Reuse instead of new build
Thanks to our many years’ experience in retrofitting – particularly of non-standard solutions and bespoke systems – we modernise existing measurement, testing and automation systems in a targeted and effective way. In doing so, we combine modern hardware and software with virtually any existing technology, thereby safeguarding investments and valuable application knowledge that has been built up over the years.
Independent of manufacturers and technologies
Existing systems often consist of components from different generations and manufacturers. We connect PCs, PLCs, measurement systems, sensors and actuators via a wide variety of interfaces and fieldbuses, such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, SERCOS III, CAN/CANopen and IO-Link. Using our own software libraries and interface solutions, we also integrate these bus systems into NI LabVIEW and NI DIAdem. This allows modern components to be integrated into existing measurement and test applications without having to rebuild the entire system from scratch.
Modernising software
In the case of test benches in particular, a significant proportion of the system’s value lies in the software: test sequences, limit values, data structures, evaluations and customer-specific functions have evolved over the years. Our retrofit approach therefore focuses on further development rather than reprogramming. We modernise existing programme code, replace outdated interfaces and add missing functions. Where real-time capabilities are required, we combine, for example, DIAdem with TwinCAT or LabVIEW and NI real-time hardware. This allows an existing application to retain its familiar operating and analysis environment whilst also benefiting from modern control and real-time functions.
New Sensors and Actuators
Retrofitting is not just about replacing outdated components. Modern sensor technology makes it possible to measure additional parameters in existing systems and to obtain more detailed information. In particular, the switch from analogue signals to digital bus systems opens up new possibilities: with IO-Link, EtherCAT, PROFINET or CAN, measured values can be recorded largely unaffected by electrical interference, whilst simultaneously generating diagnostic, status and parameter information. By integrating intelligent sensors and actuators into existing systems, we lay the foundations for diagnostics, condition monitoring and automated data analysis.
From sensor to cloud
For us, retrofitting does not end with the modernisation of control and measurement technology. We create interfaces to make the data collected available via standardised protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT, or via SQL for databases, higher-level MES and ERP systems, or IIoT applications.
This enables an existing plant to be gradually transformed from a traditional machine into a networked, data-enabled system.