Molex has worked with MB Connect Line GmbH to realise a new platform for remote access, monitoring and predictive maintenance: it is a cloud-based communication channel. Data transparency is getting increasingly important, and this platform adds communications and networking to the production process, offering machine and system builders’ capabilities designed to enable real-time condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, supporting the drive towards smarter machines and factories.
As Industry 4.0 seeks to improve efficiency, increase flexibility and accelerate time-to-market, enabled through integration of smart devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), one example of this in action is maximising system availability through remote condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. This allows machine and system builders to deliver added value to manufacturing customers and re-think their traditional business models.
Versatile Internet Access
A key component of this solution, industrially hardened and secured routers deliver versatile internet access – via either Ethernet WAN or WiFi – to enable remote set-up, configuration, diagnostic monitoring and maintenance of machines installed anywhere. With built-in NAT firewall, VPN connection, SSL encryption and two-factor authentication functionality, this solution provides both seamless integration with the customer’s network and remote machine access in a strongly cyber-secured manner.
“These routers offer the most cyber-secured solution designed for industrial automation applications,” says Thierry Bieber, Business Development Manager, Molex. “And setup and cyber-security has been designed to be managed by industrial automation personnel, not IT engineers.”
Access is gained through the mbCONNECT24 Remote Services Portal (RSP), providing a means to easily manage the installed machine base across the globe. Enhanced control of roles and access credentials for users and machines also allows manufacturers to benefit remotely from the expertise and competencies of specialist internal and external personnel, without compromising the security of the entire application. Available as a cloud-based public version for rapid start-up, or as private version (hosted on the customer’s own servers) for enhanced data control, mbCONNECT24 is a versatile platform for IIoT (Industrial IoT) and Industry 4.0 applications.
