Industrial Network Diagnostics in the Supply Chain and Logistics Industry

Industrial network diagnostics bring significant value to businesses, especially in logistics where automation systems must run continuously. Through continuous monitoring and early anomaly detection, companies can reduce errors, minimize downtime, and maintain stable operations.

1. Business Challenges

The company produces and distributes flowers - highly delicate and perishable products requiring fast and precise processing. To meet demand, it operates a fully automated logistics system with robots, RGVs, and conveyors handling shipments to 53 countries daily.

This high level of automation creates strong dependency on network stability. Even minor process or network issues can stop the entire line, causing costly downtime and product loss. Therefore, enhancing monitoring and diagnostics became essential.

2. Root Cause

• Strong reliance on Industrial Ethernet networks controlling robots and RGV systems

• Manual troubleshooting was slow and inefficient in a large, complex facility, leading to extended downtime

3. Proposed Solution: Integrating Anybus Diagnostics into Automated Order Processing Lines

Selected product: Anybus Atlas2 Plus (part of the Anybus Diagnostics solution portfolio from HMS Networks). This is a dedicated hardware device designed for permanent monitoring of Industrial Ethernet networks (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, etc.). It functions as an intelligent “black box,” permanently installed within the system to collect and analyze data 24/7.

The product is considered one of the most optimal solutions for industrial network diagnostics.

Why is Anybus Atlas2 Plus the Optimal Choice for Businesses?

• 24/7 Permanent Monitoring: With online operations running continuously and products that cannot wait, Atlas2 Plus provides round-the-clock monitoring and diagnostics. Unlike handheld tools used only after issues occur, it ensures the network is always under supervision.

• Predictive Maintenance: The device detects early signs of network degradation (such as noise or packet loss) before they lead to downtime, enabling proactive maintenance instead of reactive repairs.

• Automatic Topology Mapping: In complex environments with multiple robots and autonomous vehicles, Atlas2 Plus automatically visualizes network topology. When issues occur, engineers can instantly identify the affected device and location without manual tracing.

• Instant Root Cause Diagnostics: When faults happen, the system identifies root causes (e.g., cable failure, IP conflicts, overload), significantly reducing troubleshooting time.
  

4. Results Achieved

• Maximized Uptime: Smooth operations with significantly reduced downtime, ensuring products remain fresh upon delivery.

• Long-term Process Improvement: Historical data collected by Atlas2 Plus enables trend analysis and continuous optimization of logistics processes.

• Brand Reliability: Stable delivery performance helps maintain service commitments in a 24/7 global business environment.

5. Aucontech Industrial Network Diagnostics Solution

Aucontech provides a comprehensive industrial network diagnostics solution based on Anybus Network Diagnostics, widely implemented across industries such as F&B (beverage production), manufacturing (automotive components), and environmental monitoring systems. The solution enables proactive fault detection, continuous 24/7 monitoring, and stable production operations.

When choosing Aucontech’s industrial network diagnostics solution, customers benefit from:

• Complete packages including devices, systems, and full technical support

• In-depth consulting focused on cost optimization and operational efficiency

• Powerful diagnostic technology to reduce downtime risks and improve network reliability

• Scalability across various factory models and communication standards