In its IIoT context, the edge is traditionally understood to be a kind of half-way point between the plant and the cloud. Physically hard to define, the edge acts as a repository for data collected from the plant’s smart sensors and actuators, prior to sending it on to cloud-based analytic applications for processing and interpretation.
The cloud, while also physically hard to define, is conceptually better understood by non-IT personnel. It’s a place away from the plant, a server farm for instance, where masses of computing power and data storage capacity are available on a for hire basis. The potential drawbacks with cloud-centric strategies in a processing environment usually have little to do with the cost though, but involve things like latency, bandwidth, OT protocol support and information security.
The question then becomes, which data is better processed in the cloud, and which at the edge? In some cases the answer is clear cut, in others not so much. For instance, it’s unlikely that anyone would risk putting critical safety related applications in the cloud just yet, for reasons to do with latency and security. On the other hand, matters relating to energy efficiency and environmental monitoring may be ideal for cloud-based implementation due to their less stringent real-time and security requirements. I’m not suggesting environmental disasters of themselves cannot be catastrophic, just that the early warning signs are usually detectable long before things actually become critical, which means latency of even minutes is probably acceptable here. An example of a monitoring application that could easily be hosted in the cloud is the level in a dam, say, which only needs to be monitored once per day.
The edge then is a conduit to the cloud, but it can also act as a data processing destination in itself, in line with the mantra: “edge where you can; cloud where you can’t”. This evolving “duality” in the nature of the edge has given rise to the terms “thick-edge” and “thin-edge”. Thick-edge refers to architectures where data processing happens at the edge (vs in the cloud), while thin-edge refers to an architecture optimised to transfer large amounts of data to and from the cloud.
In these refined edge-to-cloud setups, industrial Ethernet switches are expected to remain firmly rooted in their connectivity role at the thin edge of the emerging multi-tiered stack, with continued reliance on thick edge devices for edge computing. See the ARC Advisory Group article on page 38 for more on how decentralised, autonomous plant operation can be facilitated through distributed communication and advanced network infrastructure.
All the best for 2020
On behalf of the team at SA Instrumentation and Control, welcome back to all our readers and advertisers – 2020 is going to be another challenging year and we wish you all the very best in your endeavours.
Read more...Schneider Electric announces 2023 Global Alliance Partner Programme award winners Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has announced the winners of the 2023 Global Alliance Excellence Awards. Throughout 2023, Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners supported customers in the digitalisation of industrial automation, delivering value with innovative initiatives, solutions and services.
Read more...Custom containerised lubrication dispensing system
News
Bosch Rexroth Africa recently supplied and installed a customised environmentally friendly and dust-proof lubrication dispensing system for a leading earth-moving equipment supplier.
Read more...Siemens to acquire industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst. The business includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the protective extra-low voltage range and innovative motion control systems.
Read more...Bearings International fosters a segment strategy Bearings International
News
Bearings International has a segment approach to the market, which places an intentional focus on key industries in South and sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to optimise operations, enhance uptime, and drive business sustainability and increased profitability outcomes for customers.
Read more...Local robotics team’s journey to the world stage
News
In the heart of Cape Town, a group of young visionaries aged 12 to 17 is making waves in the world of robotics. Known as Texpand, this team from Pinelands has not only dominated the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in South Africa, but has also earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to engineering and problem solving.
Read more...RS Group expands by 10 000 products RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has announced its Better World Claims Based Framework, enabling customers to select verified sustainable product alternatives. This provides suppliers with a standardised framework to accelerate the development and manufacture of more sustainable and responsible products.
Read more...IRP 2023 could reset SA’s social and economic problems
News
ACTOM recently held a webinar on the ‘Draft IRP2023 Impact on the Manufacturing Sector’. South Africa’s Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 is a key document that outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing the country’s energy security challenges, while also setting out its transition to a diversified energy mix, including renewables.
Read more...Young scientists to showcase innovative research
News
Innovative South African research which includes a cost-effective triage test for real-time detection of TB and a nature-based technology that brings about environmental remediation, will be showcased at this year’s International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia.
Read more...Moog takes a leadership position in lunar exploration
News
NASA is planning for a sustained human presence on the Moon, and resources such as water could eventually be harnessed from the lunar surface instead of being transported from Earth, and it has turned to industry to find ways to excavate and transport that icy regolith.
printer friendly version