The close integration of operational technology with information technology
I don’t believe that a smart metals plant in the modern era can exist in isolation - in Industry 4.0, operations are closely integrated with IT, enabling a smart factory where interconnected devices and systems work together without boundaries. The need for this convergence has led to open systems where communication protocols are no longer a barrier, even when data formats vary between automation platforms. IIoT frameworks are increasingly supporting interoperability and enabling big data analytics for diverse uses.
Smart IIoT architecture is the effective and seamless integration of sensors, gateways, smart devices and data centres
IIoT architecture and deployment
To simplify, there are four main parts to the IIoT architecture:
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Sensors to collect data at the plant level, with choice of sensor driven by specific data collection requirements and plant operating parameters. Such sensors can be placed across the plant at every stage, including stockyards, primary metals areas, hot rolling equipment as examples. Where multiple data sources result in the requirement of several sensors, I suggest data aggregation being a key area to focus on. Once collected in analog form, data is digitized for further use
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The gateway, which transports data by linking sensors to data processing tools and systems, with additional requirement for data management and malware protection
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Smart devices, which are important at plants to process data and reduce data clogging, thereby optimizing efficiency. With the need for big data comes the risk of pressure on networks; devices help reduce that pressure. While sensors are responsible for communicating input data, devices have the additional ability to accept instructions and respond to them
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Data centers, either localized or on cloud, are where data is aggregated, analysed and used for diverse applications – monitoring & predictive insights, resolution tracking, building algorithms and enhancing machine learning capabilities