In today’s fast-paced industrial environments, ensuring the safety and security of both human operators and machinery is essential. Pilz’s PITmode operating mode selection and access permission system delivers a powerful and complete combination of safety and security functions, all within one integrated solution. By seamlessly managing access and safely selecting operating modes, PITmode minimises risks and prevents unauthorised operation, offering a versatile and reliable solution for a wide variety of applications.
PITmode: A Comprehensive Access Permission and Operating Mode Selection System
Pilz’s PITmode system is designed to protect both humans and machines. By integrating Identification and Access Management (I.A.M.), PITmode helps prevent improper handling and manipulation of machinery, ensuring that only authorised users can interact with sensitive systems. Whether you’re selecting operating modes or controlling access permissions, PITmode provides a robust safety layer for your equipment and personnel.
The system consists of various hardware and software components that are flexible enough to be tailored to meet your specific safety and security requirements. From simple access control to advanced permission matrices, PITmode offers a scalable and customisable solution that adapts to your needs.
Access Permission with PITreader: Flexible and Secure
One of the key components of the PITmode system is PITreader, which handles the identification and access permission tasks for machines and plants. The PITreader can operate as a standalone device or in combination with a Pilz controller for more complex systems. With its RFID technology and flexible options, the PITreader allows for user authentication and permission control with varying levels of complexity.
Transponder keys used with PITreader are available in writable versions for dynamic access permissions, or pre-programmed with fixed permissions for specific users or roles. For even greater flexibility, PITreader can be integrated with a variety of Pilz controllers or other devices for a comprehensive solution.
PITreader S: Enhanced Security with OPC UA Integration
For those seeking an added layer of security, PITreader S offers integration with OPC UA, a standard for secure communication between server and client. This integration not only enhances security but also extends connectivity to third-party systems that use OPC UA, offering greater compatibility and usability. PITreader S can also be incorporated into the PITgatebox, providing an added level of protection for safety gate guarding with authentication.
PITreader Keys: Improved Usability with New Colours
PITreader keys now come in six new colors, making it easier to distinguish between different transponder keys at a glance. The color-coded keys can be programmed to correspond to specific functions, zones, machine types, or operating modes. This simple yet effective feature helps streamline daily operations and improve usability for operators.
RFID Transponders: Greater Flexibility with Cards and Stickers
In addition to the traditional PITreader keys, Pilz now offers PITreader Cards and PITreader Stickers for even more flexibility in your access control system. These new transponder formats allow users to authenticate using RFID-enabled cards or stickers, making it easier to integrate existing company IDs into your safety system. The PITreader Card also features a transparent window, allowing the LED status indicator to remain visible while the card is in use—ensuring clear communication of system status at all times.
PITmode Fusion: Modular Operating Mode Selection for Third-Party Controllers
For applications using third-party safety controllers, PITmode Fusion offers a modular approach to operating mode selection. This system uses the PITreader combined with a separate Safe Evaluation Unit (SEU), allowing for functionally safe switching between up to five operating modes. Users can select the desired operating mode via existing buttons or the PIT oe 4s operation element, making the system highly adaptable to various industrial setups.
PITmode Flex: Seamless Integration with Pilz Controllers
If you’re using PNOZmulti 2 small controllers or the PSS 4000 automation system, PITmode Flex is the ideal solution for integrating safe operating mode selection and access permissions into your system. With PITmode Flex, all functionality related to access permission is integrated directly into the software, eliminating the need for a separate evaluation unit. Users can select operating modes using buttons or the PIT oe 4s element, making it easy to adapt to existing equipment.
PITmode Flex Visu: Touchscreen Operation for Easy Mode Selection
For those who prefer touchscreen operation, PITmode Flex Visu offers the same functionality as PITmode Flex, with the added benefit of selecting operating modes via the intuitive PMIvisu Panel. This solution simplifies mode selection while providing the same safety features and permissions control.
PITmode: The Compact All-in-One Solution
For those looking for a more compact solution, the PITmode all-in-one device integrates the pushbuttons for operating mode selection and the safe evaluation unit into a single device. The LED display provides clear, safe indication of operating modes, and the individual key coding prevents unauthorised manipulation. This device is particularly well-suited for international use, as it can be equipped with pictograms to support machine tools and other applications across multiple regions.
Key Benefits of the PITmode System:
- Functionally Safe Mode Switching: Safe evaluation of operating modes up to PL d, ensuring that only authorised operators can switch between modes.
- Access Permission Control: Full management of access permissions, including individual user authentication and role-based permissions.
- Enhanced Security: Robust protection against unauthorised manipulation through company-specific coding and the ability to block or lock data areas on keys.
- Integrated Web Server: Easy configuration of PITreader and transponder keys via an integrated web server for fast and efficient commissioning.
- Multicolored LED Ring: Visual feedback through LED indicators, providing clear user information about status and permissions.
Software and Management Tools: Streamlining Configuration
Pilz provides powerful software tools like the PIT Transponder Manager (PTM) and User Authentication Service (UAS) to manage PITreader keys, user permissions, and settings. The PTM allows for simple management of user data and permissions via an intuitive graphical interface, while UAS enables centralised management of all networked PITreader units, ensuring efficient administration of global permissions.
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Comprehensive Safety and Security in One Package
Pilz’s PITmode operating mode selection and access permission system delivers unparalleled safety and security for your machinery and personnel. With a variety of flexible solutions for both small and large-scale applications, PITmode ensures safe and efficient operation with minimised risks of unauthorised access or manipulation. By combining both safety and security functions in one seamless system, Pilz provides a powerful tool to meet the evolving demands of modern industrial environments.
If you would like to discuss your need for Pilz products or a particular project, please don’t hesitate to use the contact form below to get in touch with our Application Support Team, who will help to choose, and help to use.
Fantastic solution to combine safety and security available from BPX!
Great post. Now that Safety cannot be considered without Security, as outlined in the new Machinery Regulation, it makes sense to get yourself a system that does both!