In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial
automation, legacy control systems can pose significant challenges. As
technology advances, older programmable logic controllers (PLCs) become
obsolete, leading to operational inefficiencies, cybersecurity risks, and
increased maintenance costs. To address these issues, businesses must
proactively assess their legacy equipment and plan for migration or upgrades.
The Growing Problem of Obsolescence
- Standardisation Challenges: Legacy PLCs often lack standardisation across
control devices, networks, and databases. This lack of uniformity hinders
seamless integration and efficient operations.
- Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Outdated systems are more susceptible to cyber
threats. Without regular updates and security patches, legacy PLCs become
easy targets for malicious actors.
- Skills Shortage: As
technology evolves, finding skilled personnel to maintain and troubleshoot
legacy systems becomes increasingly difficult. The scarcity of legacy PLC
programming skills can lead to downtime and reliability issues.
- Higher Maintenance Costs: Aging equipment requires more frequent maintenance,
driving up operational expenses. Additionally, sourcing spare parts for
obsolete PLCs can be costly.
- Limited Control Capabilities: Legacy systems lack the features and capabilities of
modern controllers. Businesses miss out on efficiency gains and process
improvements.
Why Choose Grove Automation?
1. Expertise in Legacy PLC
Migration
Grove Automation specializes in migrating legacy
PLCs to modern solutions. Our team understands the intricacies of legacy
systems and can seamlessly transition your control infrastructure to newer
platforms.
2. Retaining Intellectual Property
We recognise the value of your existing intellectual
property. Our migration strategy ensures that your proprietary logic remains
intact while upgrading your control systems. You won’t lose critical
functionality during the transition.
3. Interoperability and Integration
Grove Automation’s PLC Migration Solution offers
full interoperability between controllers, third-party devices, IOs,
instruments, and SCADA systems. You’ll have complete visibility of your
processes and centralised asset management.
4. Updated Electrical Schematics
Grove Automation can survey your current system and
update/ redraw electrical schematics in the latest ePlan P8 software.
5. Proven Cybersecurity Measures
Our solution includes built-in control firewalls and
robust cybersecurity protocols. Protecting your systems from threats is a top
priority.
6. Connectivity and Asset
Integration
Grove Automation ensures seamless connectivity with
vendors’ assets. Whether it’s variable frequency drives (VFDs) or other
components, our solutions integrate effortlessly.
Conclusion
Engaging Grove Automation for a legacy controls
equipment obsolescence survey is a strategic move. By addressing obsolescence
risks, you not only mitigate downtime but also position your business for
future growth. Don’t let outdated PLCs hold you back—embrace modernization with
Grove Automation.
Remember, not everything improves with age, but your
control systems certainly can!
Get in touch with one of the Team for advice.
