Manufacturing firms world over are in the middle of historic development. With the rise of the IoT, we see a rapid increase in the number of data-centric and interconnected smart factories. Emerging technologies such as automation bring the promise of unimagined possibilities. However, smart and connected devices churn out huge amounts of data at the edge which must be processed almost instantly for Industry 4.0 to reach its full potential unobstructed by data-processing issues.

Edge computing is the concept of moving computing processes as close to the source of data as possible. Instead of relying on distant data centers, it uses local infrastructure to process data. It takes the cloud and brings it to the hardware that’s already all around you. Forecasts suggest that there will be 21.5 billion connected IoT devices worldwide by 2025. Imagine if just half of those could run computing tasks for other devices and services. This vast, interconnected computing network would be particularly valuable for smart manufacturing.

Following are a few benefits that manufacturers can gain by powering smart manufacturing with edge computing:

• More manageable data analytics
  Big data is the foundation of the new industrial revolution. One of the most substantial advantages of the IoT is how it can improve data analytics. But analyzing all of this data requires a considerable amount of storage, bandwidth and computing power. Edge computing alleviates these concerns in two ways. First, it processes data at or near its source, so the overall process is much faster. Second, each data point within the smart factory processes its own information, thus easing the load off any single system while also refining the process. Since it’s segmented by nature, it’s easier to sift through and find the most relevant information.
• Expanded interoperability
  An IoT network is only as effective as it is interoperable. Finding compatible devices or systems can be a barrier to the expansion of smart manufacturing. Concerns over interoperability are one of the leading barriers to its adoption, since there’s no standard protocol. Moving computing functions to the edge eliminates some of the need for a universal standard. When devices can convert signals themselves, they’ll be able to work with a greater variety of systems. The edge also serves as a connection point between information and operational technology. It breaks down these distinctions, leading to a more cohesive smart factory
• Predictive maintenance
  Predictive maintenance means that a manufacturer can use data analytics to pre-emptively detect when a machine will fail and prevent this by conducting maintenance before a potential breakdown. By processing data at the edge, it becomes easier to take pre-emptive steps.
• Reduced latency
  When a data packet is sent to a data centre across the world, any action that depends on the response can get delayed. For mission critical applications this can be disastrous. In the context of manufacturing, if a connected machine detects a malfunction, any delay in transmitting that data and taking appropriate action can be expensive and can even damage the machinery. Cloud computing can thus be limiting. With edge computing, data can be processed right at the location and the appropriate action can be taken.
• Better cybersecurity
  While the IoT is great for smart manufacturing, more devices in the network also means potentially more entry points vulnerable to cyberattacks. However, if the processing and storage functions were spread throughout the edge and computing took place closer to the data source, a data breach is much more unlikely.
• Reduced storage costs
  Smart manufacturing produces a lot of data that needs appropriate storage. Legacy local storage options can be complex and cumbersome, and cloud services can be expensive. Storing data locally helps reduce the data that needs to be stored.
• Edge AI computing
  ‍Edge AI has several applications in the manufacturing domain, such as enabling the widespread implementation of Industry 4.0 initiatives, including predictive analytics, automated factory floors, reconfigurable production lines and optimized logistics.
  Sensors are mounted on machines and equipment and configured to continually stream data on temperature, vibration and current to the Edge AI platform. Instead of sending all data to the cloud, the AI analyses the data locally and constantly to make predictions for when equipment or a particular machine is about to fail. Manufacturers can process data within milliseconds, giving them real-time information and decision-making capabilities for machine learning intelligence.

Edge Computing – the future of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 can only get so far without transitioning to the edge, and will fall short of realising its full abilities In many scenarios. Besides, standard IoT analytics collect data from the edge devices and pass them to the cloud for analysis, then back to the device for action, thus increasing both cost and latency. Training a device to process critical data at the network edge via AI can make manufacturing units much more efficient. Manufacturers are now seeing AI’s potential to move beyond observing and reacting to machine behaviour, to taking a predictive approach, including creating a deeper understanding of signs of failure in operator performance, cycle times, equipment, scheduling maintenance runs and material planning through a 360-degree view of operations.
For edge computing to be able to support manufacturers effectively, the data produced by the myriad of sensors, embedded chips, industrial controllers, connected devices wearable computing devices, robots and drones must be analysed.
After bringing the IoT into the cloud, edge computing is the next logical step. Without adopting this technology, Industry 4.0 will be unable to unleash its full abilities. While the transition to the edge will not and cannot happen overnight, in the end it is all but inevitable.

At Tibil, we believe that while dashboards and visualizations are integral parts of data storytelling, there is much more to it. We work closely with our clients to ask the “why” behind the “what”, and turn your statistics into a powerful communication tool. Tibil has the ability to zero in on hidden layers within your business data, and then materialize this information into clear and simple actions for business strategy.