The Manufacturing X initiative, introduced last year by the Industrial 4.0 community, has a noble cause: to establish comprehensive and cross-sectoral digitalization within the industry. In simpler terms, its goal is to make digital data more usable throughout the entire value chain, thereby enabling industries to become more resilient, sustainable, and competitive. In smart factories, private 5G and Operational Technology (OT) security is setting the technical foreground for Manufacturing X, particularly from the resilience and competitiveness perspective.
Manufacturing X Imperative
Manufacturing X implies the advent of a seismic shift in manufacturing paradigms, marked by the digitalization of IoT, AI, robotics, and automation. At its core, this framework seeks to create an open, decentralized, and collaborative dataspace to share with trusted participants within the framework. Inevitably some elements must be laid in the foundation for the interoperability of data exchange. The very first element of the four cornerstones is “Identity & Trust” as described by Plattform Industrie 4.0 in Germany. Security always comes first as the foremost imperative and OT security solutions here play a crucial role in easing security concerns and helping build up trust.
The Rise of Private 5G
Meanwhile, in the foreground of Manufacturing X transformation, we see Private 5G taking center stage as a next-generation wireless technology redefining connectivity within industrial environments. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi or public 5G networks, Private 5G offers unparalleled reliability, low latency, and high bandwidth, tailored specifically to the demanding requirements of smart manufacturing.
Safeguarding Smart Factories with NEXCOM's ISA Series
NEXCOM's ISA Series is designed to fortify smart factory operations, the ISA Series encompasses a trio of mission-oriented solutions:
ISA 140 – IoT security gateway;
ISA 141 – Dual 5G/Wi-Fi security router;
ISA 142 – High-density security gateway and switch.
These devices, powered by Intel Atom® x6000E Series processors, with embedded out-of-band management and other value-added features, provide robust protection against cyber threats while facilitating seamless connectivity in challenging industrial environments.
Private 5G and OT Security in Manufacturing Context
The integration of Private 5G and OT security is essential in Manufacturing X, wherein each technology reinforces the other's efficacy. Private 5G networks serve as the backbone for real-time communication and data exchange, enabling seamless connectivity among IoT devices, industrial sensors, and automated machinery. OT security device deployment creates safe data sharing space in the OT workflow.
Simultaneously, OT security solutions like the ISA Series act as guardians of the digital playground, implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical industrial processes against cyber threats. Through features such as network segmentation, key asset protection, zero-trust network, and encryption techniques, these solutions mitigate the risk of data breaches and operational disruptions.
Embracing the Future Today
Manufacturing X unlocks new opportunities and business models for all industries across the board. NEXCOM embraces this revolution by offering cutting-edge solutions that help to empower smart factories and make them safer. With Private 5G and OT security, the future of smart manufacturing is within reach – today.
NEXCOM is a Titanium partner of the Intel(R) Partner Alliance program and a member of the Intel(R) Network Builders community.
For more information on NEXCOM's ISA Series and Private 5G solutions, visit NEXCOM's website or meet us at MWC Barcelona 2024, in Hall 5, Booth 5A61.