IO-Link is a reliable, cost-effective and straightforward communication technology, particularly wells-suited for basic measurement and control applications. However, due to its inherent technical limitations – such as restricted bandwidth, point-to-point topology and limited scalability – IO-Link is not universally applicable across all use cases. Especially in the context of life sciences process automation, it is essential to carefully evaluate where the use of IO-Link devices adds value and where IO-Link is not recommended to be used as standalone technology. This is particularly important when planning for future-proof digitalization strategies, which often demand greater flexibility, higher data throughput and real-time capabilities. This whitepaper provides a comprehensive exploration of where IO-Link excels in the life sciences industry, where it falls short there and how it can be integrated into more complex systems using complementary technologies.
