FEATURE SECURITY
SECURE CLOUD CONNECTIVITY M
The cloud can be used to deliver ‘always on’ access to data to enable smarter decision-making, improved scalability, security and mobility. Andy Graham from Wonderware explains how
anufacturing environments require a high level of coordination, planning
and precision. Providing anytime, anywhere access to data even on a production line can help improve productivity and drive operational efficiencies, particularly for multiple sites. Despite this there remains a reluctance to embrace cloud services such as Software as a Service (SaaS). Today’s manufacturing environments are
filled with multiple devices collecting data from every end point and it’s not unusual for a site to generate and store millions of data points every day. Harnessing that data is imperative for effective decision making but finding a way to access, manage and analyse vast amounts of data is no easy task. Manufacturers have long lived in fear of
connectivity, believing it increases the possibility of security breaches. However, for those manufacturers looking to implement an IoT strategy, connectivity is essential and it’s here that SaaS comes in. SaaS is software that is delivered to you
as a service which you can access via a web browser or app as opposed to that which you have to purchase upfront and then install. A prominent example of a SaaS solution is Google; you didn’t go out of your way to install it, you simply use it as a service.
TRUSTING IN CLOUD-BASED SERVICES Like connectivity the mere mention of a cloud-based service still makes many manufacturers recoil in horror. The reality is that cloud services only bring benefits to companies and as a result are here to stay. If your organisation uses Office365 in more than one location across your business you’re already embracing SaaS and if you trust the Cloud with your
making it easier to compare productivity and measure efficiencies. Connectivity within each site is improved
through Cloud, enabling the implementation of mobility across the facility. This gives everybody who needs it instant access to real-time data and analytics of the running of the plant and can even be tailored to specific areas; relevant data is made available when engineers walk into a different zone. Improving Overall Equipment
confidential business data why not trust it with your production data? In manufacturing the Cloud is your ally
and a cloud-based service such as SaaS can correlate all the business data you collect before collating and presenting it in a way that does not require additional IT expertise or capital expenditure. For example, OEMs can use cloud-based services to monitor machines remotely, analysing energy consumption and production data, providing valuable insight to customers to help them drive efficiencies. Manufacturing is an industry in a constant state of change. Increased external legislation and regulation means increasing numbers of manufacturers are required to provide regular data to third parties. Cloud assists this level of collaboration by ensuring that data is readily available; information can be accessed by those with relevant security clearance whenever they need it. Manufacturers with multi-location
operations are a potential beneficiary of Cloud. When data is fed to it a business can then get a real-time overview of the operation and performance of all its sites,
SECURITY AND HD VIDEO MONITORING SYSTEM
One of the biggest worries for many businesses is the security of their premises and its contents. Many CCTV systems are expensive to install and will not raise the alarm if there is a break-in. A different option is now available from Blink, a
battery-powered security and HD video monitoring system that will keep a watchful eye on a property and its contents. Blink is quick and simple to install, totally wireless, allowing the repositioning of cameras at any time and has HD video technology with motion and temperature sensors. When Blink detects motion it immediately sends a push notification alert and HD quality video to the user’s
1 MARCH 2017 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT 4
smartphone so that they instantly see who is inside or wandering around the property. The system is entirely accessible via the Blink App, giving users the flexibility to arm/disarm, live stream video and check status remotely, anytime and from anywhere. It’s available on iOS and Android. Blink has excellent image quality, two years on
2 x AA lithium batteries), is less expensive than competitive systems and scan be set up in minutes. Up to 10 cameras can be added to your network, with outdoor cameras being launched in April.
www.blinkforhome.co.uk
Improving OEE, the metric that looks at the availability, performance and quality of operations, is a further advantage of switching to the Cloud
Effectiveness (OEE), the metric that looks at the availability, performance and quality of operations, is a further advantage of switching to the Cloud. Because it can monitor and react to data it can reduce system downtime and pinpoint system outages before they become problematic. The Cloud provides an easy, cost-effective way of upgrading systems as there is no expensive hardware required and system updates can occur without costly downtime. There is an increasing view that intelligent analysis of data will be one of the key factors used to differentiate between the most successful organisations in future. This is particularly true for manufacturers facing their own specific set of challenges where many are fighting for survival, not only against their competitors but internally against other sites based in other countries which enjoy lower cost bases.
POWERFUL DATA INTELLIGENCE SaaS solutions such as Wonderware Online InSight deliver powerful data intelligence to the people who need it, when they need it, where they need it, all supported by the highly secure Microsoft Windows Azure Cloud Services environment. This allows you to use the software without being responsible for its implementation, maintenance or upkeep. Security is often one of the objections
raised by manufacturers when talking about the Cloud. However, many are already utilising cloud services in their corporate and commercial processes, whether that be email, accounting or online services such as DropBox and as such there is no reason why non-critical manufacturing processes shouldn’t be moved there too.
Wonderware T: 0161 495 4698
www.wonderware.co.uk
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