What are the key features of modern industrial control systems that use big data and cloud computing?

Modern industrial control systems (ICS) are complex and dynamic systems that monitor and regulate various physical processes, such as manufacturing, power generation, water distribution, and transportation. To achieve optimal performance, reliability, and safety, ICS need to collect, process, and analyze large amounts of data from sensors, actuators, and other devices. Moreover, ICS need to communicate and collaborate with other systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain management (SCM), and customer relationship management (CRM). How can ICS leverage the power of big data and cloud computing to enhance their capabilities and overcome their challenges? In this article, we will explore some of the key features of modern ICS that use big data and cloud computing.

1 Data acquisition and integration

One of the key features of modern ICS is the ability to acquire and integrate data from multiple sources, both within and outside the system. Data acquisition involves collecting data from sensors, actuators, and other devices that measure and control the physical processes. Data integration involves combining and harmonizing data from different formats, protocols, and standards. By using big data and cloud computing, ICS can access and process more data than ever before, and gain insights into the system's behavior, performance, and status.

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Abdul Mutal S.

IT Transformation and Infrastructure Support at DalkiaUS EDF Group | CyberSecurity | Microsoft365 Admin | Systems Analyst | Project Management
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Cloud Integration, Scalability and Elasticity, Big Data Analytics, Real-time Processing, Security Measures, Interoperability, Remote Monitoring and Control, Machine Learning and AI, Data Storage and Management, Data Visualization, Compliance and Standards, Redundancy and Reliability.

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Jamshid Saleh

IT Projects Manager | Data center design and implementation consultant | Virtualization | Teaching
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In my opinion, big data and cloud computing have created a revolution in all industries, including ICS. The future will definitely belong to Data. In the following, I will only mention some of the applications of big data and cloud computing. Of course, I will give a brief explanation on one or two points: 1- Scalability: Cloud computing allows for scalable infrastructure, accommodating variable workloads and adapting to the changing demands of industrial processes. 2- Real-time Data Processing: Process and analyze data in real-time, allowing for quick decision-making and response to dynamic changes in the industrial environment. and Interoperability, Cybersecurity Measures, Fault Tolerance, Redundancy, Edge Computing Integration , ...

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Michael Afelumo

Information Communication Technology Teacher | Bachelor of Science Education
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-Real-time data collection and analysis: The ability to collect and analyze data in real-time allows for faster and more accurate decision-making. - Machine learning and artificial intelligence: These technologies can be used to automate decision-making processes and improve system performance. - Cloud-based architecture: This allows for scalability and flexibility, as well as easier access to data and applications from anywhere. - Secure communication protocols: These ensure that data is transmitted securely and that the system is protected from cyber-attacks. - Remote monitoring

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Pietro Caminiti

CIO/CTO
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I'd like to add: - controlled action/feedback components to perform actions on devices - on-field intelligence and ability to execute operations with "zero latency" constraints

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2 Data analytics and optimization

Another key feature of modern ICS is the ability to perform data analytics and optimization on the acquired and integrated data. Data analytics involves applying various techniques, such as statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, to extract meaningful information and patterns from the data. Data optimization involves using mathematical models and algorithms to find the optimal solutions for the system's objectives and constraints. By using big data and cloud computing, ICS can perform more advanced and sophisticated data analytics and optimization, and improve the system's efficiency, quality, and resilience.

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Pietro Caminiti

CIO/CTO
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data analytics are component but should not be associated only with "owned ICS data" otherwise we are analyzing your-self and not taking advantage on what the market is doing to improve same stuff. IMHO data need to be feeded from 3 different source - local ICS - similar ICS around the world (sort of anonymized data sharing) - COTS data coming from labs or something similar

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3 Data security and privacy

A third key feature of modern ICS is the ability to ensure data security and privacy. Data security involves protecting the data from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion. Data privacy involves safeguarding the data from unwanted disclosure or exposure. By using big data and cloud computing, ICS face new risks and challenges, such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and data leakage. Therefore, ICS need to adopt and implement appropriate measures, such as encryption, authentication, authorization, and auditing, to secure and protect their data.

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Julia Schlenker

IT in der Pflege, weil es um Menschen geht.
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Die Sensibilisierung von Nutzer*innen im Umgang mit Systemen ist ebenfalls wichtig, Stichwort "Human Firewall". Mitarbeitende benötigen regelmäßige Schulungen zum sicheren Umgang mit den Systemen, um sowohl die Datensicherheit als auch den Datenschutz zu gewährleisten. Weitere geeignete Maßnahmen können Nutzungsrichtlinien und Dienstanweisungen sein, die erstellt und regelmäsig auf Einhaltung geprüft und evaluiert werden.

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4 Data visualization and communication

A fourth key feature of modern ICS is the ability to visualize and communicate data. Data visualization involves presenting the data in graphical or interactive forms, such as charts, graphs, maps, or dashboards. Data communication involves transmitting and exchanging the data between different systems, platforms, or users. By using big data and cloud computing, ICS can create and share more comprehensive and intuitive data visualizations, and enable more effective and efficient data communication.

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Pietro Caminiti

CIO/CTO
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on top of this we need to have data insight and benchmarking coming from market with vendors/distributors on the value chain of data analysis and even new proposal of maintenance

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Julia Schlenker

IT in der Pflege, weil es um Menschen geht.
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Ein wichtiger Aspekt ist das barrierefreie oder barrierearme Bereitstellen von Visualisierungen in der Kommunikation. Alternativtexte zu Grafiken sind ebenso zu berücksichtigen wie Farbsehschwächen (z.B. rot-grün-Sehschwäche). Es sollte auf "sprechende Zahlen" oder Grafiken etc. gesetzt werden, aus denen Nutzer*innen schnell erfassen können, welche Informationen ihnen bereitgestellt werden. Dashboards bieten einen guten Überblick. Weitere Details zu einzelnen Komponenten/Ressourcen können über verschiedenen Reports abgerufen werden.

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5 Data management and governance

A fifth key feature of modern ICS is the ability to manage and govern data. Data management involves organizing, storing, and maintaining the data. Data governance involves defining, implementing, and monitoring the policies, standards, and procedures for the data. By using big data and cloud computing, ICS can handle and control more data than ever before, and ensure the data's quality, consistency, and availability.

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6 Data innovation and transformation

A sixth key feature of modern ICS is the ability to innovate and transform data. Data innovation involves creating new value and opportunities from the data, such as new products, services, or business models. Data transformation involves changing the data's form, function, or meaning, such as converting data into knowledge, action, or impact. By using big data and cloud computing, ICS can unleash and exploit the full potential of their data, and achieve more innovation and transformation.

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Julia Schlenker

IT in der Pflege, weil es um Menschen geht.
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Das Anbinden KI-gestützter Tools bietet zudem die Möglichkeit nicht nur eigene Daten auszuwerten, sondern auch Vergleichsdaten anderer Unternehmen (anonymisiert) zu erhalten, um selbst bessere Ergebnisse in der Transformation zu erzielen.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Julia Schlenker

IT in der Pflege, weil es um Menschen geht.
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Community of Practices und sonstige branchenübergreifende Netzwerke können helfen, um von Erfahrungen anderer in Bezug auf die zuvor genannten Aspekte zu profitieren.

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What are the key features of modern industrial control systems that use big data and cloud computing?

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1 Data acquisition and integration

2 Data analytics and optimization

3 Data security and privacy

4 Data visualization and communication

5 Data management and governance

6 Data innovation and transformation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Control Engineering

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