IIoT Infrastructure for Smart Manufacturing 225

5G

A fifth-generation network that receives and transmits radio wave signals from mobile phones and other wireless devices. 5G networks are often owned by mobile phone companies or wireless internet carriers.

actuators

A device that translates digital signal into physical action. Actuators are located in robots and industrial machines.

AI

Artificial intelligence. A computer program with algorithms that enable a machine or computer to imitate intelligent human behavior. AI allows machines to perform a process with autonomy.

application programming interfaces

APIs. A set of programmed instructions, definitions, and standards that define how one piece of software interacts with other software. Application programming interfaces are used for building software and communicating with different application software.

artificial intelligence

AI. A computer program with algorithms that enable a machine or computer to imitate intelligent human behavior. Artificial intelligence allows machines to perform a process with autonomy.

automated guided vehicles

AGVs. A programmable and highly sophisticated autonomous vehicle, often integrated with sensor technology, that moves throughout a space. Automated guided vehicles are often used in warehouses and agricultural environments.

bandwidth

The amount of information or data that can be sent over a communication channel in a given period of time. The higher a channel's bandwidth, the more information it can carry.

cloud

A network of remote servers that can be accessed through the internet. The cloud stores many software applications and can be used to back up data.

cloud computing

The practice of running software, processing data, and storing data on remote servers that can be accessed through the internet. Cloud computing is common amongst manufacturers and consumers.

cloud-based servers

A combination of hardware and software computing technology, typically provided by a third party, that allows users to access, store, and process data remotely through an internet connection. Cloud-based servers can provide multiple users with access to unlimited storage and processing capabilities but may pose greater cybersecurity risks than secure local area network (LAN) servers.

control loops

A series of process control operations. A control loop contains all the physical components and control functions necessary for a process.

cybersecurity

Protection against criminal or unauthorized access to computer networks, programs, and data. Cybersecurity has become a major industrial concern as networking and connectivity have increased.

data

A collection of numbers, facts, and information about a process or product. Data can be created, communicated, and recorded by sensors in smart objects.

data analytics

The process of analyzing raw data to make conclusions about the information. Data analytics have become automated with the implementation of artificial intelligence.

databases

Computer storage that holds data and is searchable. A database both stores and organizes information.

digital supply networks

DSNs. A web-based network of computers, companies, and systems that exchange resources such as materials and information to deliver products to customers. A digital supply network connects suppliers and stakeholders throughout the entire product lifecycle.

digitization

The conversion of data and processes from an analogue format to a digital format. Digitization allows manufacturing to become more connected.

distributed control systems

DCSs. A control system consisting of programmable logic controllers placed strategically throughout a manufacturing facility. Distributed control systems require a high-speed communication network.

edge computing

The practice of running software and processing and storing data on multiple local devices located at the data sources. Edge computing distributes processing tasks across multiple edge devices.

edge devices

A computing device that processes data near the source that created it. Edge devices may include routers, gateways, and smart devices that process data.

enterprise resource planning

ERP. An information management system that takes data from multiple internal and external information sources to integrate business processes throughout an organization. Enterprise resource planning is often integrated into product lifecycle management, operations management, and supply chain management systems via the digital thread.

ERP

Enterprise resource planning. An information management system that takes data from multiple internal and external information sources to integrate business processes throughout an organization. ERP is often integrated into product lifecycle management, operations management, and supply chain management system via the digital thread.

Ethernet

A common local area network standard that is the most popular type of network for office communication. Industrial Ethernet is a form of Ethernet used in manufacturing.

field devices

A component that connects to an input/output module on an industrial controller. Field devices can be sensors, robots, actuators, or other factory floor devices that do work.

graphical user interfaces

GUIs. A visual method of interacting with a computer or operating system. Graphical user interfaces may use windows, icons, and menus.

HMIs

Human machine interfaces. A peripheral device connected to a controller that allows an operator to monitor a program and interact with the controller. An HMI may have a graphical or textual display.

hosts

To provide the computer hardware and software that allows a website to exist on the internet. SaaS allows providers to host applications for users to access.

human machine interfaces

HMIs. A peripheral device connected to a controller that allows an operator to monitor a program and interact with the controller. A human machine interface may have a graphical or textual display.

IIoT

Industrial Internet of Things. A network of physical devices used in manufacturing that contain computing systems that allow them to send and receive data. The IIoT allows devices to exchange data and automate processes without any human intervention.

industrial control system

ICS. An automatic mechanism used to manage dynamic processes by adjusting or maintaining physical variables. Industrial control systems allow for more precise and repeatable processes across networks of manufacturing processes and equipment.

Industrial Internet of Things

IIoT. A network of physical devices used in manufacturing that contain computing systems that allow them to send and receive data. The Industrial Internet of Things allows devices to exchange data and automate processes without any human intervention.

information technology

IT. The use of computer systems for storing, processing, retrieving, and sending data. Information technology includes devices that create, process, or store electronic data, such as computers and smartphones.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service

IaaS. A cloud computing service model that provides cloud-based physical and virtual servers, storage, and networking. With Infrastructure-as-a-Service, third-party companies provide infrastructure as needed rather than having on-site infrastructure.

input/output devices

I/O devices. A component that connects to an input/output module on a PLC. Each input/output device, or field device, has its own electrical requirements.

International Society of Automation

ISA. A non-profit professional association of engineers, technicians, and management personnel engaged in industrial automation. The International Society of Automation creates standards to advance technical competence in manufacturing automation.

inventory tracking

The process of continuously monitoring a company's inventory. Inventory tracking allows a company to know where its inventory is in the supply chain.

ISA-95

An International Society of Automation standard intended to create a hierarchy of integrating systems and devices for factory automation. ISA-95 establishes a framework for organizing automation across an entire manufacturing operation.

IT

Information technology. The use of computer systems for storing, processing, retrieving, and sending data. IT includes devices that create, process, or store electronic data, such as computers and smartphones.

latency

The amount of time it takes data to become available in a database. Low latency is better for real-time data transmission.

machine learning

ML. The process that enables a digital system to analyze data in order to build predictive models and make decisions autonomously. Machine learning systematically solves problems using highly complex algorithms.

machine-to-machine

M2M. The transfer of data between machines and the internet without human interaction. Machine-to-machine communication relies on sensors.

managed service platform

A computing framework used to deliver network-based services, applications, and equipment to users. A managed service platform is run by a third-party company.

manufacturing execution system

MES. A software application that monitors and analyzes machine and process performance data related to processing materials and producing finished products. Manufacturing execution systems can be used to integrate performance data from multiple machines, monitor quality, and manage the execution of production tasks.

MES

Manufacturing execution system. A software application that monitors and analyzes machine and process performance data related to processing materials and producing finished products. MESs can be used to integrate performance data from multiple machines, monitor quality, and manage the execution of production tasks.

network

A group of systems and devices connected to one another through wired or wireless connections. Networks allow data to transfer electronically from one location to another.

operational technology

OT. A system comprised of hardware and software that controls industrial operations. Operational technology includes control systems, field devices, PLCs, and SCADA systems.

OT

Operational technology. A system comprised of hardware and software that controls industrial operations. OT includes control systems, field devices, PLCs, and SCADA systems.

overall equipment effectiveness

OEE. A measure of how effectively equipment is being used. Overall equipment effectiveness measures how well a manufacturing operation is utilized.

Platform-as-a-Service

PaaS. A cloud computing service model for delivering a cloud-based platform for running, developing, testing, and managing applications. With Platform-as-a-Service, IT developers maintain management of the applications.

PLCs

Programmable logic controllers. A processor-driven device that uses logic-based software to provide electrical control to a machine or process. A PLC can replace many physical relays and hard-wired connections in a process.

predictive maintenance

A maintenance approach that involves collecting data related to machine operation in order to service a machine before maintenance issues arise. A predictive maintenance approach involves performing maintenance based on machine usage and data instead of at regularly scheduled intervals, which decreases the amount of maintenance needed, reducing downtime.

process control

A method of monitoring process performance by measuring and regulating the processes that yield a product. Process control involves collecting and analyzing data to help reduce error.

product lifecycle management

PLM. A computer software program that traces all information related to the manufacture of a product from prototype to failure. Product lifecycle management software uses the digital thread to integrate all cyber-physical data related to the manufacture of a part and beyond.

production control

The process of monitoring and controlling production or operations within supply chain management and manufacturing. Production control is a part of operation management.

programmable logic controllers

PLCs. A processor-driven device that uses logic-based software to provide electrical control to a machine or process. A programmable logic controller can replace many physical relays and hard-wired connections in a process.

protocols

A set of standards and rules used by network devices to interact with each other. Protocols are the language that networked devices use to communicate.

SCADA

Supervisory control and data acquisition. A control system architecture used to monitor and control industrial processes. SCADA systems can make supervisory decisions locally or remotely.

sensors

A device that detects the presence or absence of an object or certain properties of an object and provides feedback. Sensors collect data about their environment.

smart factory

A manufacturing facility with a flexible system that can autonomously run an entire production process. Smart factories integrate automation, data, and analysis into manufacturing processes.

smart manufacturing

A method of manufacturing designed to improve product design and processes by integrating digital technology throughout the supply chain. Smart manufacturing increases connectivity and data exchange between all areas of product development, factory operations, and enterprise systems.

smart sensors

A device equipped with software that can detect physical inputs, process them as data, and output digital signals. Smart sensors are more advanced than normal digital sensors, since they can process data internally rather than needing to send digital signals to an external system for processing.

Software-as-a-Service

SaaS. A cloud computing service model for delivering on-demand, cloud-based software applications. With Software-as-a-Service, users can access applications from any device.

supervisory control and data acquisition

SCADA. A control system architecture used to monitor and control industrial processes. Supervisory control and data acquisition systems can make supervisory decisions locally or remotely.

supply chains

A network of organizations that exchange resources such as materials and information to deliver products to customers. Supply chains consist of a manufacturer, its suppliers, its distributors, and its customers.

warehouse management system

WMS. A computer software program that manages an organization's inventory and monitors supply chain fulfillment operations. Warehouse management systems coordinate incoming products and the movement, storage, tracking, and delivery of products.

wearable technology

A category of smart devices that people can wear on the body. Wearable technology can track and transmit data created by personnel.

WiFi

A type of wireless network that enables communication between devices at a single geographical location. WiFi networks are typically established by connecting a wireless access point to a wired internet device.

wired networks

A type of digital communication network that transmits signals between computing devices using copper or fiber optic cable. A wired network can be restricted to a single location or extended over long distances.

wireless networks

A network that uses radio waves instead of copper or fiber optic cable to transmit data. In wireless networks, devices transmit radio signals through antennas.