~ Integrated PLCs enhance connectivity, flexibility and remote monitoring capabilities ~
Technidrive, a specialist in industrial drive and automation, has expanded its offering with the integration of WEG’s programmable logic controllers (PLCs), including the PLC500 series, to help customers simplify automation projects and maintain reliable control in demanding operating environments. By bringing drives, motors, gearboxes, control equipment and PLCs together under one manufacturer, Technidrive can deliver complete, end-to-end systems that reduce integration complexity while improving visibility, connectivity and support.
A marine electrical engineer inspects an onboard control panel in a demanding operating environment
The move is particularly valuable for applications where equipment performance must be monitored continuously, but reliable internet access cannot be guaranteed. This includes remote or mobile assets such as marine systems, where data must be captured locally and synchronised later so operators can retain a complete record of asset condition.
As a WEG Premier Partner, Technidrive already supplies the Brazilian manufacturer’s motors, variable speed drives (VSDs), gearboxes and control equipment. By adding WEG PLCs, the company can deliver fully integrated automation systems on a single control architecture, improving communication, reducing complexity and streamlining commissioning and support.
This approach has already been applied in a marine data acquisition project, where the customer needed a reliable way to monitor onboard assets despite inconsistent connectivity at sea. Technidrive deployed the PLC500 to track temperature, humidity and pressure across large vessels, storing data locally and syncing it when a connection is available. This allows the customer to retain a full record of asset conditions, so engineers can later identify environmental issues, check for pressure drops, spot early signs of deterioration and plan maintenance before faults cause failure or downtime.
“The ability to bring everything together under one manufacturer is a major advantage,” explained David Strain, technical director at Technidrive. “Knowing the PLC has been tested alongside the drives, motors and control gear gives us confidence in system performance and reliability, while also helping to ensure smooth integration, faster installation and simpler support for our customers.”
A key benefit of the PLC500 in this application is its remote connectivity. For vessels operating across different regions, internet access can be inconsistent or restricted. By storing information locally and uploading it once a connection becomes available, the PLC500 enables operators to maintain a reliable record of system performance over time.
Technidrive also highlighted the PLC500’s programming environment and human-machine interface (HMI) as important factors in its adoption. Built on the widely recognised CODESYS platform, the PLC supports multiple programming languages, including structured text, ladder logic, function block, sequential function chart and continuous function chart. This gives engineers the flexibility to work with familiar tools and adapt the system to different applications.
“The software and ease of development were major drivers for us,” added Strain. “Our engineers can program in multiple languages, and the system is very intuitive to use. Combined with strong connectivity and remote access, it gives us a flexible platform for a wide range of applications.”
With support for multiple communication protocols and networking options, the PLC500 can integrate with a wide array of devices and systems, making it suitable for industries ranging from marine and materials handling to quarrying, recycling, food processing and general manufacturing.
As part of WEG’s wider PLC portfolio, which includes models such as the PLC410 for medium-sized applications, the compact PLC20X for smaller systems and the PLC300 designed for operator interface and machine-level control, the PLC500 sits within a scalable ecosystem tailored to applications of varying size and complexity.
“PLCs are inherently flexible, so the opportunities are wide open,” said Strain. “The experience has been very positive, and WEG’s PLCs give us a strong platform for future automation projects.”
To learn more about Technidrive’s automation and WEG PLC integration, visit https://www.technidrive.co.uk.
