Industrial and off-highway machines are becoming increasingly advanced systems, where electronics, software, control, operator interfaces and connectivity must communicate within a single architecture.
ALMEC’s co-design approach starts with direct collaboration with the customer, with the aim of developing an electronic architecture capable of integrating control, connectivity and machine functions into a complete, customized solution designed around the specific application.
Co-design starts with the machine
Every project has different requirements: functions to be controlled, number of inputs and outputs, interfaces, communication protocols, environmental conditions, available space, operating modes and connectivity needs.
ALMEC analyzes these elements together with the customer to identify the most effective architecture and define hardware and software as parts of the same system.
The goal is not to adapt the machine to a standard solution, but to develop a solution that can be seamlessly integrated into the machine and its specific application.
Customization can start with the modification of an existing ALMEC product or extend to the development of new custom solutions and functionalities, depending on the specific requirements of the project.
This approach makes it possible to:
develop customized products and functionalities;
reduce the complexity of components, wiring and integration;
optimize hardware and software according to actual application requirements;
maintain project continuity from development through to production;
facilitate the future evolution of the system without having to start from scratch.
When components become a system
An electronic control unit, an HMI, an I/O module or a radio remote control can each perform specific functions independently. However, the real value of integration emerges when these elements are designed to communicate and work together.
ALMEC develops solutions for building complete electronic architectures for industrial and off-highway machinery, integrating different levels of control and management.
ECU: the heart of electronic control
Electronic Control Units (ECUs) acquire signals from the machine, process software logic and control the various functions and actuators.
The ability to configure hardware, I/Os, CAN-Bus communication and software makes it possible to develop control systems tailored to the characteristics of each specific application.
HMI: where operator and machine meet
HMI interfaces allow operators to view information, parameters, machine status, diagnostics and controls.
An HMI is therefore not simply a display, but an integral part of the electronic architecture, designed to make interaction with the machine’s functions simpler and more intuitive.
I/O expansions: greater architectural flexibility
As the number of sensors, controls and actuators to be managed increases, I/O expansion modules make it possible to extend the system and distribute inputs and outputs more efficiently.
CAN-Bus communication also helps simplify the overall architecture and reduce wiring complexity.
Radio remote controls: control wherever it is needed
For applications where operators need to control the machine remotely, ALMEC develops transmitters and radio remote control systems that can be integrated into the electronic architecture.
These solutions are particularly suitable for machinery used in lifting, material handling, aerial platforms and other industrial and off-highway applications.
From connected machines to data management
The evolution of industrial electronics is not limited to controlling on-board machine functions.
An increasing number of applications require the ability to collect, transmit and use the data generated by the machine.
ALMEC IoT gateways, such as NEXUS, create a connection between the machine’s electronics and digital services, making valuable information available for activities such as:
machine parameter monitoring;
remote diagnostics;
location tracking and fleet management;
performance and utilization analysis;
alarm and notification management;
maintenance planning.
Data therefore becomes a new component of the machine architecture.
DIABOARD: the software connecting machines and data
True integration comes from the ability to connect hardware and software.
With Diaboard, data collected from the machine can be organized and displayed through dedicated dashboards and digital tools, creating a connection between what happens on board the machine and remote monitoring and management requirements.
ECUs, HMIs, I/Os, sensors, CAN-Bus and IoT gateways can therefore be considered within a system-wide approach, where each element contributes to the overall management of the machine.
One approach, from design to the machine
Choosing ALMEC means going beyond the search for an individual electronic component and developing a project based on the actual requirements of the machine.
From co-design and architecture definition to hardware customization and software development, through to the operator interface and IoT connectivity, ALMEC supports customers throughout the different stages of the project.
This approach helps reduce design complexity, improve integration between different elements and create electronic solutions capable of evolving together with the machine.
Do you have a project to develop?
Contact ALMEC at info@almec.net to explore together a custom electronic solution for your industrial or off-highway application.
