Press release. A new chapter in automation. Boundaries between controller-based and drive-based automation are disappearing

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1 Press contact Neil Beaumont Address Fraser Road, Priory Business Park, BEDFORD, Beds, MK44 3WH Telephone +44(0) Website Press release Free for publication until xx/xxxx A new chapter in automation Boundaries between controller-based and drive-based automation are disappearing Bedford, October 2017 Lenze is opening a new chapter in automation at the 2017 SPS IPC Drives exhibition in Nuremberg. With the launch of its new i950 Servo inverter, Lenze is breaking down the boundaries between controller-based automation and drive-based automation. This contributes to greater flexibility in the design of machine automation topologies. The servo drive adds a new automation platform to Lenze's portfolio which already has products for the control level, the field level and the electromechanics. Designed for the needs of the future, the i950 enables standardised data communication as well as data storage in the cloud. Machine building companies are thus provided with solutions that make it possible to meet all requirements easily, efficiently and with maximum flexibility. Page 1/5

2 Lenze has always supported two different automation concepts. Originally Lenze introduced drive-based automation with decentralised intelligence that is distributed in the drive technology. Now there is also controllerbased automation with centralised intelligence in the PLC. The requirements of the specific project always decide which of the two concepts will be used. But both are increasingly being mixed as a consequence of the modularisation of machines and systems. For example, it makes sense to control certain parts of the production system with a centralised intelligence while other machine modules can be seen as cyber physical systems (CPS) because of their specification and are equipped with their own distributed intelligence. The new i950 servo inverter integrates into controller-based automation platforms and allows the machine manufacturer to use standardised technology modules. An example is the Lenze FAST Application Software with pre-configured motion functions; alternatively the machine manufacturer can use his own software if it is programmed in IEC This gives decisive advantages in the time to market because it saves valuable development time. Ready for the Internet of Things The further development of automation solutions is inextricably linked to cloud computing. Data from machines and systems is collected in the cloud, analysed there and then linked to other information when necessary. Connectivity to the cloud will become a standard feature of the field level in the next few years. This is why Lenze consistently relies on standardised protocols such as OPC UA or the MQTT standard in its automation portfolio, in order to guarantee that its components are futureproof even in the age of cloud computing. Working in collaboration with the providers of cloud infrastructures, Lenze is already creating the fundamental basis for generating information or, even better, knowledge from data and thereby increasing the productivity and reliability of customers machines and systems. Page 2/5

3 Hardware and software with services Lenze s roots are in the business of drive technology. The company has used its extensive expertise in motion as a foundation for a complete automation portfolio. This portfolio goes beyond hardware and software with advice to customers and the provision of engineering services to create a complete automation solution including functional machine safety. As an innovative partner, Lenze now talks to its customers more about machine processes than about its own products. The breadth of the portfolio means that different solutions can be evaluated to match machine requirements. All the solutions are based on the same architecture, use the same engineering tools and suit the FAST modules. This makes it possible for OEMs to develop their machines with less expense and a high degree of future security. Easy evaluation of alternative pre-prepared solutions gives the machine manufacturer reduced overheads and more time to spend on their own special concepts. Summary Lenze s platform offers a complete and uniform system that meets all the requirements of modern automation. It extends from the control level to the sensors/actuators level, combines the concept of centralised intelligence with that of decentralised intelligence, and it also ensures that the connection to cloud applications is possible using common standards. This platform offers an easy, efficient access for machine manufacturers who have to bring highly flexible, intelligent, and individually tailored machines to market as quickly as possible. It also ensures that the acquired expertise is a safe investment in the future. Lenze is launching the i950 Servo inverter together with matching hardware, software and services at the SPS IPC Drives exhibition in Nuremberg. Visit us at stand 1-360, free tickets are available through the Lenze.com website. Words 719 Page 3/5

4 Picture material Lenze s uniform automation platform makes it possible to automate machines and entire production lines from one source with controllers, I/O, communication, inverters, motors and gearboxes. In addition it supplies the necessary development tools and software plus connectivity, right up to the cloud. Photo: Lenze SE About Lenze Established 48 years ago in Bedford, Lenze Ltd now has 50 employees and achieves sales of about 20M in power transmission equipment from the Lenze factories and other quality suppliers. Services to UK customers include application engineering, software writing, training, commissioning and service The Lenze Group is controlled via its holding company, Lenze SE, whose headquarters are in Aerzen, near Hamelin in Lower Saxony, Germany. Lenze is a globally active specialist in Motion Centric Automation, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services: everything from controllers and visualisation to electric drives and electromechanical applications, plus engineering services and tools, and it all comes from one source. Page 4/5

5 Lenze s experts work together with the customer, designing integrated drive and automation solutions that simplify the realisation, production and servicing of machines. Lenze is one of the few suppliers in the market who support the machine builder in all phases of the machine-building process. Employing around 3,400 people worldwide, Lenze is represented in 60 countries by its own sales companies, development sites and production plants, backed by a network of service partners. The main headquarters are in Germany, with a large research and development division, two production sites and a logistics centre that supplies customers in north-eastern Europe. The customers are supported by an international network of sales and application engineers. Page 5/5