IO‑Link Drives Rapid Digitalisation of Process Plants

Endress+Hauser Offers a Comprehensive IO‑Link Portfolio

IO‑Link is rapidly gaining traction, especially in the food & beverage sector, as a fieldbus‑independent, point‑to‑point communication standard that simplifies digitalisation and controls costs.

Recognised as a proven standard for basic measurement devices, IO‑Link delivers transparent data and added control through digital technology.

Integrating IO‑Link‑enabled sensors and actuators is particularly popular with machine and skid suppliers in the food & beverage industry. For utilities, devices with core functionality suffice; adding richer features only raises complexity and cost.

Extensive Offerings for the Food & Beverage Industry

Endress+Hauser is a global leader in process instrumentation for the food & beverage market. “No other manufacturer offers such a broad and deep range of products and services,” says Rob Sips, Strategic Account Manager for the Group’s international business. Our extensive IO‑Link portfolio showcases our position as a trusted partner for process automation.”

Analog Signals and Digital Communication

Most IO‑Link sensors can be switched to analog mode (4–20 mA) with a simple configuration change, allowing existing production workflows to continue unchanged. When additional data—such as diagnostics and service information—is needed, the same instrument can be effortlessly transitioned to a digital signal.

A Straightforward Path to Industry 4.0

“Although IO‑Link may not be the most powerful communication standard for process engineering, it is cost‑effective and holds tremendous potential for the digitalisation of process plants,” says Oliver Hansert, Endress+Hauser Digital Solutions.

Endress+Hauser instruments with IO‑Link interfaces transmit essential metadata acyclically, ensuring stable and efficient production. The smart sensor profile is engineered for simplicity, reducing the effort required by plant operators to integrate sensors.

New Additions to the IO‑Link Portfolio

Endress+Hauser continually expands its IO‑Link‑capable instrument range for all critical process parameters. Recent introductions include the Smartec CLD18 compact conductivity sensor, IO‑Link versions of the PMP51, PMP55 and PMC51 pressure transmitters, and the Deltapilot FMB50 level transmitter.

These additions enable customers to harness digitalisation benefits while maintaining cost efficiency.

Further information about IO‑Link is available at: https://eh.digital/3o918U8