28.06.2023
Written by Patrick Mc Carthy
What is the Unified NameSpace and why is it important?
Introduction
If you’re a manufacturer looking to harness the power of data to drive your business forward, we’ve got some exciting news for you! We understand that one of your main goals is to become more data-driven, and we’re here to help you achieve that in the most effective way possible.
Introducing the Unified Namespace (UNS) – a revolutionary architectural approach designed specifically for manufacturing companies like yours. UNS is the key to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation in your industry, enabling you to enhance productivity from real time data, optimize equipment maintenance, and establish a fully connected enterprise.
Why The UNS?
So why is UNS so important? Well, let’s take a few moments to shed light on the limitations of traditional industrial architecture. In the past, many manufacturers faced challenges when it came to integrating their organizational data across different business units and technology domains in the typical Industry 3.0 Approach. This fragmented approach hindered their ability to fully leverage the power of data and realize the benefits of digital transformation with real time data. Below is how it can look and supporting this is time consuming, not cost effective and not the best use of resources.
Let’s be honest, traditional industrial business structures are messy. There’s so many kinds of systems all generating data in different ways – ERP, MES, SCADA, PLCs, machine sensors. Each of these siloed systems have their own way of naming things (their own “language”) which leads to miscommunication errors and wasted time every single day. Even worse, it can be hard or even impossible to communicate and combine data easily between them.
Let’s explore an example.
Let’s say you intend to make data from a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) available to an intelligence platform in the Cloud. Using the old ISA 95 functional model, you’d require specialized engineering to get the data into your SCADA system and additional engineering resources to get it from SCADA into MES, and so on, until it lands in the Cloud. What’s worse is that industrial systems use incompatible data formats, meaning each type of equipment or software whose data needs integration requires dedicated engineering effort by different specialists.
Maintaining this industry 3.0 approach can be a bit like maintaining a plate of spaghetti with a white shirt on!
But with the Unified Namespace, those limitations become a thing of the past. UNS provides a comprehensive and integrated solution that breaks down the barriers between various data sources and systems within your organization. By creating a unified view of your real time data, UNS enables seamless communication and collaboration across departments, empowering you to make more informed decisions and drive innovation.
So with a UNS, your facility can speak the same language and become intelligent?
The UNS provides a universal language that different machines and software systems can use to communicate with each other. It acts like a translator that helps different computer systems “talk” to each other in a way they can all understand. This translation makes it possible to develop a single, centralized ecosystem where all your data can be stored and accessed. This means that everyone within the organization has access to consistent, accurate information. Instead of trying to decode a jumble of unintelligible words and symbols, you can simply refer to items using the same language no matter where you’re getting your data from. Everyone is on the same page. Using communication protocols like MQTT to relay change in states of your data, every component of an industrial automation system can access the same set of real-time data and work collaboratively with each other. Plug in your machines, sensors and enterprise systems, set your data structure and away you go!
Imagine being a data driven organisation.
Imagine a manufacturing environment where data flows effortlessly, all your machines and software systems work in perfect harmony and where information presented is accessible and actionable. With the UNS, you can achieve that level of connectivity and efficiency, leading to improved productivity and streamlined operations. By leveraging a unified data structure and architecture, an ecosystem per say, you’ll have the foundation to transform your business into a modern, agile, and data-driven organization.
Benefits of the UNS
Plug In, Plug Out
With UNS, data producers and consumers seamlessly integrate into your network infrastructure. By plugging them in, you unlock their data potential, allowing for effortless connectivity within your data ecosystem.
Reduce the Dollar Signs
Data efficiency is paramount. UNS eliminates the need for extensive and costly specialized services at every integration point. By removing these barriers, you significantly reduce the cost associated with integrating various data sources. With a unified approach, your organization can then allocate resources more effectively, driving down costs and maximizing return on investment.
Enhance your Data Agility
One pane of glass, one source of real time truth at your fingertips. Data agility is key to test, respond, plan, and deliver with unparalleled speed and precision. By breaking down data silos and providing a unified view, UNS equips you with the insights needed to make informed decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and optimize operations seamlessly.
Scale like you never thought possible
As your organization grows and evolves, scalability becomes a crucial factor. The UNS offers the ability to connect millions of nodes (plugins) seamlessly through a central hub. Scale your data effortlessly, accommodating the increasing demands of a rapidly expanding or already large enterprise. This scalability ensures that your data infrastructure remains agile, adaptable, and future proof serving your organisation for decades to come.
Most importantly, Solve Problems
With the true data now available, you can set about analysing and solving problems you did not even know were there. This is where the real gains are made now that you can see through a lense of data truth for the first time!
Summary
The UNS is a game-changer for manufacturing companies like yours, and we’re thrilled to offer this innovative solution to help you achieve your digital transformation goals. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the implementation process, ensuring a smooth transition to this unified and collaborative approach. Say goodbye to data fragmentation and welcome a new era of seamless communication and efficient operations with large savings.
Hi John
Great to meet you today. Could you please share some details about that German pharma who introduced UNS
Very interesting tour of your offices
Thanks
Rory