In the landscape of verticals such as Transportation, Energy, Oil and Gas and Manufacturing, we can observe an incoming transformation. Industrial networks are undergoing a digital revolution. With the rise of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are now connecting to the internet to improve speed of the activity. For example, smart sensors, actuators, and intelligent devices increase efficiency and productivity across all industrial processes.
How is the industrial automation going to change the verticals industry?
Any revolution relies on a strong leader or agitator. In this case, it is the Industrial Control Systems. It is a web of devices, communication networks, and process controls that orchestrate and automate industrial processes.
It impacts transportation networks, power utilities and water treatment facilities. ICS plays a central role into this recent revolution. Two players represent ICS: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS). SCADA uses computers and communications to conduct high-level process supervisory management. On another hand, DCS being a digital Process Control System provides localized control in factories, decentralizing control functions and field connections. As one entity, they form the core center of industries to ensure seamless operations.
Within the dance of automation, an increasing number of devices play their part. Field devices such as sensors, actuators, gauges, valves, motors, and robots work in unison. Control system components like I/O Modules, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Remote Terminal Units (RTU), Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), Data Historians, Basic Process Control Systems (BPCS), Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and Motion Control Systems collectively, and many more, orchestrate a homogeneous performance.
The rise of Industrial Automation creates a new era, utilizing technology and control systems to automate processes. Connected sensors and IIoT devices gather data, creating "smart factories" that align with the Industry 4.0 framework. This approach to automation, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), optimizes efficiency and increases productivity while cutting down costs and errors.
Industry 4.0, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, brings the automation approach that integrates production and commerce for greater efficiency. Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise solutions pave the way, aligning with Industry 4.0's six design principles: decentralization, virtualization, interoperability, modularity, real-time capability, and service orientation.
With Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) converging, a new paradigm emerges. Traditionally separate, these networks now merge in the digital application. This convergence, driven by the demand for mobility and digitalization, needs a multi-layered security strategy to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The convergence of OT-IT systems will help address industry challenges.
