For a long time, discrete automation is usually based on PLC control system as the core, and there are various relatively independent PLC systems in the global market.

However, with the development of automation technology and IT technology, digitalization has gradually replaced traditional automation technology and become the development direction of advanced manufacturing technology in the current industrial field. Basic industrial automation functions are necessary, but no longer sufficient. End users are already looking for better data availability and remote visualization capabilities to support optimized operations and even new business models. For this reason, the next generation of discrete automation era represented by edge computing technology has arrived.

With the enhancement of computing power, the reduction of equipment footprint, and the reduction of energy consumption, these provide more possibilities for the integration of IT and OT. Data acquisition, processing, and analysis can occur on these next-generation edge devices as they communicate with machine-layer devices and be sent to the enterprise layer or cloud, where it can be integrated with advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques. This makes information more accessible to improve decision-making from the production level to the management level, and enables access to alarms, reports, and operator interfaces from any location.

PLCs and PACs have long been used for machine automation, they focus on equipment operation and local functionality. The new generation of edge controllers will continue to play the role of PLCs and PACs, while adding modern computing power and IT-friendly communications and cloud connectivity.

industrial edge computing includes a range of product portfolios such as edge controllers, edge computing devices, edge analytics, and edge gateways. Edge controllers are an evolution of PLC/PAC that can perform real-time control while also integrating common operating systems in a secure and collaborative manner. Retrofitting an edge controller into an existing system enables advanced calculations, while installing an edge controller in a new system enables an all-in-one solution.