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Lean Management optimises processes by reducing time spent on non-value-added tasks (unnecessary operations or transport, waiting, overproduction, etc.), causes of poor quality and complications

As referred in the chapter Automation pyramid, on the layer 3 the software system defined is MES and on layer 4 ERP and PLM. These software systems will be explained in the current section in detail.

There are several standards of machine certifications. Here we describe the most important ones and how they are differentiated.

Electrical or industrial control panels, electrical cabinets, electrical enclosures or e-racks are boxes where electrical components are stored. These components perform different tasks for monitoring and controlling a machine or a production process.

PLCs, HMIs and SCADA systems can communicate with each other via fieldbusses.

The HMI enables the machine operator to interact with the control loop.

Sensor –> PLC –> Actuator –> Sensor is a control loop

Actuators transfer the commands of the PLC into the physical world, e.g. through heating/cooling elements or motors.

The PLC is the heart of every modern production machine.