Automation company Siemens offers users the opportunity to close the gap between conventional local and cloud-based data processing, depending on individual requirements.

With Edge computing, large volumes of data can be processed locally almost in real time.

Siemens provides users with a broad spectrum of applications for this, including data processing, data visualisation via Web server, data transmission to the cloud or information technology (IT) infrastructure and fast innovation cycles for application development, it explains.

In addition, storage and transmission costs are reduced for users because large volumes of data are pre-processed, and only relevant data is then transmitted to a cloud or IT infrastructure.

The Siemens Industrial Edge supports cloud transmission protocols for Mindsphere – the open, cloud-based operating system from Siemens as well as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport. This makes data transmission secure and effective.

“By using the Edge Management System, users can install software applications from the Edge Application Store of the backend system, such as Mindsphere, on the desired Edge devices.”

“Edge devices are equipped with Edge Runtime software, which guarantees connectivity both for data capture from the connected automation and for Edge Management and which features a driver toolbox for accessing device functions,” says the company.

Further, Edge Runtime software also ensures a protected application environment for executing functions on Edge devices.

Edge applications for Siemens Industrial Edge are provided both by Siemens and by third-party providers. It is also possible for users to develop their own Edge applications tailored to their individual requirements, it notes.

For machine tools, Industrial Edge with automation system Sinumerik provides a machine-based platform for software apps, which captures, pre-processes and analyses high-frequency data from the machine tool.

In addition, complex tool paths can be calculated, and non-productive times or work area monitoring can be optimised.

With Sinumerik Edge, Siemens enables machine tool users to improve workpiece and process quality, to increase machine availability and to further optimise machine processes, it explains.

The company highlights that Siemens Industrial Edge comprises the Industrial Edge Management System, Edge devices and Edge applications.

The management system can be used to manage all connected Edge devices centrally and to monitor their condition. In addition, Edge applications are always distributed to Industrial Edge devices efficiently and securely in the latest version.

Applications can be installed on Edge devices, regardless of the machine operating state, without adverse effects.

“Applications for Siemens Industrial Edge can be provided both by Siemens and by third-party providers. This means that users and machine builders also have the opportunity to develop their own applications, which are tailored to the individual requirements of their machines.

“With the acquisition of US startup Pixeom, Siemens has obtained components for Edge Runtime for applications as well as for Device Management as part of the Siemens Industrial Edge ecosystem,” it says.

In addition, the technology developed by Pixeom based on the Docker IT standard offers open interfaces such as for connection to the Mindsphere App Store, for the management of third-party hardware and for the creation of apps by Siemens customers.

Applications are offered via a marketplace in Mindsphere, while the operating system of Siemens Industrial Edge is integrated in a universal security concept.

This enables the stable operation of one or more apps in parallel and also ensures a protected software environment for the execution of applications on Edge devices, it states.

The Industrial Edge with programmable logic controller and automation system Simatic offers Siemens users a platform that can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.