Clean, lean & mean:
Making production processes more efficient and safer
In the global food market, Belgian machine builders and OEMs stand out for their high-quality machines. Machines that are often built to customer specifications and provide a safe working environment for personnel. Machine safety is high on the agenda during the development and construction of the machines.
From simple to complex
For manufacturers and OEMs active in machine safety, three options are broadly open for the safety system. The simplest is based on a few I/Os and modest requirements - here standard safety relays, such as the Sentry series, are sufficient. This is distinguished by an economical, simple design that can be deployed immediately. If the number of I/O points is greater or more sophisticated functions are required then the safety controllers are an obvious choice. This is soon the case when higher requirements are placed on communication to a PLC. A good example is the Pluto series where common safety equipment can be connected directly and programmed with the corresponding software.
The third option is PLCs with integrated safety - these are used when dealing with more complex systems with many I/Os. They are flexible to use and offer as many safety functions as safety controllers. Because machine control and safety functions are performed by a single controller, communication is easier and configuration can be done in a consistent programming environment. Advanced diagnostics also supports engineers and end users in day-to-day operations.
Importance of standardization
The complexity of machine safety systems can be reduced as much as possible by standardization. After all, the machine builder has to deal with an enormous variety of laws and regulations, preconditions, exceptions and additional legislation for machines for the food industry. A typical example of standardization in machine safety is the multifunctional Sentry safety relay. In these, different safety functions can be defined so that different safety functions can be created with one component. This saves engineering time and avoids unnecessary complexity.
Making machines better
Today's safety products are also so smart and advanced that they do more than just ensure machine safety. They make the machine better. For example, these smart solutions practically always generate data that can be used for monitoring and diagnoses. In addition, they increase the operability of the machine. In practice, this ensures that employees no longer have the temptation to override safety measures. More pleasant work then leads to less downtime and higher productivity.

Stay up to date with the latest news:
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Siemens - Revolution in Motion ControlRead moreYou are at the start of a new working week. While you are putting the finishing touches to an important project, a request comes in: the customer has a malfunction. The machine is down, but the deadline is approaching. You are asked to respond quickly.
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Phoenix Contact - Click, click, doneRead moreIn the world of industrial automation, it is essential to have reliable and future-proof cable connections. The latest innovation, the M12 distributor boxes with Push-Pull quick-release fastening (SACB), is designed to meet this growing need. These distributor boxes are easy to install and offer maximum flexibility and reliability.
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Leuze - The mini Safety Laser Scanner RSL200Read moreThe smallest scanner ever is now available, about the size of an orange: suitable for the highest safety level PLd/Cat.3/SIL2 and offering optimal ease of use, not only in stationary installations.
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Rittal - Complete DirectRead moreRittal's Compleet Direct series offers a fast and flexible solution for IT environments where efficiency and reliability are key. Thanks to predefined configurations based on common market requirements, there is always a suitable enclosure solution available. The pre-assembled design saves time during installation and increases ease of assembly. This allows customers to experience a streamlined process from selection to commissioning. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Check out our other success stories:
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Sekisui AlveoRead moreFoam producer Sekisui Alveo has a large factory in Roermond. To support production and maintenance, warehouses and distribution points with thousands of different items are spread across the various halls. Think spare parts, personal protection equipment and consumables. The company cooperates intensively with itsme for management, such as recently with the step-by-step introduction of vendor managed inventory (VMI) for the grab stock of mechanical items.
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IECRead moreTo control the expansion of a silo park, engineering & construction company IEC called on Breemes. Being involved in the engineering from the beginning, the electrical service provider was able to make smart proposals for both the low-voltage part and the PLC control. ‘We have always been able to find each other well and when changes occurred, we were quickly on the same page with Breemes.’
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Heliox - Charged for DeliveryRead moreHeliox, a developer and manufacturer of charging systems for electric buses and trucks, was already working with itsme when production still took place in the Netherlands. Today, production has shifted to Slovakia, Portugal, and Moldova, and is also happening in the US. itsme remains the “irreplaceable” partner for the supply of electrical components and cable harnesses.
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BLOK System SupplyRead moreBlok System Supply and itsme have maintained an intensive relationship for many years. Early last year, this was further deepened with electronic data exchange via the Smart Connected Supplier Network. ‘It saves an enormous amount of time and reduces errors. We always have real-time information automatically.’ However, time for personal contact is not saved. ‘That is precisely what makes itsme a very nice party to work with.’
Why not take a look at these trainings we offer:
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PROFINET CPNERead moreavailable in Dutch
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PROFIBUS CPERead moreavailable in Dutch
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WinCC-SCADA2Read moreavailable in Dutch
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PCS7-SAFE V9Read moreavailable in Dutch