Enabling cloud-based remote monitoring and maintenance of plant equipment.
Japan: Yokogawa Electric Corporation has announced the release of OpreX™ Managed Service -Cloud edition-, a solution that supports remote monitoring and maintenance of OT/IT field assets using a cloud platform provided by Yokogawa. By visualizing information on each device’s performance, reliability, and security for the entire plant system, the solution will help minimize unexpected plant shutdowns. The new service solution will be offered as part of the OpreX Sustainable Maintenance lineup.
Development Background
Unexpected plant shutdowns result in unscheduled work and increased maintenance costs and lead to lost production opportunities, substantial economic losses, and lowered corporate credibility. As OT/IT convergence accelerates and production facility monitoring systems are increasingly integrated with production management and information systems to improve efficiency, there is a growing need for solutions that enable appropriate maintenance activities for the entire complex system, protect the system from security threats, and optimize production efficiency in terms of both safety and efficiency.
In order to meet these needs, Yokogawa launched the OpreX Managed Service in September 2020 to digitize the monitoring and maintenance of production assets. With the development of the OpreX Managed Service -Cloud edition-, it is now possible to provide a solution that more customers can deploy with minimal lead time and cost for standardized functions.
Features
1. Shared-Cloud Dashboard Provides Real-Time Information On The Performance, Reliability, And Security Of OT/IT Devices
The shared-cloud dashboard provides real-time information on the performance, reliability, and security of all registered OT/IT devices. Customers can monitor and analyze the information on OT devices such as production equipment monitoring systems and field devices, and monitor the health and security status of IT devices such as computer assets and network devices.
2. Remote Control Through Remote Access With Enhanced Security
The powerful remote access function provides secure access even from outside the plant. Flexible session control with various combinations of conditions, such as limiting connections based on user role settings, site manager approval, connection time limits, and standard security features like the automatic recording of access activities, provide a more secure remote access environment.
3. Proactive 24/365 Monitoring And Prompt Maintenance Support Using IT Service Management (ITSM) Ticketing System
Yokogawa’s Network Operation Center (NOC) and Security Operation Center (SOC) monitor plant operations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to protect against security threats that are becoming more sophisticated every day. When an incident is detected, it is immediately registered in the ITSM ticketing system and troubleshooting is quickly initiated. This information is always shared online with the customer, who can check the status of the plant and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
4. Provision Of Optional Specialized Remote Services
The following services are available for customers who have subscribed to this service. More remote services will be developed in the future.
a) Distribution of Microsoft security updates and virus definition files, and provision of security diagnosis reports
b) Provision of health diagnostic reports for production equipment systems and field assets
Main Target Markets
The manufacturing industry in general
Applications
a) Efficiency improvement and outsourcing of maintenance and preservation activities
b) Remote operation monitoring infrastructure for safe access to plants
OpreX is the comprehensive brand for Yokogawa’s industrial automation (IA) and control business. The OpreX name stands for excellence in the technologies and solutions that Yokogawa cultivates through the co-creation of value with its customers and encompasses the entire range of Yokogawa’s IA products, services, and solutions. This brand comprises the following five categories: OpreX Transformation, OpreX Control, OpreX Measurement, OpreX Execution, and OpreX Lifecycle. OpreX Managed Service is an OpreX Sustainable Maintenance family solution in the OpreX Lifecycle category. For its development of products, services, and solutions in this category, Yokogawa tapped its extensive experience in working closely with customers to optimize operations and maintenance over the entire plant lifecycle.
Yokogawa provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations. Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,500 employees in a global network of 119 companies spanning 61 countries.
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