InlineSystemen

InlineSystemen is a modular concept and product family in industrial automation that aims to embed sensing, actuation, and control directly into production lines. It emphasizes plug-and-play hardware modules and software-defined control to enable real-time decision making with minimal centralized bottlenecks.

The architecture typically comprises field modules (sensors and actuators connected to local controllers), an edge or control layer, and supervisory software that coordinates multiple lines. The approach supports scalable configurations from a single cell to an entire factory campus, with clear separation between local control and higher-level orchestration.

Key characteristics include modularity, compatibility with standard industrial buses, deterministic communication, and support for edge computing and cloud analytics. Interfaces rely on open standards such as OPC UA, TSN, EtherCAT, MQTT, and IEC 61131-3 for programming and configuration, enabling interoperability with existing automation stacks.

Applications cover manufacturing lines, packaging, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and logistics automation, where inline data collection and control improve throughput, quality, and traceability. The approach enables faster line changes, easier upgrades, and better maintainability through reusable modules and standardized interfaces.

Development and adoption of InlineSystemen reflect broader Industry 4.0 objectives, emphasizing flexible architecture, scalable performance, and integrated data flows from field devices to enterprise systems. While implementations vary, the common goal is to reduce integration risk and unlock real-time optimization across automated operations.

See also: Industry 4.0, Industrial automation, Modular automation, OPC UA, IEC 61131-3, SCADA, MES.