In the era of Industry 4.0, the transformation towards smart factories demands the real-time utilization of shop floor data and seamless connectivity with IT systems. Edge computing stands out as a pivotal technology in achieving this transformation. It bridges the gap between shop floor operations and IT systems by processing information locally, thus enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.
Edge computing refers to the processing power positioned at the periphery of corporate networks, where end devices such as phones, laptops, industrial robots, and sensors interact with the broader network. Traditionally, cloud computing functioned as a point where these devices would connect to transmit data and receive instructions or software updates from a central data center or the cloud. However, with the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), this approach has revealed several limitations. IoT devices generate substantial volumes of data, necessitating larger and more costly connections to data centers and cloud services.
Furthermore, the tasks performed by these IoT devices demand significantly faster communication between the devices and the central data center or cloud infrastructure. Edge computing is a way to process data close to where it is created, like on machines and sensors in a factory. Instead of sending all data to a central computer or cloud (a big online storage space), edge computing handles it locally, right where the data is produced.
Cloud Computing is a place to develop knowledge. Meanwhile, Edge Computing is to put knowledge into action. Cloud computing allows us to work from the cloud. It is a remote server with a massive storage space. Cloud Computing is not only used for saving data but also uses the internet to run software applications and networks from a remote cloud server outside.
Characteristics that enhance the effectiveness of IoT in manufacturing — First, edge computing enables data filtering and changing data near the factory floor. By placing a computer close to the production site, unnecessary data can be discarded, and relevant data can be refined and connected, sending only valuable information to the cloud for easier processing. Second, edge computing facilitates a timely reaction to factory events. When a machine issue occurs, immediate on-site decisions can be made without waiting for cloud-based guidance. This allows for rapid intervention in split seconds to address quality or operational issues. Third, system resilience is bolstered with edge computing, providing a secure layer to the factory automation network and enhancing the security of ongoing operations.
e-F@ctory by Mitsubishi Electric is designed to boost manufacturing enterprise performance by increasing productivity and cutting down maintenance and operational costs. It achieves this by integrating factory automation with IT technologies, ensuring seamless information flow across the entire plant. e-F@ctory is a total FA-IT solution that uses edge computing Factory Automation (FA) and Information Technology (IT) domains and helps build system easily. This can improve overall productivity in manufacturing and create new added value.
For smart factories, the ideal scenario involves collecting production facility information into a cloud-based IT system where it can be analyzed and shared across all manufacturing elements. However, in reality, some factories send production site information to the cloud for analysis but fail to leverage IoT effectively. This approach creates significant issues, such as overwhelming the IT system with massive communication data volumes, leading to the inability to collect data in real-time. Mitsubishi Electric addresses these challenges by developing advanced edge computing products. Edge computing enables real-time data collection, analysis, diagnosis, and feedback directly at the network's edge, close to the production site, thereby enhancing productivity and quality in manufacturing.
Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Industrial Computer
The Mitsubishi Electric MELIPC Series industrial computers introduce groundbreaking advancements in manufacturing. These computers leverage the highly reliable device control technology honed by developing the MELSEC Series programmable controllers. The MELIPC Series delivers exceptional value for edge computing, IT system integration, and device control. Its robust features and flexibility in running general-purpose applications set new standards for industrial computing.
The MELIPC series achieves "real-time control" for device management and facilitates "Edge computing" by enabling data collection and analysis between IT systems and the shop floor at the intermediary level. The series includes various models, from high-end versions that support CC-Link IE Field Network for high-performance processing and rapid communication to compact and simplified models. MELIPC meets various needs, such as real-time control, predictive maintenance, and quality improvement on the shop floor, enhancing productivity by leveraging production data effectively.
Introducing software solutions tailored for production sites, delivering invaluable benefits through efficient data collection and utilization. These software products seamlessly integrate with Edgecross, an open-edge computing domain software platform facilitating synergy between factory automation (FA) and IT systems. Our commitment lies in offering diverse solutions that harness production site data, driving continuous improvement and enhancing operational efficiency.
Edge Computing Software Products List
1. Edge application (Real-time Data Analyzer)
Software that performs various processing for data utilization on the shop floor using functions provided by Edgecross in the edge computing level. Customers can choose any application based on what they need, production site data monitoring, analysis, or diagnosis, from our product lineup, which is available to meet customers’ requirements. One software enables real-time diagnosis and offline analysis of production data. Equipped with analysis and diagnosis methods according to requirements such as preventative maintenance and quality improvement.
2. Data Collector
This software effortlessly gathers data from production sites, accommodating a variety of protocols. It enables the collection of data from diverse equipment and devices, irrespective of the manufacturer or network type. It also supports data acquisition from existing facilities.
Mitsubishi collaborates with Advantech Co. Ltd, Hitachi Ltd, IBM Japan, NEC Corporation, OMRON, and ORACLE to form the EDGECROSS Consortium. This partnership between leading IT and OT companies aims to enhance the IoT journey for end users by simplifying and improving data connectivity in manufacturing. The EDGECROSS Software Platform facilitates seamless data transfer from factory automation to IT systems and the edge layer, making data processing more efficient and useful. This collaboration has gained significant traction, with over 330 members now participating in the EDGECROSS computing community.
2a. CC-Link IE Field Network Data Collector — Data can be collected from CC-Link IE compatible products.
2b. SLMP Data Collector — Data can be collected from SLMP compatible MELSEC sequencers.
2c. OPC UA Data Collector — Data can be collected from the OPC UA server.
2d. MTConnect Data Collector — MTConnect Data Collector can collect the data stored in the MTConnect Compatible Machine tools.
Edge computing enables real-time data processing and analysis at the source, significantly reducing latency and enhancing operational efficiency on the shop floor. This results in quicker responses to production issues and more streamlined workflows.
By integrating with the Edgecross platform, Mitsubishi Electric’s software allows for better collaboration between FA and IT, turning raw production data into valuable insights. This enhances capabilities for preventative maintenance, quality control, and continuous improvement.
The edge computing software solutions from Mitsubishi Electric are highly customizable, allowing users to tailor applications to their specific needs. This adaptability, combined with scalability, ensures that the solutions can grow alongside evolving production requirements.
Processing data locally at the edge reduces the need for data to travel across networks to centralized locations, thereby enhancing data security and privacy. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of sensitive production data.
Edge computing revolutionizes modern manufacturing by bringing high-level data processing right to the factory floor, enhancing efficiency and productivity. By processing data locally—directly at the source—edge computing allows for immediate decision-making, reducing the delay associated with sending data to distant data centers. This means problems can be detected and addressed instantly, keeping production running smoothly. Furthermore, it streamlines data management by filtering and refining information on-site, ensuring only valuable data is transmitted to the central system, thus preventing data overload.
Edge computing also strengthens security by minimizing the need to transmit sensitive information across networks, thereby reducing exposure and enhancing the resilience of factory operations. Its scalability and customization allow factories to adapt solutions to specific needs and expand them as demands evolve, ensuring future readiness. Overall, edge computing drives significant improvements in problem-solving speed, data utilization, security, and flexibility, making it an essential component for advancing smart manufacturing.
