MUST-HAVE EDGE COMPUTING FEATURES EVERY MACHINE BUILDER SHOULD LOOK FOR TOP TIPS
Edge computing is a distributed computing model in which computing takes place near the physical location where data is being collected and analyzed, rather than on a centralized server or in the cloud. Edge Computing enables existing control and automation applications to be consolidated onto a single platform while enabling other critical applications to run on the same platform. This makes it easier to develop smart, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) enabled machines, and to easily add future applications that support customers’ evolving Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing demands. These tips focus on how machine and equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can leverage Edge Computing to meet their unique needs as well as their customers’ requirements.
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A system with built-in virtualization should be at the top of your list
The best edge computing platforms come with preconfigured virtual machines (VM). Machine builders should be able to easily combine the traditional monitoring and control software with additional applications like PLC programming, sensor or transmitter configuration software, data historians, MES, analytics, and even AI solutions— all running simultaneously under a single platform using multiple VMs. This simplifies machine design and eliminates the need to use multiple computers. In addition, thin clients installed in a VM makes the solution more flexible as it enables operators to run machines remotely using cellphones, tablets, and laptops.
Look for a platform with inherent redundancy
Two edge computing platforms can be configured as a redundant pair so that if one node fails, the other node will take over without interrupting the monitoring and control software, or any of the additional applications. This protects machines from unplanned downtime. Inherent redundancy is better because it performs all these functions automatically, with no application modifications, scripts, extended tuning, set-up, and installation.
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Choose a platform that is scalable and extensible
Well designed machines are scalable, which means they have the capability to start small and scale up in terms of features and capabilities without any design, component, or architecture modification. Extensibility is having the capacity of adding capabilities and functionalities in machines as needs and demands grow over time. Edge computing platforms need to be both scalable and extensible so that they can be embedded into machines and, over time, be able to scale up functionality and extend capabilities based on customer requirements, without any major machine component replacement.
Maintaining security for your intellectual property is critical
Embedded security features should be included in your edge computing technology. For machine builders, the minimum edge computing platform should conform to ISA/IEC 62443 guidelines to help inform secure development lifecycle processes and prioritize product security requirements. This might include a host-based firewall, restricted USB ports, authentication and active directory integration, secure communications protocols, and secure and trusted boot.
Select an industrial grade platform
Edge computing should be industrial grade so that it can be embedded as part of the machine. Edge devices must be tough enough to operate in harsh plant floor environments, in locations that operate in high and low temperature extremes, next to vibrating equipment, and subject to continuous shock.
Choose a platform that is easy to manage
Edge computing is broadly defined as any computing that takes place outside the data center. This definition includes computing platforms that support both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) requirements. Edge computing platforms used in smart machines should be easy enough to use that a field technician is able to install, configure, deploy, and maintain at a customer’s site.
The chosen platform should provide space for increased revenue streams
By using unique and noninvasive external designs or wireless sensor designs that don’t require equipment shutdowns, it is possible to quickly build a machine or process monitoring system that lowers the threshold of entering the intelligent manufacturing world and allows companies to take the first steps in a digital transformation.
Your platform should integrate with your customers enterprise and cloud solutions
Information is currency. Edge computing platforms provide the ability for machines to seamlessly integrate and provide large amounts of information to the enterprise and the cloud. This enables organizations to change or modify plans in anticipation of market or production changes. It provides insights on facts that were previously hidden. In addition, edge computing platforms help solve problems of latency and bandwidth that are common when information is transmitted to the enterprise and the cloud directly from sensors.
Be sure your selected platform provides remote cloud services
Select an edge computing platform vendor that is well represented internationally. If your machines are used in multiple countries, it is important that your customers can be supported anywhere in the world. 6 7 8 9 10
In addition to local drive storage, edge computing platforms should be able to store system settings and user preferences to the cloud for simplified system backup and restoration. If you are deploying edge computing platforms in multiple machines in one to many locations—especially if they are in remote or unmanned locations— the ability to backup and restore from the cloud to the machine is essential.
Make sure global support is readily available
Summary
There are many different types of businesses working within the machine and equipment manufacturer (OEM) marketplace, yet market competitiveness is a constant challenge for each. Engineers and Machine Designers are constantly in the process of evaluating the tradeoffs between new technology improvements and associated cost increases as they bring new designs to market. Edge computing platforms are the one upgrade that can offer valuable cost reductions as well as new revenue opportunities.
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