Using digital nameplates to search for asset administration shells

Digital nameplates in accordance with IEC 61406 are the perfect way for users to obtain direct access to asset administration shells. Scanning the QR code or RFID tag on the product takes users straight to the manufacturer's website and generally loads and displays the content of the asset administration shell associated with the serial number. The basic requirement for this information chain to work is a suitable device and a stable Internet connection. In many production processes, this is generally not an obstacle – as long as the company permits these devices to be used in production.

Challenge:

However, depending on the industry and environment, there might not be an Internet connection available or there might be no suitable devices. Offshore oil drilling platforms are an extreme example of this. In these systems, there is usually no Internet connection available at the production areas. What's more, many areas are designated Ex Zones, which means that standard devices cannot be used. If no explosion-protected devices is available, the user on site is not able to access asset administration shells directly.

The solution: Remote access

The digital nameplate offers the possibility of remote access for precisely these cases. An on-site technician can, for example, contact an operator in the back office using a radio link and send them the manufacturer and serial number from the field. The operator in the back office is therefore able to access the manufacturer's website on their PC and directly control the instance asset administration shell using the serial number. They perform the step of scanning a name plate and calling up the relevant asset administration shell manually.

Since only the serial number is required to identify the product, access is very simple and can be obtained within a matter of seconds. Instead of looking for the necessary documents in the paper documentation in the archive, the operator in the back office can conveniently retrieve all of the information from the asset administration shell and share this with the technician in the field. This saves time and resources for the user, too.

Are you interested? Experience a remote access simulation for yourself using our demonstrator, which is available at: https://demo-digital-twin.r-stahl.com/

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