If you manage or operate an industrial automation network, then network management is something that you are already doing. All of the activities that are involved in configuring, maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting your network are network management. For example, it is important to know which parts of your network are dependent on each other, how heavily each section of the network is being used, whether some devices are more prone to failure than others, and when devices should be replaced to prevent failure while in use. In industrial networks, chances are that most of these complicated tasks are done manually. Would it be not ideal to automate these management tasks with software in order to improve the efficiency of the process? That is exactly what network management software (NMS) does.
What is network management software (NMS)?
With network management software, it is possible to quickly to assess the health of your most valuable asset: the network. Many networks today are so complex that if something goes wrong it takes a long time to locate the problem. In this kind of situation, attempting to fix the problem without an accurate picture of what is wrong amounts to trouble-shooting in the dark. With proactive network monitoring, it is possible to locate problems before they become emergencies, and locate emergencies before they become catastrophes.
Enterprise-based information technology administrators have long enjoyed the benefits of NMS on enterprise networks. With NMS, IT administrators can identify which services are most heavily used and when or where to add more resources that maximise uptime. Industrial automation (IA) engineers, envying the efficiency and reliability that NMS provides to IT networks, have long wished that a similar solution existed for their own networks. Some have even gone so far as to attempt to use existing enterprise NMS (eNMS) software for their industrial networks. Unfortunately, the results have been less than ideal.
Shortcomings of eNMS in industrial networks
The problem is that most NMS software packages available today are not actually network management software in the broad sense of the term: they are actually enterprise network management software (eNMS). eNMS is an excellent solution when used in the scenarios for which it is designed: IP-based office networks, commonly arranged in a dual tree or star topology. But when eNMS attempts to manage industrial networks, it is like asking a F1 race car to run an off-road rally course: eNMS simply is not designed for the rigors of this kind of challenge. A number of key obstacles prevent eNMS software from truly fulfilling the dreams of IA engineers.
Readers wanting to read the full white paper and find out more about Moxa’s new industrial iNMS solution can visit: http://instrumentation.co.za/+C13995
Prefabricated data centres for an AI-focused future at the edge Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
As AI technologies continue to advance, data centres are being pushed to the edge, reshaping their operations to meet daily demands. To meet the relentless demands of AI workloads at the edge, prefabricated data centre solutions offer a scalable, efficient and fast alternative to traditional builds.
Read more...Quantum computing and its impact on data security: a double-edged sword for the digital age
IT in Manufacturing
Quantum computing is poised to redefine the boundaries of data security, offering groundbreaking solutions while threatening modern encryption’s foundations. For third-party IT providers, this duality presents both a challenge and an opportunity to lead organisations through one of the most significant technological transitions in decades.
Read more...Next-generation road-legal race car. Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) will move to the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software and use it to develop the next generation of its single-seater road-legal race car, Mono.
Read more...Cybersecurity at a crossroads
IT in Manufacturing
here’s a growing unease in boardrooms, data centres and cabinet offices across South Africa. It’s not just about economic headwinds or political uncertainty, it’s about something quieter, more technical and yet just as dangerous - the rising tide of cyber threats.
Read more...Navigating discrete manufacturing in South Africa through digitalisation
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s discrete manufacturing sector faces mounting pressure from global competition, fragmented supply chains and outdated infrastructure. In this complex environment, digitalisation is a critical lever for survival, resilience and growth.
Read more...World first simulation of error-correctable quantum computers
IT in Manufacturing
Quantum computers still face a major hurdle on their pathway to practical use cases, their limited ability to correct the arising computational errors. In a world first, researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have unveiled a method for simulating specific types of error-corrected quantum computations.
Read more...Platform to accelerate supply chain decarbonisation Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric has launched Zeigo Hub by Schneider Electric, a powerful new digital platform designed to help organisations decarbonise their supply chains at scale.
Read more...Future-ready data centres
IT in Manufacturing
The white paper ‘Future-Ready Data Centres’ by Black & Veatch outlines how integrating sustainable design principles not only helps meet ESG goals but also ensures reliability, operational efficiency and business continuity in the face of climate change and growing digital demand.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version