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The Ideal Architecture for Digital Transformation

Written by markitects on . Posted in Expert Blog.

Know the ‘Current State’ of Your Business AND
‘Future State’ of Your Business in Real Time.

By Paul Brodbeck, Chief Technologist

As covered in my last article, the first steps toward a digital transformation are to develop a strategy, get buy-in, and create a roadmap aligned with the business. Now, you’re ready to select a proof-of-concept pilot project. Typically, the pilot should be small enough to be completed over a 3-4 month period and use an Agile project management approach. An Agile approach promotes flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle—which is particularly important for the introduction of a new technology. In addition, smaller projects are more easily funded and quick wins can help justify bigger capital investments as the scope grows.

The Data Conundrum

The process of digital transformation and the implementation of advanced technologies, such as Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), require vast amounts of data. This data is not useful unless it can be interpreted in a meaningful way. Context adds meaning to raw data and transforms it into actionable information. We’ve all heard about the failures of Big Data projects due to lack of data contextualization.

The ability to transmit and contextualize large amounts of data throughout the enterprise requires rethinking how OT networks are architected. Traditionally, the main focus has been to protect the data behind firewalls, the argument being that opening ports in the firewalls begins to compromise the integrity of existing cybersecurity systems. The most common OT network architecture is the vertically stacked Purdue model, where hardware and software solutions are siloed, and vendor locked. In this scenario, unlocking the data requires custom protocols and licenses—not exactly a viable approach. Therefore, a new architecture has emerged, that is better suited for large amounts of data and enterprise-wide data buses, called the Hub/Spoke model.

The Emerging Hub/Spoke Model With UNS

A Hub/Spoke architecture uses: a low-bandwidth protocol called MQTT, an efficient data transmission method called publish/subscribe (or pub/sub), and data brokers that scale to high traffic volumes and provide redundancy. This network structure can communicate seamlessly with cloud applications because they are already standardized on MQTT. A framework, called the Unified Namespace (UNS), is superimposed on top of the Hub/Spoke network to further extend its capability as an enterprise-wide data hub. The combination—a Hub/Spoke network and UNS—forms the ideal infrastructure for an enterprise-wide data hub to support Industry 4.0 and predictive analytics, like ML and AI. Hub/Spoke is the backbone; MQTT data brokers provide the ability to transport large amounts of data; and the UNS provides a contextualized framework for interoperability and seamless data access.

Ultimately everything and everyone is plugged into the network. As a single source of truth, your UNS is a virtual representation of the business in real time which forms the basis for predictive analytics and actionable decisions. This real-time data is used to collect and analyze data/information to leverage ML/AI. ML predicts future outcomes based on past patterns and the current state. The layers of the business are integrated and operate based on data and information from all layers—in real time. Stakeholders know the ‘current state’ of the business in real time and stakeholders know the ‘future state’ of the business in real time.

Now that you’ve been exposed to Hub/Spoke and UNS, you probably have some questions about your selection of a proof-of-concept pilot. Please reach out to me to start a dialog.

The Business Case for Digital Transformation

Written by markitects on . Posted in Expert Blog.

Unlock New Revenue Streams. Innovate Product Offerings.
Build Resilience Against Market Disruptions.

By Paul Brodbeck, Chief Technologist

There are numerous white papers and surveys indicating that most CEOs believe data-driven transformation is crucial to their companies’ futures. Furthermore, the popularity of generative AI (ChatGPT, LLM, ML) allows us to believe that this technology is within practical reach. At the very least, manufacturers know they need to start investing in generative AI technologies in order to stay competitive.

The end-goal is that embedded AI and Machine Learning models will fuel predictive analytics and proactive decision-making—optimizing operations and maximizing quality, production, and yield.

We see and hear that companies do not have enough visibility into plant operations. For strategic planning and flexibility, a company needs to know the current state of its operations. Digital transformation empowers companies to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and improve customer experiences through data-driven insights and automation. It enables companies to stay competitive in rapidly evolving markets by reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and accelerating time-to-market for new products and services. By leveraging advanced technologies, like AI and Machine Learning, businesses can unlock new revenue streams, innovate their product offerings, and build resilience against market disruptions.

Digital Transformation can unlock significant value across the entire supply chain and throughout the factory network.

Where to Start Your Digital Transformation Investments

Your first actions should be to invest in a clear strategy and vision aligned with your business and to secure executive sponsorship. Companies need a digital strategy to provide a clear roadmap for leveraging technology to achieve their business goals, ensuring alignment between digital initiatives and overall company objectives.

A well-defined digital strategy helps businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation, prioritize investments, and address potential challenges like data security, integration, and change management. It enables companies to stay competitive by adapting to market trends, enhancing customer engagement, and continuously improving operational efficiency in an increasingly digital world.

Steps to Creating a Digital Transformation Strategy for a Sample OT Facility

Now that you understand the essentials to getting started on your Digital Transformation journey, I’ll next explain the ideal architecture needed for digital transformation to occur. In the meantime, please reach out to me with your comments or to start a dialog.