Enterprise industrial connectivity software, like PTC Kepware, helps industrial companies to unlock access to OT data – from legacy and modern machines – and seamlessly and securely share it with OT and IT systems for automation and insights.
The challenge: Accessing data from legacy devices, assets, and machines
Most industrial companies have a very heterogeneous manufacturing network, with high levels of variance from machine to machine, line to line, and plant to plant which makes it difficult to access, aggregate, and share OT data at scale. Another hurdle is securely sharing OT data amongst the IT and OT systems that need it to enable automation, control, visibility, and insights.
Industrial connectivity solutions play a key role in overcoming these challenges. Companies can use them to access data from machines and integrate it into IT and OT, ultimately creating a foundation for OT data access to power digital transformation initiatives.
OT and IT are converging
Traditionally, OT and IT have been separate worlds. Yet this strict separation is increasingly eroding as novel applications such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and process automation necessitate the use of IT systems.
This is often referred to as IT OT convergence. This refers to the ability to bring together the physical OT devices and equipment with the digital systems in an industrial company to communicate and work together effectively. This also includes the integration of IT systems for data processing and storage as well as OT systems that control machines.
By integrating these different systems, companies can obtain real-time data from their operational processes. Process deviations are detected more quickly, reducing downtime and making operations more efficient. A simple way to integrate IT and OT is to use a specific connectivity platform that is interoperable and at home in both worlds and supports the relevant OPC and IT protocols.
The solution: Enterprise Industrial Connectivity
A leading software solution for industrial connectivity, PTC, Kepware has a 25+ year legacy of helping industrial manufacturers create and execute OT data strategies. Kepware’s commitment to interoperability across devices and systems, creates a futureproof foundation to serve the needs of industrial companies today and in the future.
How Kepware works
Kepware enables communication between industrial control systems and enterprise applications. The core product is Kepware+, a scalable enterprise industrial connectivity solution, that can rapidly connect to virtually any legacy OT or modern assets, securely and seamlessly share data between OT and IT with pre-built integrations, and manage and monitor connectivity from a single pane of glass.
By using Kepware+, companies can seamlessly connect their machines and systems with big data platforms and cloud applications. Kepware+ features more than 300 OPC and IT protocols, includings MQTT, OPC UA and HTTPS, help to ensure secure and efficient data transmission. Devices can be created, data points selected, and connections to – systems such as MES, ERP, SCADA, Historian, or cloud platforms configured through an intuitive user interface.
A key aspect is Kepware’s ability to normalize data into a standardized format, which facilitates the integration and analysis of data across different systems and platforms. The range of functions also includes remote configuration and management of servers, which enables central monitoring and control of industrial connectivity.
Advantages of Kepware
One of the main advantages of Kepware is improved data accessibility and aggregation. As a single source of OT data, Kepware offers consistent, manufacturer-independent access to operating data for all applications. This enables companies to better monitor and control their manufacturing operations.
The consolidation of interfaces and data sources on Kepware+ reduces the complexity of the OT/IT system landscape. This saves companies the cost and effort of developing and maintaining heterogeneous connections. This leads to increased efficiency and productivity as well as a reduction in operating costs.
Kepware also reduces cybersecurity risk with capabilities to control data access, secure remote access procedures, translate insecure data protocols, and simplify software updates.
The result: Accelerate digital transformation, reduce cybersecurity risks, and improved OEE through industrial connectivity
The implementation of a comprehensive industrial connectivity solution such as Kepware+ enables more efficient and secure data transfer between operational technology and information technology. By centralizing the data, Kepware creates a single source of OT data. It enables decision-makers to leverage consistent and up-to-date data and analyze it in real time. This enables companies to identify process deviations and minimize downtimes, which ultimately leads to an improvement in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
