TL;DR
- Many OT environments struggle with siloed data created by disconnected systems and technologies.
- Edge computing helps democratize data by making information more accessible across operations.
- Remote industries often cannot rely on cloud connectivity alone to support advanced analytics and AI.
- Industrial PCs and PACEdge™ software enable organizations to run AI and analytics directly at the edge.
- Modern edge architectures can improve both operational performance and cybersecurity.
Industrial organizations generate enormous amounts of operational data, but much of it remains trapped in disconnected systems that limit efficiency and decision-making. Modern edge computing technologies help process and contextualize data closer to the source, making it easier to share information and support advanced analytics. This approach is especially valuable in remote operations where cloud connectivity may be limited or unreliable. By moving intelligence to the edge, organizations can improve performance, enhance cybersecurity, and unlock greater value from their digital transformation investments.
Operational technology (OT) environments are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Plants, facilities, and remote operations rely on a growing collection of software solutions to improve efficiency, safety, reliability, and operational performance. However, each new technology often introduces another repository of valuable operational data. When those systems are not effectively connected, organizations can find themselves managing a complex collection of data silos that limit the value of their digital transformation investments.
In a recent interview with Industrial Ethernet, Emerson’s Gene Juknevicius explored how edge technologies are helping organizations overcome this challenge. As OT teams continue adding new technologies, they often create increasingly interconnected environments that still struggle to share information effectively. The result is valuable data that remains trapped inside individual systems rather than supporting broader operational goals.
The solution, Juknevicius explains, is to democratize data using modern edge technologies.
“Historically, in the OT world, edge control technology was very limited in its capability. But today, powerful and robust edge compute devices—along with modern, fully featured operating system and application software—are available to help OT teams unlock more sustainable, flexible, efficient, and profitable operations.”
Modern edge computing platforms provide the processing power and flexibility needed to make operational data more accessible and actionable across the enterprise.
Beyond improving access to information, edge architectures can also strengthen cybersecurity and performance. Processing data closer to critical equipment reduces latency while limiting the amount of information that must move across networks. This approach can help organizations improve responsiveness while reducing potential exposure to cyber threats.
Not Every Industry Is Built for the Cloud
While cloud-based technologies continue to play an important role in industrial operations, many industries face practical limitations that make cloud-only strategies difficult to implement. Mining operations, extraction sites, and other remote facilities often operate in locations where internet access is limited, inconsistent, or prohibitively expensive.
These same industries are increasingly interested in advanced technologies such as industrial AI. However, AI applications often require large amounts of data delivered in real time or near-real time. In remote environments, transmitting that information to distant cloud platforms can create both performance and reliability challenges.
The most successful organizations are addressing this problem by moving computing resources closer to operations through industrial PCs (IPCs) and edge solutions such as Emerson’s PACEdge™ platform. These technologies provide the local processing power necessary to support advanced analytics without depending entirely on external connectivity.
“We’re seeing far more compute power being delivered right at the edge, including full operating systems that can perform more complex and power-consumptive tasks. Today, teams are leveraging that processing power to run AI processing right at the edge.”
Running AI at the edge allows organizations to analyze data where it is generated, reducing latency while minimizing dependence on external infrastructure.
Industrial PCs provide the ruggedized processing capability needed to bring AI applications, including large language models and advanced analytics tools, directly into industrial environments. This approach not only improves responsiveness but can also reduce the need to transfer sensitive operational data outside the facility.
Rugged Technology Expands What’s Possible
The rapid growth of edge computing is being enabled by major advancements in industrial hardware. Unlike traditional computing platforms, today’s industrial PCs are designed specifically for demanding operational environments.
Emerson’s industrial PCs feature solid-state designs with no moving parts, soldered memory, SSD storage, and also include GPUs and physical AI intelligence. These ruggedized systems are built to withstand vibration, temperature extremes, dust, and other environmental challenges common in industrial operations.
“Modern IPCs can deliver AI-capable performance at the edge without the risk of high vibration, extreme temperatures, or dust and dirt contamination causing failures.”
Purpose-built industrial computing platforms make it possible to deploy advanced analytics and AI technologies in environments where traditional IT hardware may not be practical.
These technologies are creating opportunities beyond traditional data processing as well. Combined with edge software platforms, IPCs can support applications such as machine vision, closed-loop control, and local AI inference where cloud latency would otherwise limit performance. By bringing more intelligence closer to the process, organizations can unlock new operational capabilities while maintaining responsiveness and control.
Building the Foundation for Next-Generation Operations
As industrial organizations work to eliminate data silos and expand the use of advanced analytics, edge computing is becoming an increasingly important part of the technology stack. Modern industrial PCs and edge software platforms help organizations democratize data, improve cybersecurity, support industrial AI, and extend digital transformation initiatives into environments where traditional cloud-first strategies may not be practical. By bringing intelligence closer to operations, organizations can create a more connected, responsive, and scalable foundation for future innovation.
