How to achieve high PROFIBUS network availability

The difference between three 9's (9.99%) and four 9's (99.99%) availability on your PROFIBUS communications network could mean millions of Rands in lost production that directly affects your bottom line. Network rigidity and availability should be the core focus of any automation engineer who is tasked with maintaining a plant's PROFIBUS communication system. There are four main areas to focus on that will assist in improving your 9's score on any given network: 1) Training Fundamentally important, ensuring that all personnel who work with the network have the necessary training and know-how. Your local PROFIBUS / PROFINET Training Center will have a set of certified courses to ensure that all attendees are competent to handle installations and design scenarios. The following courses should be considered for PROFIBUS networks: Certified PROFIBUS Installers Course Foundation PROFIBUS Training Course, imparts knowledge on the PROFIBUS specificatio