Edge Computing: which areas can be optimized by this technology
Edge Computing is a technology characterized by computing resources deployed around the company’s perimeter. These may include servers, storage systems, software, network devices, and more. Companies are transferring some of their computing resources from central data centers to remote sites such as offices, retail outlets, clinics and factories. This helps to cope with the ever-increasing data flow and relieve data transmission channels.
The difference between traditional distributed computing and Edge Computing is that the latter is tied to data from IIoT devices. Sensor data is collected and analyzed in real-time, and the results are then passed on to field personnel.
Where Edge Computing technology is applied
- Logistics. Edge Computing, in combination with IIoT equipment, helps to track the movement of inventory in sorting shops and warehouses.
- Industrial manufacturing lines. Here, Edge Computing collects data on the operation of equipment, machines, conveyors and notifies personnel when some equipment is about to fail. Edge Computing will inform production managers if all operations are on schedule, and will send general information reports to the corporate data center for analysis by business managers and key executives.
- Retail. The technology will help collect up-to-date sales data from all retail outlets at once and send this data to ERP systems for accounting. In addition, Edge Computing will allow real-time tracking of the actions of suppliers, monitoring the storage and transportation conditions of perishable products.
- Quality monitoring. For example, in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, IIoT and Edge Computing are used to monitor the quality of chips throughout the entire production cycle.
- Security monitoring. Edge Computing is effective in preventing virus attacks and the spread of malware. If an attack is detected, the virus is blocked at the lower level, which prevents the threat of compromise of the entire corporate network.
