Edge Computing Features Every Manufacturer should Look for.
10 key points in which any equipment and machine manufacturer can leverage Edge Computing to meet their unique needs, as well as the requirements of their customers
Edge Computing is a distributed computing model where computing is performed close to the physical location where process data is generated and analyzed, as opposed to using centralized servers or the Cloud. In this way, intelligent development, the IioT is facilitated and allows adding future applications that support the growing demands of customers for the transition to Industry 4.0.
Next, we are going to summarize 10 key points so that any equipment and machine manufacturer can take advantage of Edge Computing to meet their unique needs, as well as the requirements of their customers:
1 The first thing you should look for is a system with built-in virtualization.
The best Edge Computing platforms have pre-configured virtual machines (VMs). It should be easy for manufacturers to combine traditional monitoring and control software with additional applications such as PLC programming, sensors, change management, historians, analytics, MES or even artificial intelligence solutions, all running simultaneously on the platform using multiple VMs. This simplifies the design and eliminates the need to use multiple computers. In addition, virtualization makes the solution more flexible by allowing operators to use mobile devices.
2 Look for platforms with inherent redundancy.
You can configure 2 Edge Computing platforms so that if one fails, the second can continue the work without any interruption of operations/applications. This allows reducing the time of unplanned shutdowns of machines drastically. Inherent redundancy is better because it allows these functions to be executed automatically, without the need to modify applications, or scripts, or complicated configurations, etc. and allows obtaining the maximum availability rates.
3 Look for scalable and expandable platforms.
A good machine design implies scalability, that is, that it has the ability to start with basic functions and can be improved in terms of characteristics and capabilities without the need for redesigns or architecture modifications. Edge computing platforms need to be scalable and extensible so that they can be integrated into these machines and, over time, be able to adapt to the growth of their characteristics.
4 Ensure intellectual property.
Intrinsic security features must be included in edge computing. At a minimum, for machinery manufacturers, the computing platform should comply with ISA/IEC 62443 guidelines to help protect development lifecycle processes and prioritize product security requirements. This may include a Firewall, restrictions on USB ports, authentication and integration with external systems (e.g. Active Directory), use of secure communication protocols and having a secure and reliable boot.
5 Use industrial-grade platforms.
The edge computing platform that will be part of process machines must be prepared for industrial environments. These devices must be tough enough to operate in the harsh environments present in the plant: high temperatures, vibrations, shocks, humidity, etc.
6 Use platforms that are easy to manage.
You can define Edge Computing as any computer located outside the CPD. This definition includes platforms that support both OT and IT requirements. Edge computing systems used in intelligent machines should be simple enough that a field technician, without advanced IT knowledge, would have problems installing, configuring and maintaining them in the plant.
7 Use platforms that give space to increase the source of income.
Through the use of non-invasive external designs and with the capacity of inherent redundancy that avoids stops in the equipment, it is possible to quickly build a machine or system that reduces the threshold of entry to the world of intelligent manufacturing and allows companies to take the first steps towards digital transformation.
8 Use platforms that are easy to integrate with the rest of the business network or with Cloud solutions.
In the very near future, productivity will be measured by the ability to generate information from process data. The chosen Edge Computing platform must offer the possibility of integrating the machines in a transparent way to favor the analysis of large amounts of data, either to on-premise systems of the company or to systems in the Cloud. This allows organizations to change or modify their plans to anticipate changes in the market, uncovers relevant facts that could have gone unnoticed and, in addition, helps solve bandwidth and/or latency problems, common problems when you need to send data from sensors directly to the cloud.
9 Make sure the Edge Computing platform offers remote services.
In addition to having local storage, Edge Computing systems should be able to back up configurations or user preferences to the Cloud. If you are deploying edge platforms on multiple machines or locations, the ability to perform and restore backups is essential, especially for those remote locations.
10 Make sure you have global support.
If your solutions are used in multiple countries, have an Edge Computing manufacturer that is present throughout the globe to be able to support any of your customers.
The engineers and machine designers are constantly evaluating the pros and cons between technological improvements and the cost involved in applying them in their designs. Edge Computing platforms are the “upgrade” that can offer both cost reductions and new business opportunities.
From Logitek we present the Zero Touch Computing (ZTC Edge) solution, Edge Computing platform that meets all the points explained above, easily embeddable and offers the fault-tolerant computing layer necessary for digital transformation.
For more information, visit the specific website of the solution.
