The former work close to the factory floor, feeding on information coming directly from data sources such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sensors. In an IT/OT integrated environment, Edge computing is a crucial bridge for zero latency in control communications whilst rationalising the volume of data being pushed to higher-level enterprise platforms via the cloud.
The collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric and its e-F@ctory Alliance partner Stratus, edge computing provider, aims to help manufacturing businesses reap the benefits of virtualised edge computing for process control and automation.
The first element of this solution is Mitsubishi Electric’s MAPS software suite. “MAPS is much more than a SCADA platform. It is a powerful information portal. For example, in addition to offering the typical tools of conventional SCADA, such as visualisation, data logging, trending and alarming, it also features built-in MES functionalities. Even more, it empowers manufacturers to produce information, delivered to a web layer in a secure and regulatory compliant way. Ultimately, MAPS allows operators to push data to cloud-based applications, databases and any other business intelligence area,” says Mitsubishi Electric solutions manager Jeremy Shinton.
For efficiency’s sake, it is necessary for the SCADA system to process data via edge computing. Greg Hookings, head of business development – EMEA at Stratus, explains: “Processing data at the edge, close to its source rather than in central nodes, with platforms that ensure continuous availability supports fast decision making. Also, to reduce the burden of virtualised computing for IT and OT, the Stratus Edge computing platform is simple to manage and deploy as well as safely protected.”
Mitsubishi Electric chose Stratus’ ztC Edge system, which is specifically designed for industrial control system environments.
Key elements of ztC Edge that Mitsubishi Electric deems as essential for MAPS applications are the system’s redundancy which maximises reliability and availability - plus the security features on offer. As a result, the solution ensures that MAPS can run at all times without any interruption.
Jeremy Shinton says: “This is particularly important for plants and applications that operate non-stop, such as wastewater treatment and power generation.”
Greg Hookings explains: “By integrating MAPS onto our Edge computing platform, customers can utilise the SCADA system both on and off-site. MAPS can be deployed on a virtual machine locally to maximise availability. In the event of localised hardware or power failure, the software suite can continue to run, providing uninterrupted monitoring and diagnostics.”
A live demonstration has been set up at Mitsubishi Electric’s Customer Technology Centre in Hatfield. All the machines and applications running at the CTC, including robots, inverters and servos, are now connected to MAPS and plugged into the ztC Edge platform to show off both localised and remote visualisation and control.
Jeremy Shinton concludes: “Digitalisation means that customers are going to gather more and more data to maximise knowledge of and control over their industrial assets. The innovative solution we developed with Stratus will certainly provide added value for industrial customers.”