If you’re on the connectivity journey or looking to leverage the cloud for your industrial automation systems, keep reading to get answers to some essential questions.
Everyone’s talking about connecting field devices to the cloud, but it seems like a lot of work.
Is it worth it?
The short answer is: Yes. The long answer is that everyone is talking about cloud-based automation solutions because of what the cloud can do – which promotes secure, intelligent, efficient automation.
As for being a lot of work, that depends on how you go about implementing your cloud solution. Finding the right partner is essential. At MSA, we make it easy to modernize building automation, industrial automation, energy management, and life safety systems through cloud-enabled equipment.
Check out our series on Third-Party Integration here.
Given its many benefits, it’s understandable that you’re anxious to get going and take the leap into intelligent automation. We suggest, however, that you take your time and partner with someone who can guide you through the transition. The starting step, then, is to find a connectivity partner and learn from them.
Next, look at your systems and compare them with your overarching objectives for implementing a cloud strategy. This will help you determine what to prioritize first. Then look for the proverbial low-hanging fruit. Determine which area of your operation offers the greatest opportunity for a return. Where can you achieve the most meaningful outcomes while using the least number of resources. Finally, remember that technology changes quickly so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Cloud computing for industrial automation is not a “one-and-done” undertaking. So, move forward deliberately, ask questions, and learn as much as you can before you make any decisions.
When it comes to cloud connectivity, cybersecurity is an extremely important consideration. Our goal is to help our customers eliminate exposure to their entire organization. We’ve developed several products to help us do that, like the FieldServer Dual Ethernet Port Device. Among its many capabilities is that it allows for secure LAN or WAN connectivity while blocking VPN and proxy tunnel.
As a rule, remember that connecting to the cloud brings with it some inherent risks. Be sure to ask your solutions provider what they’re doing to mitigate these risks.
Then make sure their answers include such measures as:
While start-up organizations have the advantage of investing in the latest and greatest technology (for now, anyway), established OEMs and other companies shouldn’t have to invest in new devices or costly IT infrastructure to leverage the cloud. As an example, the average industrial plant has a mix of new and legacy devices that can be swiftly, seamlessly, and more affordably integrated, thanks to FieldServer gateway products, including Modbus, EtherNet/IP, GE-EDG, and a host of other state-of-the-art protocols. Learn more about no-hassle legacy integration here.
They don’t have to be. We’ve developed connected, cloud-based solutions that don’t require significant upfront investments or expensive add-ons. Affordable alternatives do exist. For example, we offer one-box solutions in the form of our FieldServer portfolio of products. In fact, we believe that the right cloud-based applications and platforms will save you money.
Not with the MSA Grid. That’s because it is a tenant-based system, which means that your data is separate from anyone else’s. MSA Grid customers cannot see another customer’s data – and neither can MSA, unless the customer wants us to see it so we can offer technical support.
With the MSA Grid, the answer is yes. The Grid has two APIs or application program interfaces, that define how applications or computers talk with one another. The Grid allows you to move data to third-party Cloud, notably a RESTful API and Webhooks. A RESTful API is what lets you retrieve data from one place and display it somewhere else. A Webhook works similarly, only it uses automated messages.
On the contrary. With proper implementation of a highly secure, robust cloud solution, you can expect to streamline operations, improve safety, save money, support your customers in the best, most time-efficient manner, and a whole lot more.
Very quickly with MSA. That’s because at MSA, once we fully understand your objectives, we can get you up and running with a sample within two weeks, and help you determine the right cloud solution to benefit you and your customers. Learn more about our FieldServer gateway and cloud solutions here.
