Industrial Cloud Computing: Scope and Future

Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud architecture is a suite of infrastructure, systems, and solutions that build a computing cloud. Moreover, it includes a multitude of components that represent five layers, and they are as follows:

• The hardware infrastructure layer contains data clusters, servers, storage devices, and multiple physical elements.
• Further, the virtualization layer incorporates virtual machines and networking components to enable access to physical elements’ computing ability. 
• Moreover, the platform layer uses virtual operating systems, mid-ware, and runtime environments. 
• Further, the application layer includes software accessibility through networks using the capabilities of previous layers in the infrastructure. 
• Lastly, the client layer contains network-adjacent desktops, mobiles, and other devices to quickly and remotely access the cloud.

As a result, all these layers represent the back-end and the front-end of a cloud computing architecture. However, the components of layers may differ due to the cloud’s service and deployment models.

What is Industrial Cloud Computing?

Firstly, Industrial Cloud Computing offers a system that gathers and transfers data for applications and solutions. Further, users accessing the applications and their data through devices help automate workflows. As a result, businesses procure the data and implement it to build strategies, manage assets, and enhance operational productivity. Moreover, significant capital assets are integrated with sensors to monitor their functions. Hence, Cloud Computing enhances Industrial operations by working with data and making decisions based on its insights.

According to Technopedia, “Industry cloud is a cloud system that has been heavily customized to fit a specific industry to accommodate the business, operatory, legal, regulatory, and security and other considerations. The main focus of industry cloud is vertical integration and vertical solutions rather than horizontal ones, which is the focus of general cloud computing.” 

Further, some industries counter the incorporation of cloud computing. However, when industries integrate their processes with a cloud infrastructure that caters to their requirements. Additionally, Industrial Cloud Computing develops strategies using solutions specific to their operational and functional needs.

Service Models in Industrial Cloud Computing:

Here are the three major service models of Industrial Cloud Computing:

• IaaS Model: IaaS or Infrastructure as a Service enables cloud service providers (CSP) to manage hardware and virtualization layers. It also executes virtual computing components to develop, monitor, and operate without a physical database.

• PaaS Model: Moreover, the PaaS model uses CSP admins elements for the platform layer in the cloud computing architecture. Further, users influence solutions and components to efficiently build, deploy, and enable application abilities. It also mitigates managing and configuring mid-ware, OS, or other functional resources.
• SaaS Model: The SaaS model enables CSPs to host and administer solutions in the cloud infrastructure. It also allows the users to access the keys for a payment in the client layer. Further, CSPs deploy SaaS functions, and the users are only responsible for the client layer.

Advantages of Cloud Computing to Increase the scope of Industrial Manufacturing

According to a report by Industry Week, “Over 90 percent of global enterprises report using cloud computing in some part of their business. 66 percent of manufacturing enterprises from 17 countries reported using a cloud implementation. Cloud-hosted services are expected to account for nearly half of all organization-level software usage among manufacturers by 2023.”

Further, compared to traditional solutions, cloud computing offers better services for industrial applications. Hence, here are some of the various advantages of Cloud Computing:

• Reliable Functions: Firstly, cloud solutions face minimum problems and bottlenecks that impact individual devices. As a result, cloud computing is a reliable component for manufacturing.

• Cost-Effective: Moreover, cloud-centric solutions require in-house servers, which is more cost-effective.

• Scalability: Further, cloud computing expands its horizons with business requirements. It also downgrades its functions during latency and slower runtimes.

• Time-Efficient: Cloud Technologies update the IT teams with the latest trends and versions of solutions without investing additional time. 

• Competitive Advantage: Industrial Cloud computing solutions offer businesses a competitive advantage over non-cloud companies. Moreover, it offers better productivity and enhances communication abilities within the organization.

• Access Information Centrally: Industrial Cloud computing also makes it easier for businesses to access software and data from a central system. Therefore, it improves the management capabilities while increasing the scope of businesses.

Best Practices in Implementing Cloud Computing Technology in Industrial Manufacturing

• Making Data-Centric Implementations:

Procuring operational insights from cloud technologies and machine learning solutions is not enough to initiate advancements. That is to say, integrating data into operational processes can help develop insights and build objectives. Therefore, data-centric implementations influence task management and automate processes. It also mitigates the hassle of depending on various applications as the access is centralized.

• Prioritizing Operations and Use Cases:

Moreover, it is pivotal to align tasks and processes on a priority basis. Further, cloud technologies help build processes for operations from the ground up that lead businesses. Businesses also rely on hybrid infrastructure to incorporate digital transformations in their operations and functions. Hence, it helps businesses prioritize pivotal tasks and processes while experimenting with innovations and expanding their horizons.

• Determining Key Performance Indicators: 

KPIs determine and quantify the value of incorporating new solutions and their impact on the operations. Moreover, Manufacturing KPIs feature progresses or bottlenecks that drive businesses towards or away from their ultimate objectives. Hence, understanding and determining KPIs is a critical practice for businesses.

• Digital Transformation:

The manufacturing industry is now experiencing a gradual digital transformation. Further, developing digital and cloud solutions for organizations and their uses specifically drives outcomes. It also helps build a digital environment that leads to progressive work cultures and empowers employees.