Pilz (Germany) - When it comes to selecting the operating mode and managing access permissions, the safe configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2 can now tackle additional tasks related to industrial security and machinery safety: as a system solution, PNOZmulti 2 works in conjunction with the reader unit PITreader from the operating mode selection and access permission system PITmode to enable comprehensive access control and functionally safe operating mode selection. It is available from Version 10.12 of the corresponding software tool PNOZmulti Configurator.

The system solution comprises a small controller with operating mode selection and access permission system and ensures that production processes on machines are safe, efficient and user-friendly in equal measure.

Manage access safely and more economically:

PNOZmulti 2 provides efficient access management in conjunction with the reader unit PITreader from the operating mode selection and access permission system PITmode. A new feature is the connection of up to four reader units PITreader to the base unit PNOZ m B1 of the small controller PNOZmulti 2. As a result, even interlinked machines can now be managed safely. This represents an economical solution, as it minimises the hardware cost.

The options for this extended system solution range from simple enable and authentication of specific machine subfunctions to a complex hierarchical permission matrix. The result is user-friendly configuration of access permissions with a high level of manipulation protection. This simplifies manipulation management, plus users benefit from fewer machine downtimes.

Trouble-free operating mode selection:

Using function blocks in conjunction with PITreader it is simple to configure safe operating mode selection on plant and machinery up to PL d / SIL CL 2. A new features is that you can choose between two convenient application solutions for safe operating mode selection – either via pushbutton or touch panel. On both types, permission to select an operating mode is granted via the reader unit PITreader and appropriately configured RFID keys.

Option 1: Space and hardware-efficient:

When you select the operating mode via pushbutton you can use standard pushbuttons. The new multi-button element PIT oe4S from Pilz offers users added value: it includes up to five operating modes. These can be selected separately via the four individual buttons available on the multi-button element. This space-saving solution can be integrated into the operator panel so that no further individual buttons are required. On this type, safety-related evaluation of the operating mode is via PNOZmulti 2. This type is generally an economical alternative, as it involves no further costs for additional visualisation hardware.

Option 2: For distributed plants:

Alternatively, when users need to keep their plant in full view, safe operating mode selection can be implemented via the operator and visualisation terminals PMIvisu from Pilz. This touch panel version is particularly beneficial on distributed plants with multiple work areas that are far apart.