At Gerbin Control, we find that customers have ever-increasing demands for speed, reliability and data processing in their production processes. Decisions must be made instantly and data must be used securely and efficiently, without depending on slow networks or remote servers. Edge computing makes this possible by bringing computing power and Industrial IoT integration directly into our control panels.
Where a panel previously only processed signals and controlled machines, it can now also run IoT applications, analyze data from IoT devices and take real-time action based on that data. This gives operators and engineers direct control over processes, increasing productivity and safety.
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What is edge computing in practice?
Edge computing means processing data locally on industrial systems integrated into the control cabinet. These systems are designed for industrial conditions, function reliably in vibration, dust and varying operating temperatures, and are compatible with existing machine controls.
They communicate directly with sensors and PLCs via industrial interfaces such as RS232 or RS485. In many cases, these systems are used for multiple processes simultaneously, where data can be directly analyzed and used for control or alarms.
Why not put everything in the cloud?
Cloud solutions remain valuable for centralized storage, reporting and integration with business applications, such as ERP systems or billing systems for processing orders and invoices. But for processes that require immediate responses, it is more efficient to make decisions closer to the source.
With edge computing, data processing is moved to the shop floor, allowing critical decisions to be made without delay and sensitive data to remain within the factory. Only relevant or summarized data goes to the cloud, which also reduces the load on the network.
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Hardware requirements and integration
The performance of an edge solution depends heavily on the hardware and integration chosen. At Gerbin Control, we pay attention to:
- Sufficient computing power for local analysis and data processing
- Reliable connectivity for interfacing with machines and networks
- Support for industrial protocols such as Profinet and Modbus TCP
- Rugged durability for long life in harsh environments
- Storage capacity to match the amount of data to be processed
With these principles, we ensure that our solutions are robust, easy to maintain and scalable for future expansion.
Local intelligence and machine learning
Edge computing enables analysis to be performed directly on site. In many of our projects, we deploy software that allows predictive maintenance and quality control to be performed locally.
Practical applications include:
- detection of anomalies in production lines based on sensor data,
- real-time adjustment of settings for process optimization,
- Machine performance monitoring for maintenance planning.
Because these analyses take place locally, there is no dependence on a constant Internet connection and immediate action can be taken when necessary.
Contact our experienced innovator
Cees Brasser
With more than 26 years of experience at the helm of Gerbin Control, Cees Brasser is your expert on panel construction for the machinery sector. Discover how his knowledge and insight can take your project to new heights. Get in touch now!
Security and maintenance from the ground up
Edge solutions are part of the industrial network and require a thoughtful approach to security and maintenance. At Gerbin Control, we design this based on customer requirements and the specific application.
We ensure that systems can be managed and updated securely, and that failures or anomalies can be detected quickly. Where possible, we also provide remote monitoring and support so that interventions can be carried out efficiently and with minimal impact on production.
For Gerbin Control, edge computing in panels is a logical step in the evolution of industrial automation. By combining powerful local processing with our expertise in panel construction, we make production processes faster, more reliable and future-proof.
Want to know how edge computing in your control panels can provide higher efficiency, reliability and safety? We offer customized advice, fully tailored to your installation and ambitions.
