Edge computing operates between the cloud and the data collection points, meeting the need of IIoT for processing large volumes of data locally to generate real-time information. It reduces the volume of data transported and needs less bandwidth and local processing improves security.Across industrial sectors, meaningful data is the primary driver for improving productivity, increasing product quality, delivering predictive maintenance and enabling remote management. The need for high quality information has resulted in integration of data from an even broader range of control components and field devices. The medium incudes the Ethernet as more and more smart devices are developed with their own IP addresses, but also over wireless GSM, or integrate legacy RS232 devices through network gateways.Distributed intelligenceThis distributed intelligence is the key to forming a digital nervous system within businesses. The networked digital data is then combined into bi-directional systems to integrate data, people, processes and systems for better decision making. Recent estimates already put the number of devices that are connected through the IIoT at about 5 billion, and this is likely to soar over the next few years. As IIot generates masses of data volumes, companies' IT infrastructure is becoming increasingly stressed.Edge computingCloud storage and processing services offer secure, reliable and scalable services more competitive than on-site IT platforms. However, the addition of edge computing enables much of the data processing to take place close to the point where production data is collected on the LAN. Processing at the edge provides a faster response than cloud computing, which can then be used for data storage and off-line processing.Production data from the likes of sensors, drives, PLCs, PACs, actuators and robots are filtered and pre-processed within the C-Controller and MES Interface solutions (such as the C-Application Server or MES IT Module). Direct benefits in power and speed are realised through direct local processing and by making the data more easily available to the processes that need it.For example, MX OPC UA software provides direct connection between Mitsubishi Electric devices to an existing OPC UA structure. In addition, the Mitsubishi Electric IIoT Connector provides seamless connectivity with the cloud services offered by e-F@ctory Alliance partners such as eWon, Secomea or Iconics. Further, the C-Application Server can store information within different kinds of cloud services and offers functions such as analytics and mobile applications.In more process-oriented applications and industries, Mitsubishi Electric's MAPS SCADA platform supports the full suite of Microsoft connection technologies, as well as VB-Scripts and the OPC UA structure.Mitsubishi Electric's Edge solutions are built on local control platforms to provide filtering and pre-processing of production data from intelligent devices whilst facilitating communications to a broad range of standard and niche cloud services.Go here for the full story
