Manufacturers are collecting more data from machines, PLCs, and production systems than ever before. But collecting data is only part of the challenge. The bigger question is: What do you do with that data once you have it?
This is where industrial edge computing comes into play.
Industrial edge computing brings data processing and connectivity closer to the machines generating the data. Instead of sending every piece of information directly to a centralized cloud platform, an edge device can collect, process, and securely transmit relevant machine data where it is needed.
For manufacturers, machine builders, and system integrators, this can create new opportunities for remote monitoring, troubleshooting, machine connectivity, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.
What Is Industrial Edge Computing?
Industrial edge computing is the practice of processing and managing data closer to the source where it is generated—typically machines, PLCs, sensors, and other industrial equipment.
Traditional cloud architectures often send data from industrial equipment to a remote cloud platform for processing and analysis. With edge computing, an industrial edge device or gateway sits between the equipment and the cloud, helping connect the two.
A simplified architecture looks like this:
Industrial Equipment → Edge Device → Cloud Platform → Applications & Users
The edge device can serve as a connection point between the industrial equipment and higher-level systems.
HMS Networks defines edge computing as processing data near its source rather than in a centralized data center. This can help reduce latency and bandwidth requirements while enabling faster decisions and analysis.
Why Is Edge Computing Important in Manufacturing?
Modern manufacturing environments can contain hundreds or thousands of connected devices. These machines may use different PLCs, communication protocols, and network architectures.
At the same time, manufacturers increasingly want access to machine information for:
- Remote monitoring
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Production visibility
- Performance analysis
- Predictive maintenance
- Machine optimization
- IIoT applications
Connecting all of this equipment directly to the cloud isn’t always straightforward.
An industrial edge device can help bridge the gap between OT equipment on the factory floor and IT or cloud-based applications.
What Does an Industrial Edge Device Do?
An industrial edge device acts as a connection point between equipment on the factory floor and other systems, such as cloud platforms or enterprise applications. It can collect data from PLCs, controllers, sensors, and other industrial equipment and make that information available for monitoring, analysis, and other IIoT applications. By bringing connectivity and data processing closer to the equipment, an edge device can help manufacturers make better use of the information their machines are already generating.
Industrial edge devices can also support remote access and machine monitoring, allowing authorized users to access equipment information without being physically at the machine. Depending on the application, an edge device can help connect industrial equipment, process or filter machine data, and securely send relevant information to the cloud. This makes edge devices an important link between operational technology (OT) on the factory floor and IT systems used for monitoring, analytics, and decision-making.
Industrial Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing
Edge computing and cloud computing aren’t competing technologies. In many industrial applications, they work together.
Cloud platforms provide centralized storage, management, visualization, and analytics. Edge devices provide connectivity and processing closer to the equipment.
For example, consider a machine builder with equipment installed at customer facilities throughout the country.
A traditional approach might require a technician to travel to a customer’s facility whenever a machine problem occurs.
With an edge-to-cloud architecture, the machine can be connected securely to a cloud platform. Authorized personnel can then access machine information remotely, helping them diagnose problems and determine whether an on-site visit is actually necessary.
This can help reduce unnecessary travel and shorten troubleshooting times.
Where Does Ewon Edge Fit In?
HMS Networks’ Ewon Edge is an industrial gateway designed for organizations managing medium to large machine fleets.
Ewon Edge provides secure remote access and scalable IIoT connectivity to Ewon Cloud. HMS positions the solution for machine builders, industrial operators, and organizations managing distributed machine fleets.
Rather than treating every machine as an isolated system, Ewon Edge provides a foundation for connecting machines and managing them remotely.
Key Ewon Edge capabilities include:
Secure industrial connectivity: Ewon Edge is designed to provide secure connectivity between industrial equipment and Ewon Cloud.
Remote machine access: Authorized users can remotely access connected machines for troubleshooting, adjustments, and support.
Machine data connectivity: Ewon Edge can be used to collect and connect machine data for monitoring and IIoT applications.
Fleet management: For organizations managing many machines, Ewon Edge is designed to provide a scalable approach to connectivity and remote management.
Flexible expansion: Ewon Edge supports extension modules, allowing the gateway’s capabilities to adapt to different applications and future requirements.
Ewon Edge and Remote PLC Access
One common industrial edge computing application is connecting to PLCs remotely.
A typical setup may look like:
PLC → Ewon Edge → Ewon Cloud → Authorized User
This allows an authorized technician or engineer to remotely connect to a machine for troubleshooting or maintenance.
HMS supports Ewon Edge connectivity with common industrial PLC environments, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Modbus-based PLCs.
This can be particularly valuable for machine builders supporting equipment installed at multiple customer locations.
Instead of sending a technician to every site, remote connectivity can allow the support team to investigate the problem first and determine the appropriate next step.
Industrial Edge Computing for Legacy Equipment
One of the biggest challenges in industrial connectivity is the amount of legacy or brownfield equipment still operating in manufacturing facilities.
Replacing functioning equipment simply because it wasn’t designed for modern IIoT connectivity isn’t always practical.
Industrial edge solutions can provide another option: connect the existing equipment to modern digital systems without completely replacing the machine.
Ewon’s industrial connectivity solutions are designed to support legacy equipment as well as newer machines.
This can help manufacturers gradually modernize their connectivity infrastructure rather than attempting a complete digital transformation all at once.
Connect Your Industrial Equipment With Ewon Edge
Industrial edge computing provides a bridge between machines on the factory floor and the digital systems used to monitor, manage, and improve them.
For organizations looking to scale industrial connectivity, HMS Networks Ewon Edge provides an edge-to-cloud approach designed for secure remote access, machine connectivity, and IIoT applications.
Lakeland Engineering Equipment Company is an HMS Networks distributor, offering Ewon solutions along with application support to help customers determine the right connectivity approach for their equipment.
Need help connecting your industrial equipment? Contact Lakeland Engineering to discuss your application and Ewon connectivity options.