The Common Struggle of Connecting Industrial Networks to the Internet of Things
One of the common issues to adopting the IIoT tends to be related to personnel. Most often the operation managers and automation engineers that are tasked with taking on a project like this do not necessarily have an IT background. On top of this, the learning curve that comes with the Industrial IoT revolution can be intimidating for those who do not have prior industrial networking experience.
This is a very common gap that is becoming more apparent between Operations Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT). Those that have experience with OT do not always understand the requirements that have been standardized in the IT world. On the flip side, those with IT experience don’t always understand the various protocols and what is required to keep industrial operations running. This is a constant struggle that many tend to face when looking at integrating an Industrial IoT project.
To address these challenges, there are resources available to help make the transition to the IIoT easier, while meeting your business requirements.
Not all connectivity devices are created equally.
Regardless of whether you will be leveraging your in-house capabilities or decide to go with a systems integrator, selecting the right communications solutions can significantly reduce the adoption curve required to get your network connected to the IIoT. Some things to look for in devices include: legacy equipment compatibility, product reliability, intuitive software, and security.
Compatible
Reliable
Intuitive Software (UI)
SecurityCompatible
You want to ensure interoperability with existing networking equipment. The reality is that most operations may have devices and equipment that are made by different manufacturers that speak different protocols and may have different interfaces. When looking at industrial networking devices, you’ll want to find a vendor with products that are cross-compatible with most, if not all of your existing networking equipment.
You want to ensure interoperability with existing networking equipment. The reality is that most operations may have devices and equipment that are made by different manufacturers that speak different protocols and may have different interfaces. When looking at industrial networking devices, you’ll want to find a vendor with products that are cross-compatible with most, if not all of your existing networking equipment.
Reliable
Reliability is another key characteristic for communications solutions. When technology meets the rugged conditions of industrial applications, the equipment used must withstand strict physical requirements while maintaining top performance: high-speed transmission and maximum availability. Look for networking equipment that possess these traits as well as industry certifications if it applies to your business.
Reliability is another key characteristic for communications solutions. When technology meets the rugged conditions of industrial applications, the equipment used must withstand strict physical requirements while maintaining top performance: high-speed transmission and maximum availability. Look for networking equipment that possess these traits as well as industry certifications if it applies to your business.
Intuitive Software (UI)
Powerful software is a great compliment to reliable networking equipment. In fact, software solutions can improve operational efficiency through intuitive user interfaces, API platforms for faster deployment, and seamless integration to SCADA systems. After your networking equipment has been deployed, you need to think about ongoing management. A good Network Management Software (NMS) should clearly pinpoint network faults, provide timely notifications and support mobile devices. The ability to monitor your network devices remotely can help you spot issues before they lead to critical downtime events.
Depending on the size of your network, configuring networking equipment can take hours, if not days. Vendors that offer mass-configuration software tools alongside of their products are an added plus. Utilizing these tools can greatly reduce the time and effort spent on configuring network equipment. To see an example of a mass configuration tool in action, check out our test video.
Powerful software is a great compliment to reliable networking equipment. In fact, software solutions can improve operational efficiency through intuitive user interfaces, API platforms for faster deployment, and seamless integration to SCADA systems. After your networking equipment has been deployed, you need to think about ongoing management. A good Network Management Software (NMS) should clearly pinpoint network faults, provide timely notifications and support mobile devices. The ability to monitor your network devices remotely can help you spot issues before they lead to critical downtime events.
Depending on the size of your network, configuring networking equipment can take hours, if not days. Vendors that offer mass-configuration software tools alongside of their products are an added plus. Utilizing these tools can greatly reduce the time and effort spent on configuring network equipment. To see an example of a mass configuration tool in action, check out our test video.
Security
With the adoption of IIoT on the rise, security becomes a growing concern. A convergence of cyber security and physical security systems forges a reinforced network to ensure the full protection of control systems and the safety of all workers in industrial applications. Make it a point to search for networking components that include device security with authentication, integrity, and firewall protection.
Some industrial applications have parts of their network extended into field locations. These remote areas of the network are just as important as the rest, yet often susceptible to cyber-attacks. To protect the business, be sure that the networking equipment used in these locations has secure remote access features to encrypt the data being transmitted.
With the adoption of IIoT on the rise, security becomes a growing concern. A convergence of cyber security and physical security systems forges a reinforced network to ensure the full protection of control systems and the safety of all workers in industrial applications. Make it a point to search for networking components that include device security with authentication, integrity, and firewall protection.
Some industrial applications have parts of their network extended into field locations. These remote areas of the network are just as important as the rest, yet often susceptible to cyber-attacks. To protect the business, be sure that the networking equipment used in these locations has secure remote access features to encrypt the data being transmitted.
Choose the right partner to get the job done.
Depending on the size and complexity of your networking project, it may be advantageous to work with a systems integrator to help get the job done. They can assess your situation and bridge OT and IT requirements to develop an integrated IIoT solution that fits the needs of your business.
If you decide to go with a systems integrator, there are some guidelines that you’ll want to follow in the selection process. Selecting a systems integrator that fits your needs is critical in ensuring a successful project. Some things to look out for are expertise, experience, a good financial standing, and superior resource capabilities. For more information on this, check out Automation World’s article: How to Properly Select and Vet a Systems Integrator
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