SAFETY IN THE PLANT
Connecting gas sampling systems data with OT
software systems enables superior plant management
detection devices on OT, forwarding it on IT level. On the one hand, these gateways ensure absence of interaction to keep OT levels safe and reliable. On the other hand, they convert data on IT protocol level as only this data can be used further ways: for big data analysis, either combined with data of different sources or used in many different systems. Protocols such as OPC- UA support the exchange of data.
CLOUD VERSUS EDGE COMPUTING Especially in Europe, the discussion about cloud versus edge computing is ongoing. With state-of-the-art technology, cloud solutions can offer security on the same (or even higher) level as edge or on premise can do. Just think of online banking: this is a public cloud application. More important is a trustful partner, which is working continuously on its
applications, scanning for vulnerabilities, updating third-party libraries, and is ensuring the latest security measures. But edge computing relates to an
important area: If real-time is necessary, cloud-based systems show their weaknesses. Tis is an OT task anyhow. And it will stay there.
Data from Dräger’s gas detection devices can be forwarded to asset management and plant maintenance systems
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ON IT LEVEL, CROSS- MANUFACTURER DATA CAN BE ANALYSED What is particularly interesting is that data from different sources can be related to each other instead of looking at them separately. Tis allows correlations to be identified, in the best case identifying a causal relationship. Companies such as SAP do offer modules, such as their asset performance measurement (APM) module, to collect data from different sources, define alarm rules and run analysis routines. APIs are the easiest way to connect securely to different platforms and to obtain data. Dräger Safety, together with SRB Consulting Team, developed a solution with cloud-based software interfaces and SAP standard based IoT integration to request and forward data from Dräger’s Gas Detection Connect to SAP’s Asset Performance
Management and ERP Plant Maintenance. While Dräger can
support with advanced maintenance on its gas detection devices, offer visualisation, maintenance support and device management, the data on SAP level can be used to identify cross-data dependencies. For example: if alarms on gas detectors are triggered by exhaust fumes caused by engines during their start-up, data inside the SAP APM can help to understand root causes and eliminate unnecessary responses by improving the set-up.
THE ONLY WAY IS GOING FORWARD Mastering this task requires planning and perseverance. But it is worth it as many things will become more efficient. Even the operation of the OT equipment itself: if an asset management system for OT equipment exists, which is needed anyway, tasks at OT level also become more structured, more efficient. Assets are recorded with information about operating systems, version numbers, part and serial numbers, protocols, and other characteristics.
After that the key is to forward OT data to IT levels. As more data finds its way from one world to the other, the ideas and possibilities become more tangible. Getting there might be challenging but standing still is no option.
Malte Berndt is with Dräger Safety.
www.draeger.com
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