Developing an Edge Automation Platform for Data Digitization

By OEM Update Editorial June 12, 2021 5:48 pm IST

The edge is future-proofed with interchangeable sleds of various communication ports that can be used to adapt to changing circumstances, such as switching from 4G to 5G.

In an interview with OME Update, Sameer Mudhalwadkar, Sales Director – SAARC & Middle East, Red Lion Controls, discussed the latest technologies for industrial communication, highlighting Red Lion’s latest inventions that make the system scalable and further connectable functions.

Indian industries have embraced Industry 4.0 and its technologies to carve a bright future for Indian manufacturing. With this level of acceptance, how ready are we to accept Industry 5.0 and associated technologies?
With the introduction of 5G technology, Industry 5.0 will soon become a reality of automation as a standard. The connection of operational data (OT) to the IT data of the company requires high bandwidth, which must also be served by appropriate devices. The 5G technology alone is insufficient; data must also be uploaded to the appropriate devices. Companies are already developing and releasing products that support Industry 5.0. Red Lion specifically offers the Edge Automation Platform FlexEdgeTM, an IIoT edge gateway for data digitization (OT) and data transfer to the IT level of the enterprise. The bonus point is that both functions are performed on one platform or on one device. Interchangeable sleds for different communication ports future-proof the FlexEdge for changing conditions, such as moving from 4G to 5G. The Crimson automation software, at the heart of the FlexEdge, makes the system scalable for further connectable functions.

With the advent of 3D Printing, AI, robotics, connected data enterprise, what are the major areas where the industry witnessed transformations and business prospects?
Generally, in manufacturing, goods of all kinds are produced. This industry is very price-sensitive, which means that production must be correspondingly cost[1]effective and efficient. Only through lean production can cost traps be identified and cleaned up. Manufacturers want to control the cost of production and achieve high operational efficiency. Data monitoring and control are critical to achieving these objectives. It is possible to access data remotely to save costs. High growth is expected in such applications. But with such remote functionality, there is a risk of rising cyberattacks. Cybersecurity is more important than ever. The new remote access platform is another milestone in Red Lion’s networking solutions.

How are automation and AI enhancing and easing the monitoring and controlling processes across different industries?
Production data is made visible through visual data management, thus making grievances and reasons for downtime visible. This results in improved automation processes, as well as optimized key figures and production gaps.

What impact have they had on your businesses, and how are they assisting you in improving the technologies for monitoring and controlling products and services?
Red Lion is a leading manufacturer of automation solutions for production. Capturing, processing, and making data visible is one of our core strengths. In addition, our network solutions offer advanced solutions for data transfer. Whether Profinet, EthernetIP, harsh environments with ATEX certification, we offer an extensive portfolio of switches, routers and RTU’s. A special focus of our automation solutions is protocol conversion. Especially in the retrofitting of old plants, a smooth machine connection between different manufacturers is possible through our Crimson software solution. It offers more than 300 protocols with more than 1000 combination solutions. Machines are simply connected via a plug and play configuration.