Modular Automation

Modular production - maximum flexibility combined with maximum standardization

In today's world, process/production plants must be able to respond instantly to changes in the environment, such as labor shortage, disruptions in world trade, fluctuations in demand, etc.
The solution to these challenges is modular automation.

Compared to traditional automation, modular automation enables flexible manufacturing by allowing a production line to be divided into mobile modules and reconfigured quickly. This modular design makes it easier to meet different requirements.

Module Type Package (MTP) standard as modularization enabler

When operating a modularly structured plant, the integration of process units from different manufacturers often involves a great deal of effort and problems, especially due to the use of different communication protocols and interfaces.

Standardization is the key to open and flexible automation and plant concepts. This is where MTP comes into play. Module Type Package (MTP) is a formal description of the interfaces and functions of the automation technology of a modular process unit. MTP is standardized in the VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658 guideline and enables manufacturer-independent integration of process units into a higher process control level. In the standard, a process unit is referred to as a PEA (Process Equipment Assembly) and the process control layer is referred to as a POL (Process Orchestration Layer).

The functional description is generated from the module automation data. This allows any higher-level automation system that "understands" MTP to precisely control a specific module, regardless of whether this involves, for example, a tank or a mixer.

This solution approach makes it possible to modularize today's automation systems and thus increase the flexibility of production plants.

OEM / Module layer

The module or plant constructor supplies the plant operator with a pre-automated, independently executable and tested module, which ensures faster commissioning and fault-free production at the customer site.

System integrator / Process Orchestration Layer

MTP files with integrated process pictures are imported into the higher process control layer, where the content of the machine/plant is created. This permits uniform operation of the standard and modular automated process unit.

We offer a range of products that support end-to-end use cases and enable you to seamlessly integrate MTP into your operation. Whether a native MTP implementation or a legacy upgrade is concerned, Siemens has a solution!

Portfolio overview:

• Machine level
  • SIMATIC Control Function Library (CFL)
  • SIMATIC Process Function Library (PFL)
  • SIMATIC MTP Creator
• Orchestration level
  • SIMATIC PCS neo
  • SIMATIC PCS 7
    
• Horizontal communication
  • SIMATIC Live Link

• "Re-purposing" of production lines/plants
• Increased flexibility
• Multi-vendor
• Easy scalability and adaptation to fluctuations in demand
• Shorter time to market
• Seamless integration of PEAs (Process Equipment Assemblies)
• Higher efficiency

Originally, the concept of modular automation with the use of a standardized interface between the module and the orchestration layer was developed for the process industry, such as the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
As a result, MTP is erroneously associated only with these industries.

However, since the modularization of production and process lines offers immense advantages, other industries are also convinced of this and are using the MTP standard to benefit from it:

• Chemical industry
• Pharmaceuticals
• Shipbuilding
• Water and wastewater
• Oil and gas
• Mining
• Food and beverages
• Intralogistics
• Battery
• Semiconductors
  
  Find out more at this link