Edge Computing
Edge computing describes the decentralized processing of data, managed via a central platform. Edge computing is of great importance for the industrial Internet of Things. In many applications, the amount of data is so large that not all data can be transferred to a central (cloud) platform. Or an application requires short latency times that can only be achieved by processing the data close to the machine.
Container technology has developed into a de facto standard for managing software at the edge level:
Docker containers are supported by all major cloud service providers and other industrial edge providers; In addition, other common IT tools such as Kubernetes can be used to manage such an environment.
![[Translate to USA:] As part of an industrial edge, connectivity can be operated centrally and across locations.](/fileadmin/_processed_/5/7/csm_Industrial_Edge_connectivity_rgb_1180px_93de4811f4.png "As part of an industrial edge, connectivity can be operated centrally and across locations.")
As part of an industrial edge, connectivity can be operated centrally and across locations.
Scalable data integration
Softing supplies connectivity products that use container technology or standard services for edge computing. This integration of machine connectivity and edge computing in an industrial edge offers the user considerable advantages:
- The user can efficiently solve distribution, updates and configuration of connectivity centrally and within the framework of comprehensive IIoT operating concepts. And since the products can be used easily and flexibly on standard hardware or as part of cluster solutions, there is in many cases no need for specialized hardware.
- Softing products support open standards and standard protocols such as OPC UA, MQTT and httpREST. This opens up a wide range of options for securely integrating machine and device data into IT applications. This also entails the seamless integration into the IIoT reference architectures of large cloud platforms.
- All connectivity products for the industrial edge benefit from Softing's extensive experience with industrial communication. They combine innovative technology with product maturity and guarantee reliable and safe operation in complex production environments.
All in all, these advantages help the user to make his IIoT solution flexible and scalable and to reduce overall costs over the lifetime of the solution.
![[Translate to USA:] Cloud level, edge level and production asset level as defined by the OMP. Softing supplies connectivity products that can be used at the edge level](/fileadmin/_processed_/f/5/csm_Cloud_Edge_Production_level_rgb_1180px_1fe41ab67a.png "Cloud level, edge level and production asset level as defined by the OMP. Softing supplies connectivity products that can be used at the edge level")
Cloud level, edge level and production asset level as defined by the OMP.
Softing supplies connectivity products that can be used at the edge level.
Softing product families for the industrial edge
The Softing portfolio currently includes the following product families for the industrial edge:
edgeConnector product family:
Access to process and machine data in controls, basis for many typical IIoT applications (OEE, predictive maintenance, machine learning, etc.)
smartLink product family:
Access to device data (sensors, actuators) for asset management and asset monitoring applications
edgeAggregator product family:
Server aggregation and additional security for OPC UA-based data integration
Our product families support a wide range of international device manufacturers and industrial communication protocols
![[Translate to USA:] Our product families support wide range of international device manufacturers and industrial communication protocols](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/5/csm_Edge_Computing_Logos_1180px_0266240f31.png "Our product families support wide range of international device manufacturers and industrial communication protocols")
Downloads
-
Related Resources
- Software-driven innovations | Technical Articel (Industrial Ethernet Book, 7-2023)
- Benefits and potential of edge computing | Technical Articel (Industrial Ethernet Book, 11-2021)
- Insights Into Connecting Industrial IoT Assets | White Paper, Publication by the Open Manufacturing Platform
- Edge Computing in the Context of Open Manufacturing | White Paper, Publication by the Open Manufacturing Platform
