Harnessing edge computing for better factory data management

Latest results from IDC Research and Lumen Technologies’ survey data highlights a fast and disruptive change in manufacturing operations, attributed to the rise in automated facilities adopting IoT, smart sensors, AI and robotics.

The future of factory data management with edge computing

With 74% of operational data being acquired, analysed, and acted on inside the factory, IDC Research and Lumen Technologies report that “edge computing approaches put data processing and storage closer to the network edge where people, processes and items in motion reside.”

Manufacturers looking to gain a competitive advantage need to ensure they are continuously improving their process efficiency, which IDC Research and Lumen Technologies say data plays a key part in. 

Alongside data, edge computing also plays an essential role in process efficiency by connecting operational data and assets, complementing cloud computing and IoT.

"In manufacturing, a company cannot have a cloud strategy without an edge strategy. Edge computing can address the latency, reliability, and security requirements of industrial operations while opening the world of possibilities that remote connectivity offers. Edge computing use cases can increase Industry 4.0 maturity and support the resilient decision-making necessary to thrive in today's markets,” said Jonathan Lang, Research Manager, Worldwide IT/OT Convergence Strategies, IDC.

The benefits of edge computing

With this technology manufacturers can monitor overall equipment effectiveness across the factory floor via IOT and smart sensors. Coupling this with predictive maintenance tools, manufacturers can detect and fix potential problems before they occur. 

In addition to this edge computing can enable manufacturers to track and increase visibility across the supply chain, procurement, and inventory management in real time. 

“The industrial environment is changing faster than ever, and manufacturing resiliency relies on data for rapid and effective decisions. Edge computing will play an important role in any manufacturer's connectivity strategy in part to manage essential data,” said IDC Research and Lumen Technologies.

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For more information on manufacturing topics - please take a look at the latest edition of Manufacturing Global.

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