Industrial Edge and Cloud Computing are among the most exciting areas of technology development for smart manufacturing. This Industrial Ethernet Book special report provides the perspective of nine industry experts as they share their shared vision for the future of the Industrial Edge and the megatrends that are pushing initiatives…

A series of technology trends are driving the latest solutions for industrial remote connectivity by leveraging innovations such as OpenVPN to simplify management of multiple remote connections. More companies are looking for solutions to connect to their machines/devices remotely and security remains a highest priority.

As smart manufacturing continues towards Industry 4.0, the role of private 5G networks becomes increasingly pivotal. Moxa’s contributions in mitigating pain points and providing robust solutions position the company as a key player in shaping the future of connectivity in smart manufacturing.

Edge devices based on PLCnext Technology combine the robustness of proven industrial PCs with an open automation platform and intelligent IoT edge concepts can be built with this approach. By using edge devices to process and analyze the growing volumes of data, the entire value chain can be optimized.

Breaking down information and data silos by combining information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) helps companies significantly increase their performance, productivity, flexibility, and sustainability.

The merits of 5G wireless communications on the factory floor are obvious, but as with any networking technology that promises to disrupt the status quo, it will take time, resources, and a concerted effort to ensure all factories can benefit from the investment.

Industry experts agree that the foundation of Industrial Ethernet solutions for factory automation remains laser-focused on smart connected machines, edge and cloud-based computing, the potential impact of AI technology and new products and tools that simplify the ongoing quest for IT-OT integration.

As digital transformation accelerates, factories face both opportunities and challenges. New technologies are key to increased efficiency, but implementing these technologies can be complex and requires thoughtful execution. Explore how digital factory implementations can help realize manufacturing plant efficiencies.

Point Energy Partners has replaced outdated controls with an IIoT Edge Solution that is preventing spills and improving efficiency using Opto 22’s groov RIO. Automating water level monitoring and pump operation has not only made the jobs of field operators easier, but has also resulted in significant cost savings.

By leveraging machine and production data, companies can leverage smart manufacturing solutions to optimize business operations, forecast parts usage, assess supplier quality, and adopt preventive maintenance, thereby improving efficiency and maintaining market competitiveness.