werma WIN receiver, and maintain their individuality for data. The single WIN receiver, can be remotely located in the Maintenance Office, for example, and used in a stand-alone manner, or connected, depending on the specific model, either to the internet via USB or via RJ45 connector.
There are 3 different Werma WIN transmitters. The first is for machine status monitoring, the second for counting of events, and the third for remote control of events
The Werma WIN transmitters acts in a Mesh network, so every WIN transmitter can receive signals from other WIN transmitters and re-broadcast that other WIN transmitter’s data. This effectively increases the overall area coverage.
The Werma WIN System monitors, signals, records, and facilitates analysis of events at some more convenient date and time. It alerts maintenance/management to problem areas that go unnoticed due to the scope of manufacturing details throughout the day. Every event that is monitored and signaled is date/time stamped, so when and how long the event occurs is readily known.
Events can be signaled locally, as is usual, as well as multiple locations remotely.
The basic WIN System is also offered in an Andon (call for assistance) form for intelligent and optimized signaling. This Signaling not only calls wirelessly for assistance but can also specify what type of assistance is needed, so the service tech can arrive prepared. With models that not only operate from 24 VDC, but can also acknowledge an Andon call for assistance, the system is ideal for multiple forklift trucks servicing multiple employees.
The Werma WIN System is readily expandable, a single WIN transmitter system can be evaluated, and additional WIN transmitters added over time.
The Werma WIN System uses free software and communicates over license-free frequencies.
Excel Automation / Eagle Sensors & Controls are Authorized Distributors of the Werma product line. Contact us for technical, application, or sales support.