Capturing data, digitizing it and piecing it together to boost its value – those are the central premises of Industry 4.0. But tapping into the undisputed advantages that this approach offers often means having to invest significant sums up front - in new systems and, frequently, new hardware. Fortunately, one of the world’s leading suppliers of electrical connection and automation technology - WAGO Kontakttechnik GmbH & Co.KG - can offer an easier and, most importantly, more cost-effective solution. At HANNOVER MESSE 2017, the Minden-based German company is explaining how its tried-and-tested PFC100 and PFC200 controllers can get businesses in shape for a successful future with Industry 4.0.

All that's needed is a simple firmware extension and the programming of an IEC application with the corresponding library. The PFC100 und PFC200 controllers from WAGO then become an IoT device that can send field-level data into the cloud, where it can then be aggregated and used for analyses. Thanks to this simple upgrade, even pre-existing plants can be made IoT-ready in one go, enabling companies to achieve genuine added value, whether by improving efficiency in in-house production, managing energy consumption in buildings or developing additional end-customer services. The PFC family will thus also form the basis for a sustainable corporate world in the future.