IT in Manufacturing


Industrial Edge adds cloud benefits at the field level

June 2018 IT in Manufacturing

Siemens is introducing a digitalisation platform to the market in the form of Siemens Industrial Edge. This extends automation devices by providing data processing at machine level and by bringing highly developed analysis technology and the intelligence of edge computing to the manufacturing area in a secure way. Siemens Industrial Edge offers users the possibility of executing a range of descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytical applications. This allows cloud connectivity (data to cloud) to be used in combination with Edge Apps from Siemens, third-party providers or end users themselves, in an integrated hardware and software ecosystem (Edge App to Device) for automation components.

With Industrial Edge, Siemens is offering users the chance to close the gap between classic, local data processing and cloud-based data processing to suit individual requirements. Edge computing allows large volumes of data to be processed locally. To this end, Siemens is releasing a broad spectrum of applications to users, including data processing, data visualisation via webservers, data transfer to the cloud or IT infrastructures, and quick innovation cycles in the development of apps. There is also an additional reduction in memory and transfer costs as large volumes of data are pre-processed and only the relevant data is finally transferred to a cloud or IT infrastructure. Industrial Edge supports cloud transfer protocols for MindSphere, Siemens’ own open, cloud-based operating system. In the future, it will also support Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), making data transfer safe, secure and effective.

Stable processes and increased productivity for machine tools

Industrial Edge with Sinumerik provides a machine-level platform for software applications which captures, pre-processes and analyses high frequency data. In addition to this, calculations can be carried out for complex machine tools and auxiliary process times, or workplace monitoring can also be optimised. Both operating system and application in Industrial Edge for Sinumerik are installed and continuously kept up to date via backend services on MindSphere, the open, cloud-based IoT operating system from Siemens. Industrial Edge for Sinumerik thus provides users with continuously stable process and condition monitoring as well as significantly higher productivity.

High flexibility and productivity for manufacturing plants throughout the lifecycle

Siemens is offering users a platform for implementing today’s demands and those of the future in the form of Industrial Edge with Simatic. Automation components such as Simatic controller are provided with supplementary support through Edge Devices in order to process greater volumes of plant data profitably and to gain information for a continuous increase in productivity. At the same time, new applications such as condition monitoring or predictive maintenance are being introduced into classic automation technology. In addition to this, edge computing also provides access to previously unknown degrees of flexibility, allowing plants to be kept right up to date via functional, feedback-free updates, all within standard plant life cycles for automation. Siemens apps development supports users with frameworks and access to integrated connectivity to the world of automation.

Industrial Edge includes Edge Management, Edge Devices and Edge Apps

Industrial Edge includes Edge Management, Edge Devices and Edge Apps. The Edge Management System provides central control of all connected Edge Devices as well as condition monitoring. Users can use the Edge Management System to install software applications (Edge Apps) onto the required Edge Devices from the Edge App store in the backend system, for example MindSphere. Edge Devices are equipped with an Edge runtime software which guarantees the connectivity for both data capture from the connected automation element and for Edge Management. It also has a driver toolbox for access to device functions. The Edge runtime software also provides a secure app environment for executing functions on Edge Devices. Edge Apps for Siemens Industrial Edge are available from Siemens as well as third-party providers. In addition, it will also be possible for users to develop their own Edge Apps tailored to individual requirements.

Siemens Industrial Edge offers users the possibility of executing a range of descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytical applications. This allows cloud connectivity (data to cloud) to be used in combination with Edge Apps from Siemens, third-party providers or end-users themselves in an integrated hardware and software ecosystem (Edge App to Device) for automation components.

For more information contact Jennifer Naidoo, Siemens Digital Factory and Process Industries and Drives, +27 (0)11 652 2795, [email protected], www.siemens.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

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...
Enabling a sustainable industrial organisation
IT in Manufacturing
This article explains the top sustainability trends and key actions that you can leverage to become a more sustainable organisation.

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...
Africa’s pragmatic approach to AI and how data centres are enabling it
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
In Africa, the current AI momentum is driven by a fundamental need, building a resilient digital infrastructure that addresses the real-world challenges of the continent’s communities.

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.

Read more...
Sustainable energy management
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Utilising its innovative ONE approach technology, Siemens provides complete transparency on resource consumption and offers data-driven optimisation recommendations for sustainable energy management.

Read more...
Enhancing operational safety and efficiency through advanced risk-based modelling
IT in Manufacturing
Now, more than ever, capital and operational cost can be reduced while enhancing operational safety and increasing production uptime by applying transformative methods such as Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved