Omron Corporation and Cisco Systems have agreed to collaborate by integrating Cisco’s leading networking and security technology into Omron PLCs, designed to deliver reliability under extreme conditions at manufacturing plants. Through this collaboration, the two companies will enhance the security of today’s increasingly intelligent IIoT-enabled manufacturing sites by helping to ensure safe and secure production.
As the IIoT becomes increasingly widespread, the number of connected devices is expected to reach 50 billion by 2020. Moreover, manufacturers around the world are working to strengthen their global competitiveness and corporate value by improving their manufacturing capabilities. The industry is also rising to the challenge of making manufacturing sites intelligent through the active use of digital technologies. At the same time, manufacturing sites are facing more serious threats than ever before, as evidenced by reported cases of disrupted production due to ransomware and other malware attacks.
Furthermore, customers and the market are demanding higher levels of quality and safety through more stringent regulations on food and pharmaceutical products, as well as traceability to ensure the quality of individual components in the electronic parts industry. Manufacturers face significant challenges in continuing to improve their capabilities while addressing the above issues in the manufacturing environment and fulfilling their corporate social responsibility.
Omron and Cisco will work together to construct a secure environment where PLCs, as core automation components, provide security authentication for three discreet elements, namely people at manufacturing sites, devices connected to machinery and production lines, and data exchanged. By integrating Cisco’s globally proven network and security expertise with Omron’s controller technology, which brings together control and information, the companies will contribute to advances in manufacturing by enabling the safe and secure use of the IIoT at manufacturing sites.
Prior to forming this technological partnership, Omron developed the Machine Automation Controller NJ Series, the flagship PLC that comes standard with the OPC UA server and is compliant with the security enabled global communications standard. The new PLCs enable secure data communication with software and devices supporting OPC UA.
In addition, by combining Omron’s PLCs with Cisco’s network and security technology, the companies will expand the range of solutions available for the authentication of people and devices.
Building the control panels of the future Omron Electronics
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The industrial automation world is built on robust and efficient control panels. These control panels are designed precisely and assembled, managing machines, processes and equipment across different industries. Omron assists panel builders in navigating complex challenges that could impact project efficiency and profitability.
Read more...Optimising the product design process Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
OPmobility is partnering with Siemens to adopt its Teamcenter X Product Lifecycle Management software. OPmobility’s increasingly complex products now include electronics and software, to create energy storage systems, which include battery and hydrogen electrification solutions and fuel tanks.
Read more...Smart milling for resilient, sustainable food production
IT in Manufacturing
As the global demand for food continues to rise due to increasing urbanisation, the milling industry faces the challenge of balancing efficiency with sustainability. Bühler is committed to making milling more energy-efficient while maintaining high operational performance. Its solutions allow mills to reduce energy costs and ensure long-term sustainability.
Read more...The evolving landscape of data centres in the age of AI Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The data centre industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven primarily by the explosive growth of AI. It’s clear that the demands of AI are reshaping the very foundations of data infrastructure. This isn’t merely about incremental upgrades; it’s a fundamental shift in how we design, power and operate these critical facilities.
Read more...SA Food Review
IT in Manufacturing
Food Review is a monthly trade journal for South Africa’s food and beverage manufacturing industry, for industry professionals seeking detailed information on trends, technologies, best practices and innovations.
Read more...Keeping an eye on oil consumption with moneo ifm - South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies in the metal industry need oils and other fluids that are consumed by their machines. To make this consumption transparent and to establish a link to the ERP system, Arnold Umformtechnik relies on the IIoT platform, moneo, in combination with the SAP-based software solution Shop Floor Integration (SFI) – both from ifm.
Read more...AI accelerates energy transformation RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
With the rapid expansion of generative AI applications, data centre power demand is reaching unprecedented levels.
Read more...Revolutionising mining operations with MineOptimize
IT in Manufacturing
Now more than ever, mining and mineral processing companies need to boost productivity, ensure safety, and protect the environment. ABB’s comprehensive electrification, automation and digital solutions portfolio is ideally positioned to meet these challenges across all mining processes, from mine to port, transforming performance in a digital world.
Read more...Buildings in Africa’s urban evolution Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Africa is now an urban continent. How does the continent mobilise to accommodate urban dwellers and maintain and implement critical infrastructure that allows for this expansion? Building management systems provide a tangible solution to optimise resource use, lower operations costs and ultimately contribute to a growing continent that also employs green practices.
Read more...TwinCAT Vision functionality extended Beckhoff Automation
IT in Manufacturing
The image processing and camera integration capabilities of Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 Vision software have been expanded.
printer friendly version