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Real-Time Manufacturing Trends

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The world of industrial automation is changing rapidly, generating a need for real-time manufacturing.  Most industrialized nations are seeing their economies shift from labor-rich to labor-scarce, forcing plants to automate to keep costs down.  At the same time, consumers are demanding more customized products and sustainable use of resources, which requires smarter and more versatile production lines.  Adding to the challenge, obtaining raw materials and parts has become less predictable since the start of the pandemic, creating a need for more dynamic and flexible supply chains.

Responding to these circumstances, executives and managers are increasingly adopting new ways of managing their businesses, according to Bill Lydon at Automation.com.  In a recent report, The Digitalization Dozen, he wrote: “The foundations of manufacturing and production are being reshaped by their integration into a comprehensive real-time business system, creating more efficient and responsive production to increase sales and profits.”

Real-time data

Real-time business systems rely on real-time data.  ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems of the past were not directly synchronized with operations, providing data that was weeks or months old.  That led to the use of MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) which are quicker, but add a layer of cost, complexity, and fragility.  What is needed, according to Lydon, is to rebuild the enterprise as a real-time manufacturing business.

A few pioneering companies have read the writing on the wall, and are now looking at ways to implement the necessary changes.  Melanie Kalmar, spokesperson for Dow Corporation said, “We are really focused on being a real-time company, using and leveraging the data we have to drive better decisions, be a more sustainable company, and a favored company.”

Many others will follow, says Lydon.  He explains how digital communication in real time unifies the corporate vision by providing accurate and timely data for interested parties throughout the enterprise, as well as among suppliers and customers.  This data transparency keeps employees at all levels well informed, improving their decisions, which leads in turn to greater success.

Closed-loop operations

Lydon envisions a digital manufacturing architecture that is real-time, synchronized, and optimized through the use of “closed loop operations of IT and Operational Technology OT groups.”  By this he means that data coming from sensors and field equipment, edge devices, plant or process operations gets passed in real time to business systems like digital twin models and analytical tools, including artificial intelligence engines.  These systems pass commands back to the OT systems in a closed loop, all in real time.

Needless to say, this must all be based on secure, bidirectional real-time data communications.  Security is essential because plant and operations networks must be kept isolated, completely separate from business networks.  And robust, bidirectional real-time communication is necessary for closed-loop performance.  Otherwise it would be like driving a car with a three-second lag between the steering wheel, brake pedal, and tires―a recipe for disaster.

Other trends

Two other trends in industrial automation are helping make real-time manufacturing work.  The first is wide-spread use of open standards like TCP and OPC (Open Process Communication).  Open data communication standards like these give multiple vendors a chance to compete and contribute, which brings new ideas and more product choices for system designers and integrators.  Industrial systems are complex, with a wide variety of sensors, devices, tools, machines, and other components that need to be connected seamlessly.  Standard protocols make these connections possible.

A second trend is towards less programming, by using off-the-shelf software and services.  These make it easier, faster, and cheaper for a system integrator to test, build, and deliver a working automation system. A generation of engineers who had to build solutions from scratch is retiring, just as systems are growing more complex.  The new generation understands the value of using ready-made tools to quickly implement solutions, rather than starting from the ground up on each new project.

From our perspective, these trends all point towards a need for products and services that provide secure, real-time industrial data communications.  Our latest release, DataHub 10, runs both on-site or in the cloud, connects OT to IT securely through DMZs, and supports real-time networking of live and historical data. It is well positioned to lead the way for digital and real-time manufacturing.

Skkynet Releases Enhanced DataHub®

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DataHub® real-time middleware now supports connections to popular real-time data historians, alarms and notifications, and MQTT Sparkplug B

Mississauga, Ontario, January 11, 2022 – Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (“Skkynet”) (OTCQB: SKKY) is pleased to announce the release of a major new version of DataHub® middleware.  With powerful new enhancements, DataHub middleware for secure, real-time industrial data communications now connects to popular industrial data historians from AVEVA, InfluxData, and OSIsoft.  This innovative release is also able to generate alarms and notifications, and can handle thousands of MQTT connections, including MQTT Sparkplug B.

“This latest release of DataHub is redefining industrial IoT,” said Paul Thomas, President of Skkynet. “Users can now collect historical and alarm data directly from in-plant systems and securely pass it over the Internet to central offices and the cloud.”

Industrial data from virtually any source: pipelines, wind farms, factories, chemical plants, assembly lines, water treatment facilities, and more can be consolidated and then transmitted securely and in real time to corporate analytical systems and data lakes to power AI engines, synchronize digital twin implementations, and feed KPI calculations.

Security is based on Skkynet’s patented technology that uses outbound-only connections to ensure that no attack surface is exposed on a local plant network. It requires no IT policy changes, no open inbound firewall ports, no VPNs, and no extra hardware―while allowing real-time bi-directional data flow through DMZs and network proxies up to the cloud.

The new release also provides enhanced, patent-pending support for MQTT, strengthening IoT communications by allowing users to integrate multiple connections and providing them with more reliable verification of data delivery and status of connected devices.  Additional new features include the ability to generate alarms and notifications from process data as it flows through the system, and to send them via email, text messages, and social media.

Skkynet’s products and services—DataHub software for in-plant, Skkynet DataHub service for Microsoft Azure, SkkyHub cloud service, and ETK for embedded devices—provide secure access to industrial data through open, standard industrial protocols, allowing users to fully integrate OT with IT systems and other applications anywhere in the world. Secure by design, Skkynet’s solution requires no VPN, no open firewall ports, no special programming, and no additional hardware. Secure integration of embedded devices, on-premise systems, and remote locations through seamless, end-to-end connectivity in real time lets users derive maximum value from Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0. For more information, visit: https://skkynet.com/investors/

About Skkynet

Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (OTCQB: SKKY) is a global leader and innovator in real-time information systems. Skkynet’s leading-edge platform includes the award-winning SkkyHub™ service, DataHub® middleware, Skkynet DataHub service on Microsoft Azure, and Embedded Toolkit (ETK) software. The platform enables real-time data connectivity for industrial, embedded, and financial systems, with no programming required. Skkynet’s platform is uniquely positioned for the “Internet of Things” and “Industry 4.0” because unlike the traditional approach for networked systems, Skkynet’s architecture is secure by design.

Safe Harbor

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, such as the inherent uncertainties associated with new business opportunities and development stage companies. Skkynet assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements. Although Skkynet believes that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Investors should refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in Skkynet’s annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Skkynet Launches Skkynet DataHub® service for Microsoft Azure

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Skkynet’s innovative technology now available at Microsoft Azure Marketplace for secure, real-time industrial data communications

Mississauga, Ontario, November 30, 2021 – Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (“Skkynet” or “the Company”) (OTCQB: SKKY) is pleased to announce that Skkynet’s DataHub® technology for secure, real-time industrial data communications is now available at Microsoft Azure Marketplace. With the DataHub service, Azure customers can securely acquire, monitor, control, consolidate, and share their live process data.

“The DataHub service provides a unique way to securely integrate operations technology with IT on  Microsoft Azure,” said Paul Thomas, President of Skkynet. “Users can now aggregate data feeds from multiple sources, and feed data to dashboards, data lakes, and other connected programs―without exposing their production systems.”

“I’ve been working with pharmacy production equipment, grocery store water systems, municipal facilities, and universities where the managers all need the same thing: secure access to their process data,” said Rick Lisowski, President of Skye Controls & Design in Spencerport, NY. “Connecting the hardware they use to the DataHub software running on Azure puts it all together. Now my motto is: I can get any data from anywhere and push it to where you need it.”

“Microsoft Azure Marketplace empowers customers to discover, try, and deploy software solutions that are certified and optimized to run on Azure,” said Jake Zborowski, General Manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp. “Azure Marketplace helps solutions like Skkynet reach more customers and markets.”

The Skkynet DataHub service connects seamlessly to Azure IoT Hub for real-time remote monitoring, control, and data logging. Using standard industrial protocols like OPC UA or MQTT, users can also connect directly to popular applications and programs that run on Azure, or at remote locations.

Security is based on Skkynet’s patented technology that uses outbound-only connections to ensure that no attack surface is exposed on a local plant network. It requires no IT policy changes, no open inbound firewall ports, no VPNs, and no extra hardware while allowing real-time bi-directional data flow through DMZs and network proxies up to the cloud.

Skkynet’s products and services—DataHub software for in-plant, Skkynet DataHub service for Microsoft Azure, SkkyHub cloud service, and ETK software for embedded devices—provide secure access to industrial data through open, standard industrial protocols, allowing users to fully integrate OT with IT systems and other applications anywhere in the world. Secure by design, Skkynet’s solution requires no VPN, no open firewall ports, no special programming, and no additional hardware. Secure integration of embedded devices, on-premise systems, and remote locations through seamless, end-to-end connectivity in real time lets users derive maximum value from Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0. For more information, visit: https://skkynet.com/investors/

About Skkynet

Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (OTCQB: SKKY) is a global leader and innovator in real-time information systems. Skkynet’s leading-edge platform includes the award-winning SkkyHub™ service, DataHub® middleware, Skkynet DataHub service on Microsoft Azure, and Embedded Toolkit (ETK) software. The platform enables real-time data connectivity for industrial, embedded, and financial systems, with no programming required. Skkynet’s platform is uniquely positioned for the “Internet of Things” and “Industry 4.0” because unlike the traditional approach for networked systems, Skkynet’s architecture is secure by design.

Safe Harbor

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, such as the inherent uncertainties associated with new business opportunities and development stage companies. Skkynet assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements. Although Skkynet believes that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Investors should refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in Skkynet’s annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Benefits of Harnessing Live Data

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The data is pouring in.  The flow started as a mere trickle of hand-written records on clipboards in the early days of mechanical and pneumatic automation.  It grew to a steady stream with the introduction of PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems pooling data automatically.  Now, with the advent of IoT and digital transformation live data is gushing through industrial systems in a mighty torrent.

As with the flow of water, this flow of live data has power. Harnessing it can mean more efficient operations, savings in labor and material costs, and overall improvements in quality.  What’s needed is software to facilitate the collection, analysis, and distribution of the results in real time.

This is what a recent survey of 500 mid-level manufacturing professionals suggests.  The Plutoshift report, The Challenge of Turning Data Into Action, says over three quarters of their respondents agreed that “in order to take immediate action based on collected data, they need software solutions that analyze data in real-time.”

Problem: Manual data entry

Summing up the report’s findings: despite well-known benefits of digital transformation, the adoption rate has been low.  Only 12% of those surveyed have configured their systems to respond automatically to incoming data.  The common feeling is that data inputs are not reliable enough for automated response.  About half of the respondents are still using manual data entry.  This in itself can introduce errors, and perhaps worse, the data almost immediately goes stale until the next manual entry is made.  The more stale the data gets, the more likely it will be incorrect.  And an automated response to stale data could be catastrophic.

For example, a machine may only be checked by an operator once per day on a plant floor walk-through.  If it develops an irregular vibration, it could be hours before it is noticed.  An automated system using manual data input might keep it running, possibly damaging the equipment.  On the other hand, an inexpensive IoT sensor on the machine could send notification as soon as a problem is detected, and trigger an alarm or automatic speed adjustment until an operator could take remedial action.

Once the data is streaming in, there are many companies out there like Plutoshift that can help manage it.  Skkynet’s focus is the data stream itself—to ensure it is secure, reliable, and up to date—to the millisecond.  This will allow those who use the data to take full advantage of automated response mechanisms, to actively participate in digital transformation. Like the human nervous system relaying data from the outside world, effective digital transformation depends on harnessing live data.  After all, you can only know as much about your world, or your system, as the data tells you.

Collecting Big Data in Real Time

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It was bound to happen.  The two titans meet.  The gargantuan grasp of Big Data turns its ever-open hands towards the firehose stream of real-time data.  “The next evolution of the big data phenomenon has turned out to be real time streaming of data,” says Big Data pundit Rick Delgado in a recent blog: What Real Time Streaming Means for Big Data.  “Organizations have an increased need to gather and analyze their data at the same time, making real time data streaming a must if big data is going to keep up with demand.”

Will Big Data ever be satisified?  Not as long as the demand for informed action continues to grow.  Will we ever run out of real-time data?  Not as long as stuff keeps happening.  The only thing necessary to complete this marriage is to make the connection, and stream real-time data into the welcoming, capable hands of Big Data.

This is what we are keen on.  With our established track record in real-time industrial data communications, we anticipated this need for real-time analytics years ago, along with other thought leaders.  In a blog back in 2011 we quoted Paul Maritz, President & CEO of VMware at keynote address on the future of cloud computing at VMWorld 2011, “People are going to have to be able to react to information coming in, in real time.” Since then we’ve been putting the vision into action, and it’s great to now see the Big Data people coming on board.

Real-Time Analytics from Big Data

The advantage of live connectivity to Big Data is you can now do your analytics in real time. Delgado sees this clearly.  Real-time inputs to Big Data, he says, can fuel near-real-time outputs.  Rather than a two-stage process of storing the data, and then analyzing it, the analysis can take place on the fly, and your system can function like the mind of an athelete, jazz musician, pilot, or soldier. Insights become more spontaneous, and reactive responses are replaced by pro-active initiatives. The competitive advantage goes to those who can better anticipate and immedately meet customer demands, increasing customer satisfaction and establishing greater loyalty.

Delgado lists a number of areas where real-time streaming to Big Data could have a significant impact. For example, certain types of fraudulent or suspicious patterns of trading in the financial sector that don’t show up in the aggregate could be spotted in real time.  Businesses could monitor customer behavior on websites and social media to provide people with exactly what they need, at the moment they want it.

Additional Benefits – Industrial Sector

Among various application spaces that Delgado mentioned, he left out a significant one: streaming real-time Big Data for industrial users.  Imagine an operator of a machine where an alarm light is flashing.  Looking at his smart phone or tablet, he gets not only the alarm and raw data from the machine, but a real-time analysis of what could be wrong.  And along with that, he may receive suggested action steps based on comparing that data in real time to technical specs, historical records, and even live recommendations from its manufacturer, who is also connected to the machine, and monitoring it in real time.

Companies like GE are investing millions in such systems.  They collect and analyze in real time the Big Data coming from power turbines, jet engines, and other equipment during operation.  As the Industrial IoT gains acceptance, we see other companies, big and small, follow suit.  The value inherent in real-time data for making instantaneous decisions is too great to pass up.  The industrial sector, a large and long-time user of real-time data, stands to benefit significantly by connecting to Big Data.

Skkynet Technology Featured in IEEE Paper and Presentation

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The feasibility and value of cloud-based data communications for power generation smart grid testbeds presented at IEEE General Meeting.

Mississauga, Ontario, July 19, 2016 – Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (“Skkynet”) (OTCQB: SKKY), a global leader in real-time cloud information systems, announces that its SkkyHub™  technology supported research leading to a published paper presented at the IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting in Boston yesterday. The paper, “Cloud Communication for Remote Access Smart Grid Testbeds” by Mehmet H. Cintuglu and Osama A. Mohammed of Florida International University, concludes that “cloud communication can be successfully implemented for actual smart grid power systems test beds.”

“We are pleased that the IEEE has accepted this paper for publication,” said Paul Thomas, President of Skkynet. “This is a significant milestone in demonstrating the value of cloud-based, real-time data connectivity for industrial and infrastructure applications.”

The object of the research was to determine the effectiveness of cloud-based communication for integrating data coming from diverse, heterogeneous electrical system testbeds.  These testbeds allow students and researchers to quickly test and verify innovations and proof-of-concept systems. While networked testbeds are useful for testing large deployments of smart devices, traditional WAN approaches are costly.  “In cloud based systems operational costs are significantly reduced compared to dedicated high bandwidth wide area links which was previously a pre-requisite for creating successful networking test beds,” the paper states.

The cloud communications technology used for the research was Skkynet’s SkkyHub service, which the paper describes as “a SaaS platform providing secure end-to-end networking for smart grid devices such as IEDs and PMUs,” which can be “implemented on virtually any new or existing system at a low cost capital and provides a web-based human-machine-interface (HMI) for remote access and supervisory control.”

The SkkyHub service allows industrial and embedded systems to securely network live data in real time from any location. It enables bidirectional supervisory control, integration and sharing of data with multiple users, and real-time access to selected data sets in a web browser. The service is capable of handling over 50,000 data changes per second per client, at speeds of just microseconds over Internet latency. Secure by design, it requires no VPN, no open firewall ports, no special programming, and no additional hardware.

About Skkynet

Skkynet Cloud Systems, Inc. (OTCQB: SKKY) is a global leader in real-time cloud information systems. The Skkynet Connected Systems platform includes the award-winning SkkyHub™ service, DataHub®, WebView™, and Embedded Toolkit (ETK) software. The platform enables real-time data connectivity for industrial, embedded, and financial systems, with no programming required. Skkynet’s platform is uniquely positioned for the “Internet of Things” and “Industry 4.0” because unlike the traditional approach for networked systems, SkkyHub is secure-by-design. Customers include Microsoft, Caterpillar, Siemens, Metso, ABB, Honeywell, IBM, GE, BP, Goodyear, BASF, E·ON, Bombardier and the Bank of Canada. For more information, see http://skkynet.com.

Safe Harbor

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, such as the inherent uncertainties associated with new business opportunities and development stage companies.  Skkynet assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements. Although Skkynet believes that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Investors should refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in Skkynet’s annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.