The third phase of the Modernization Continuum is Plant and Machines Network

Things to think through during this phase are industry standards, device connectivity, redundancy, robustness, and separation of control traffic and enterprise network traffic.

Plant and Machines Network goals involve the proper network infrastructure and considerations should be:

• EtherNet/IP OT infrastructure implemented throughout the plant for greater control of machines and data flows

• Production line automation controlled from a central location

• Network infrastructure segmentation for security and resiliency

• Structured Cabling for ease of moves, add and changes as well as expansion

• Phased approach to minimize costs over the lifecycle of modernization

This phase puts the infrastructure, security and flexibility in place to be able to collect data and control the lines easily.