PC-APR22-PG26-27.1_Layout 1 11/04/2022 15:59 Page 27
PROCESS AUTOMATION
amounts of data and processing power, so it lends itself to the cloud to churn the data to get meaningful outcomes. Manufacturing traceability probably also
lends itself best to the cloud as it requires vast amounts of information to be stored. Likewise, product quality improvement projects are also suited to the cloud, as real-time access is not required. Today, more operators are also seeing the
benefit of processing data at the edge – close to the device itself – making it possible to gain real-time operational benefits. Once again, using the example of Omron's Sysmac controller, an integral artificial intelligence (AI) engine allows data to be analysed in real- time, allowing for fast reactions to the information at the point of its creation, which enables real-time predictive analysis. However, the limitation of edge technology is that it cannot handle large amounts of data. The best data management approach –
visualisation are suited to the use of on- premise servers because less data needs to be stored, and less processing is required. Predictive maintenance requires huge
which allows OT and IT environments to maximise the use of data created – is often a hybrid solution that sees data processed at the edge and then escalated for storage and further analysis in on-premise or cloud-based servers to gain the most benefit from data. It is useful to know that you can work with
the same data in more than one place – for example, using it at the edge first for real-time
processing requirements and then escalating the same data for post-processing purposes. This is possible because data is time- stamped, so it can be referenced and synchronised in different applications. For added data security, it is also helpful to
employ controllers that can spool data, so, in the event of a connection or data corruption issue, there will always be a backup. For most manufacturers, the on-premise
server solution will offer the best first step on the digitalisation ladder, as it is usually the easiest function to achieve. It is possible to achieve such a solution more cost-effectively if you already have a controller that has the capability to escalate data. Once there, it can be analysed using a range of low-cost software solutions. Data is opening many manufacturers' eyes
as they start to understand what it can achieve and what traditional processing issues can now be solved. As mentioned, when it comes to storage and processing options, there are a variety of platforms available. However, bear in mind that storing data for the sake of it is a costly exercise, so make sure that you use the data and don't let the data use you!
Omron
www.industrial.omron.co.uk
Factory Automation Capture & Control Everywhere
Edge Gateways Ethernet/IP CANopen Modbus/TCP OPC-UA MQTT PLCs Profinet IO-Link
Modular Machines.
IP67 field mountable devices
www.turckbanner.co.uk APRIL 2022 | PROCESS & CONTROL 27 Modbus RTU
Field Logic Controllers
Decentralised Automation.
Multi-Protocol
Turck Banner Ltd. Blenheim House, Blenheim Court, Wickford, Essex. SS11 8YT Tel: 01268 578888
fe@turckbanner.co.uk
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