“ MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LOOKING TO EMBRACE THE EDGE SHOULD SEEK OUT SUCH HIGHLY CONNECTED EDGE INFRASTRUCTURE PLATFORMS ”
Q . HOW DOES THIS WORK WITH THE CLOUD ?
» “ Edge data centres provide low latency , but they ’ ve used high-speed fibre to ensure they can still transfer data at scale to the public cloud . This is important because not all data must be processed at the edge of the cloud . Manufacturers will still need to process certain types of data in the public cloud for cost reasons or because they need specific proprietary capabilities .”
Q . TELL US ABOUT THE CONVERGENCE OF IT AND OT .
» “ Where they process data at the edge , manufacturers will open up a new world of advanced applications . But , at a more strategic level , edge computing will accelerate the convergence of information technology ( IT ) with operational technology ( OT ), bringing together systems that run machines , devices and processes with the world of data and analytics . Once they have accomplished this bridge , manufacturing organisations will be able to use standard software and hardware to replace proprietary equipment , liberating them from long innovation cycles . “ OT / IT convergence will transform efficiency using streaming sensor data from the factory floor to optimise power use , raw materials , and human time . “ The data will fuel artificial intelligence applications , robotics , predictive maintenance and prescriptive capabilities . Live data from logistics operations , warehouses and sales will ensure plants meet demand without cost overruns . Smart manufacturing systems in the cloud will remove the costly requirements of on-site control systems in cleanroom environments . Employees can use augmented reality headsets to resolve production line problems more quickly and more cheaply .”
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