In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the need for contextualized, reliable data communication across multiple manufacturing sites to the enterprise is paramount. The MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) protocol, co-developed by Cirrus Link Solutions, has emerged as a go-to solution for enabling seamless data exchange in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. When combined with Ignition, the robust platform offered by Inductive Automation, MQTT can transform multi-site manufacturing enterprises into a highly connected, efficient, and data-driven decision-making organization.
There are three core components to implementing enterprise business solutions designed to integrate the interchange of information from various business process areas and OT data in multi-site manufacturing organizations: data standardization, data connectivity, and enterprise enablement.
Data Standardization
Data standardization in Operational Technology (OT) offers a myriad of benefits that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of industrial operations. In most organizations, manufacturing sites are constructed at different times, with different hardware and configured with different tag naming conventions. This makes utilizing data across the enterprise costly and prohibitive if transformative standards are not deployed. Ignition connects data producers, such as PLCs, sensors, OPC-UA servers, and other OT devices, enabling the transformation of data into an enterprise standard across all locations. This data transformation adds valuable contextual information and enterprise-wide data modeling through UDTs (User Defined Templates), simplifying and enhancing data ingestion for enterprise applications.
Here are some key advantages:
Interoperability: By standardizing data formats, protocols, and interfaces, different OT systems and devices can seamlessly communicate and share information. This interoperability reduces integration complexity and ensures consistent data flow across the enterprise.
Enhanced Data Quality: Standardization ensures that data is accurate, consistent, and reliable. It eliminates discrepancies and redundancies, leading to better decision-making and more efficient operations.
Simplified Maintenance and Support: Standardized data formats and interfaces make it easier to maintain and support OT systems. It reduces the need for custom solutions and simplifies troubleshooting, leading to lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime.
Scalability: Standardization facilitates the scalable deployment of new technologies and systems. It allows for easy expansion of OT networks and integration of additional devices without significant reconfiguration or customization.
Operational Efficiency: Standardized data processes streamline operations by reducing manual interventions, automating data workflows, and improving coordination between different departments and systems. This leads to increased productivity and operational efficiency.
Another aspect of data standardization is that it enables the definition of data within a UNS (Unified Namespace) in addition to tag naming conventions and contextualization. The UNS provides a cohesive and efficient way to manage industrial data, enhancing visibility, control, and process optimization across the enterprise. It serves as the backbone of a digital transformation strategy, driving smarter and more informed decision-making. In essence, data standardization in OT creates a solid foundation for modern industrial operations, enabling organizations to harness the full potential of their data and achieve greater operational excellence.
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