Siemens Industrial Edge offers users the possibility of executing a range of descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytical applications. This allows cloud connectivity (data to cloud) to be used in combination with Edge Apps from Siemens, third-party providers or end users themselves in an integrated hardware and software ecosystem (Edge App to Device) for automation components.
With Siemens Industrial Edge, Siemens is offering users the chance to close the gap between classic, local data processing and cloud-based data processing to suit individual requirements. Edge Computing allows large volumes of data to be processed locally. To this end, Siemens is releasing a broad spectrum of applications to users, including data processing, data visualisation via webservers, data transfer to the cloud or IT infrastructures, and quick innovation cycles in the development of apps.
There is also an additional reduction in memory and transfer costs as large volumes of data are pre-processed and only the relevant data is finally transferred to a cloud or IT infrastructure. Siemens Industrial Edge supports cloud transfer protocols for MindSphere, Siemens’ own open, cloud-based operating system. In the future, it will also support Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), making data transfer safe, secure and effective.
Industrial Edge with Sinumerik provides a machine-level platform for software applications which captures, pre-processes and analyses high-frequency data. In addition to this, calculations can be carried out for complex machine tools and auxiliary process times or workplace monitoring can also be optimized. Both operating system and application in Industrial Edge for Sinumerik are installed and continuously kept up to date via backend services on MindSphere, the open, cloud-based IoT operating system from Siemens. Industrial Edge for Sinumerik thus provides users with continuously stable process and condition monitoring, as well as significantly higher productivity.
New applications, such as condition monitoring or predictive maintenance, are being introduced into classic automation technology. In addition to this, Edge Computing also provides access to previously unknown degrees of flexibility, allowing plants to be kept right up to date via functional, feedback-free updates - and all within standard plant life cycles for automation. Siemens apps development supports users with frameworks and access to integrated connectivity to the world of automation.
Siemens Industrial Edge includes Edge Management, Edge Devices and Edge Apps. The Edge Management System provides central control of all connected Edge Devices as well as condition monitoring. Users can use the Edge Management System to install software applications (Edge Apps) onto the required Edge Devices from the Edge App store in the backend system, e.g., MindSphere. Edge Devices are equipped with an Edge runtime software which guarantees the connectivity for both data capture from the connected automation element and for Edge Management: It also has a driver toolbox for access to device functions. The Edge runtime software also provides a secure app environment for executing functions on Edge Devices. Edge Apps for Siemens Industrial Edge are available from Siemens as well as third-party providers. In addition, it will also be possible for users to develop their own Edge Apps tailored to individual requirements.
