Edge Evolution Powers the Modern Factory

Edge computing has come a long way since the days of content delivery networks. Originally, it was used to cache static Internet content like pictures and videos closer to users due to slow network speed. Once social media and online gaming rose into the mainstream, Internet usage became more about interactivity rather than retrieving unchanging data and the need for faster response times quickly grew. Local servers now had to not only deliver data but process data that was continuously generated, and the version of edge computing we know today was born.

That was nothing compared to the explosive growth in edge computing we have seen in the past decade. In a world increasingly reliant on up-to-date data and continuous monitoring of business processes, vast amounts of data must be processed. The arrival of cloud computing that once made things so convenient for businesses suddenly became impractical in terms of data and energy usage. As operations have grown more complex, edge computing has evolved to match. Manufacturers face the complicated task of deploying the right mix of machines, from far edge devices that aggregate data directly on the factory floor to edge servers in a local data center that run real-time analytics. Procedures change quickly, and moving data processing to the edge brings unique challenges that must be addressed.

Deployment Doesn't Have to Be Difficult

Let's say you've made the decision to move your data to the edge on the factory floor or in your server room. You've invested in the necessary hardware like edge gateways, robust industrial PCs, and powerful edge servers. The issue is how can you effectively deploy so many devices when your IT team is already swamped with existing duties and managing infrastructure? The solution is to have your new equipment ready to go out of the box.

Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) makes your edge devices truly plug-and-play. Before a device even reaches your site, it's pre-registered with a central server that holds its exact configuration and necessary software image. Once a ZTP-enabled device powers on, it automatically finds a DHCP or DNS server and downloads the script it needs to configure itself to your precise specifications. This powerful automation not only saves you immense amounts of time but also virtually eliminates the errors that can creep in with manual installations.

Maintenance Is a Breeze with the Right Tools

Once everything's up and running, you might quickly realize you're managing a vast number of devices spread across the factory floor or suddenly have far more equipment packed into your on-site data center. The question then becomes how do you effectively maintain all this infrastructure?

Once again, ZTP and our comprehensive platforms handle this for you. Operating from a centralized system, they push firmware updates and system changes to all relevant devices simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual updates. Software patches and updates are delivered over the air, while devices continuously send logs and performance metrics to a central monitoring system. Any anomalies are either corrected automatically or immediately trigger alerts for your IT personnel, ensuring issues are known and addressed the moment they occur. This prevents configuration drift and keeps your schedule clear for more strategic tasks.

If devices do reach end of life or fail beyond repair, ZTP frameworks simplify their removal. They securely de-provision the device, ensuring it's completely wiped of all data. Any replacement devices can simply be swapped out and loaded with the last good known good image, so the new device boots up and takes its place with no further issues.

Keeping Your Investment Safe

Even with your system optimized and updated, there is still one important question. How do you keep your system secure from threats? Depending on how it's implemented, edge computing can expand the attack surface and weaken your overall cybersecurity posture.

The best way to keep your new devices secure is by utilizing a Zero Trust Architecture. Your system will operate on the principle "never trust, always verify", meticulously double-checking every person and device attempting access. It's also crucial to put a network segmentation plan in place. It's reasonable to assume that there will eventually be a breach, so dividing the edge network into isolated segments based on various parameters will help prevent any bad actors from penetrating deep into your infrastructure.

When deploying hardware directly onto the manufacturing floor the environment is a critical consideration. Specialized enclosures and ruggedized devices can easily withstand the rigors of a machine shop, and even more advanced protection exists for truly extreme working conditions. What's most important is to match the right protection for the right setting. Even beyond environmental resilience, remember that devices on the floor are physically accessible to workers. It's vital to implement a robust access control system and enforce proper use of credentials by authorized personnel in order to keep everything running properly.

Edge Technology Can Be Managed

Harnessing the power of edge computing offers significant benefits, but it also introduces considerable challenges. Choosing which devices and architectural designs are best for your business is overwhelming with today's IT staffing limitations. Pre-configuration can be complex, especially when your facility needs a large number of diverse machine profiles. Connectivity on the factory floor often poses an issue, potentially requiring substantial network infrastructure upgrades. Even with advanced solutions some ZTP platforms only work on a single vendor's hardware, so heterogenous environments might have difficulties connecting everything they have.

Setting up modern edge compute infrastructure involves a huge number of factors, but you don't need to figure it all out yourself. If you're considering moving your data to the edge, engage our Manufacturing Practice today. We can help you navigate these ever-changing waters and determine the right hardware and software for your unique business needs.

Additional Resources

• Edge Security Is Broken. Here's How to Fix It
• The Edge: Where Innovation Thrives
• Accelerating Edge Rollouts with Automated and Scalable Solutions
• Edge Compute Management: Transforming IT Operations for Distributed Platforms at Scale