If you need to change something on your machine or system, how long will it take you to get there? What if you could connect remotely to the machinery and do configuration and debugging from any location? With a remote management solution, it is possible to establish an instant, secure communication tunnel to remote equipment.
Remote connectivity allows users to employ their usual PLC configuration software (such as Rockwell RSlogix® or Siemens TIA Portal®), just as if they were connected to the machine on site. This makes it possible to instantly take action in case an operational problem occurs and reduces the need to travel to the site.
“Most service visits involves simple checkups or small adjustments – it usually takes more time to get there than doing the actual debugging, configuration or controlling,” says Henrik Arleving, Product Line Manager at Swedish-based HMS Industrial Networks and a frequent writer and lecturer on Remote Management and Internet of Things.
“A remote connectivity solution makes it possible for machine builders, system integrators, OEMs and end users to instantly connect to devices, equipment or machines from any location. Modern solutions provide a secure communication tunnel which allows PLC programmers and machine owners to configure, reprogram and debug the machinery remotely. The results are both reduced travel costs and improved customer service.”
There are several ways to solve the issue of remote management. With Ewon Netbiter, users first connect a Netbiter gateway to their remote device or machine. The gateway can be connected via serial RS232/485 or an Ethernet connection (protocols can be both Modbus RTU/TCP and also EtherNet/IP). It is also possible to connect signals and sensors via on-board digital and analog I/Os.
A secure tunnel is created to the Netbiter gateway and the device/machine to which it is connected. PLC programmers or machine owners can simply open their regular configuration software (such as RSLogix, Unity Pro or TIA Portal) and configure or debug just as if they were on site.
The secure connection is established via the cloud-based Netbiter Argos data center. This means that there is no need for opening inbound ports in firewalls or setting up VPN connections on site. The result is a secure connection which is set up a matter of minutes.
“Simplicity and security are the main issues to consider when choosing a remote management solution,” says Henrik Arleving. “A good remote management solution can have users accessing their machines within minutes, while still making no shortcuts when it comes to security.”
Establishing a secure communication path with a remote management solution requires solving a number of technical challenges (such as secure connectivity through firewalls). By using solutions that are “firewall-friendly” and restricts communication to only the intended data, it is possible to limit the amount of information that can be accessed and reduces the possibilities of misusing the remote connectivity. Secure remote connectivity also involves using encrypted communication to avoid eavesdropping on the data exchange.
When deciding on a remote management solution, you need to decide on the level of customization. Custom-made remote management systems will give you the exact functionality you need, but they are often costly to develop and time-consuming to deploy. A ready-made remote solution makes it possible to quickly deploy solutions at a lower cost.
“Modern remote management solutions can be deployed within a couple of days,” says Henrik Arleving. “You are saving money as of day one since you will decrease the need for unnecessary service trips which will also reduce a company‘s carbon footprint.”
To use the Netbiter remote management solution example again: Users pay for the communication gateway which is usually a couple of hundred dollars. This is a one-time investment. Different service levels are available depending on what type of cloud access is required and how many users there are. Free versions with basic functionality are available offering a very quick return-on-investment.
“No matter which solution you choose, the return on investment will most likely be quick. A service visit is usually the same cost as a single remote management gateway meaning that you may have a payback time of only a few months,” finishes Henrik Arleving.