Competitive edge: why edge computing is the smart choice for manufacturers

IIoT and the convergence of IT and OT have been the basis of a manufacturing revolution. In reality, however, certain practical limitations can impede our progress. Edge computing will emerge as an enabler of smart manufacturing that takes automation into the future.

The dramatic potential of Industrial IoT is well known by now, and throughout the manufacturing sector, connectivity is growing in breadth and sophistication. Even so, adopting smart ways of operating can help make further improvements and eliminate inefficiencies. Cloud services, for example, unquestionably offer tremendous benefits. Analyzing data in a cloud can give new insights into a production process or machine that lead to more efficiency and availability. However, transferring all data to and from the cloud is time-consuming and not reasonable in some cases. 

On the shop floor, every minute counts. Manufacturers need the ability to analyze and utilize data to improve production results – and to do so quickly and securely. Edge computing is the most promising solution to fill the gap between the shop floor and the cloud, this means it allows manufacturers to use the benefits of the cloud, while retaining the maximum degree of responsiveness and flexibility that the market demands of them.

The next step in automation

Edge computing brings optimal scalability into the IT architecture of a data driven application and combines the benefits of the cloud with the manufacturer’s need to process data close to its source at the machine. Applications can now be scaled efficiently across all levels. Although it’s a relatively mature technology, widespread use of edge analytics in manufacturing is still a few years away. Early adopters, however, are already active, applying edge to at least parts of their production process.

Some may have concerns that they will have to throw out their existing automation systems and reinvest, but this is not the case. Edge should be seen as a complementary technology. It fills the gap that currently exists between the machines and the cloud, and thereby enhances both systems. 

Today, SIMATIC Controllers are the basis for a range of future automation concepts. Edge technology expands such automation devices to include data analysis and other functions, maximizing the benefits of IoT while bringing even more flexibility and efficiency to the shop floor. To simplify implementation, Siemens’ Industrial Edge solution is designed to be compatible with as many existing platforms as possible, including those of other manufacturers.

Safe and secure

Some manufacturers may have reservations about connecting their equipment to a cloud – for example, based on concerns about data security. Edge computing may offer an ideal starting point with a local on-premise solution with the option to scale the functionality step-by-step just as required or desired. This adds flexibility and is particularly useful at times when connectivity is poor.

Since on-premise solutions are part of the manufacturer’s own local environment, they are robust in terms of Cyber Security. Conceivably, even the backend of the edge infrastructure, which is usually in the cloud, could also be installed on-premises. In this way, connection to the cloud is only necessary for updates or other specific tasks. 

As provider of edge and cloud technologies Siemens engages with Cyber Security and is part of the Charter of Trust initiative. Therefore, customers find the basis to address also those applications which generate value through combining cloud and edge domains.

Data analytics on the edge

For manufacturers, data analytics plays a key role in helping plant engineers monitor the performance of their machines. Technicians can be informed of potential problems before they occur, and maintenance schedules can be optimized to avoid unnecessary downtime.

With edge, having functions such as data processing and storage, communications and even decision-making close to the sensors (as data sources) enhances the benefit of data analytics– thanks to faster reaction times (real-time analysis), a high level of data security, and an increased level of scalability in terms of data processing resources and data traffic.

Additionally, the units (like PLCs) that are connected to the edge devices have a lower data workload to cope with. As the edge infrastructure is easily scalable, customers can begin small and see what the results are before expanding. Siemens’ ultimate aim is to make edge analytics as user-friendly as possible so that it is compatible with customers’ own experience and knowhow.

Edge and cloud in combination

Both edge and cloud will become indispensable to more and more sectors of manufacturing, and as implementation cost fall, this will include small and medium-sized companies.

A key aspect will be finding the optimal combination of edge and cloud, because the two technologies complement each other well. Based on analytics performed in edge, for example, the AI algorithm can be optimized in the cloud, with the improvements then downloaded back to the edge infrastructure.

The Siemens edge devices that customers install can be managed by the central infrastructure Edge Management System from Siemens Industrial Edge. This system makes it possible not only to monitor the status of all connected devices, but also to install/update apps and software, and move functions from the cloud to the local manufacturing system as desired.

Cloud is going to play a key role for manufacturers in the future. The benefits of edge – particularly its broad compatibility, high level of security and its impact on scalability – mean it can make cloud services accessible and manageable for more companies. It will surely prove to be a catalyst for the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry as a whole.

If you want to know more about Edge, get the whitepaper “Moving to the Edge” we provide in cooperation with Frost & Sullivan.