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Automation is the wave of the future for improving process efficiency and productivity. Cranes can be designed for manual control assisted by semi-automatic features, or for full automation control, depending on the requirements of the application.
Konecranes America Inc. leads the way in the development of the next generation of automated crane systems, in a diverse array of applications ranging from steel coil handling to paper roll storage and retrieval, waste-to-energy, shipbuilding, container handling, food production, primary metals and general manufacturing. Automated cranes can reduce labor costs, track inventory and optimize storage, eliminate damage and capital costs associated with forklift systems and increase production and throughput. Every industry application has areas of opportunity that can be maximized through automation.
Our approach to automation expands the benefits of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) through the use of Remote Input/Output connected with a field bus. This approach dramatically reduces wiring requirements, making integration of many remote devices into the control system almost “plug and play.” Today’s automated cranes with PLC and device bus systems also allow a multitude of devices to be connected at minimal cost, combining the benefits of a simpler electrical design with longer-wearing, semiconductor-based parts.
Software design is an integral part of crane automation. Konecranes uses the Structured Analysis (SA) method to develop and maintain crane automation software. There are a number of advantages to this method, as it easily accommodates options and changes, is readily understood, and contributes to quick development of workable solutions. This system also allows several software engineers to work simultaneously on the same project, which shortens delivery time.
