Feature

Extracting data from a legacy plant

You want to bring your legacy plant into the 21st century by implementing comprehensive monitoring and data analysis. But there’s a problem. How do you access the data you need? Tim Dodd of ifm electronic tells all.

07/07/2025 11:11:41

If you operate or manage a production plant, there are three things that you almost certainly want to do: predict machine availability, improve process quality, and optimise energy usage.

Most of the data you need probably exists in your plant, but how can you get at it without spending a fortune and upsetting operation? This can be particularly challenging with legacy installations where, for example, sensors may only have a single 4-20mA analogue output.

There are expensive solutions that involve adding many extra sensors or even replacing all the older devices, but these drastic methods may not offer a good return on investment. Fortunately, there are alternatives that are more convenient and cost effective.

Read the full article in DPA's July 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.