Quantum Automation has created a cloud-based IIoT solution which can be easily deployed to access valuable edge-sourced data and make it accessible for remote viewing, analysis, and control
Quantum Automation announces the availability of its QCloudServer industrial internet of things (QCS IIoT) system for remote monitoring and control applications. Traditionally, users have had to experiment with many hardware, software, and networking technologies for IIoT projects. The QCS IIoT solution does the heavy lifting of assembling these technologies, so end-users and systems integrators (SIs) can easily connect to edge-source data, transmit it on-site or to the cloud, aggregate and log the data, perform calculations and analysis as needed, and deliver mobile/web visualization.
Easily Access Trapped Data
End users and SIs everywhere know there is a lot of valuable data trapped at the industrial edge. It can come from individual sensors, smart devices, machines, automated equipment, or a combination of these. Wired network connectivity may not be available, and cellular data transmission is often the only option. The industry has responded with an assortment of hardware, software, and networking technologies—but researching and applying the right products can be difficult.
Quantum Automation has supported industrial clients for decades and has seen the challenges as well as the possibilities. To meet their needs, Quantum has developed the QCS IIoT as a configurable software as a service (SaaS). End-users can define their needs by simply filling out a spreadsheet, and can create a complete and economical IIoT installation—either directly or by engaging an SI—with a system that can be up and running in hours.
Practical IIoT
IIoT projects typically need some or all the following:
- Source data: From traditional or smart instruments and devices
- Edge computing: To gather and pre-process the data
- Communications: To transmit the data
- Cloud computing: For aggregating, logging, and supporting data visualization
- Configurable and custom software modules: To perform advanced calculations, analytics, and insight generation
- Mobile/web accessibility: So users can view and interact with the information
The QCS IIoT can connect with any user-supplied edge systems supporting MQTT. For new and retrofit projects, users may choose to use the Quantum Automation QRTU as a complete field hardware platform, with many PLC and edge communication device options.
QCS IIoT can be deployed on the user’s onsite servers, but the best flexibility and management is provided by cloud-hosting on Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers with support for the MQTT protocol. The cloud environment is configurable for standard computing needs, and custom code can be added if needed. Visualization dashboards can be viewed on any internet-connected web browser device—such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet—for ease of use.
Configuring a QCS IIoT Solution
Quantum Automation is ready to work with any end-user or SI to define a system configuration and to provide any required hardware. Low-cost training also includes a QCS IIoT development software key, and the software comes with standard built-in dashboards. Subscription fees begin at a low $19.95 per month depending on point count and include initial development and setup, ongoing maintenance of servers and software revisions, and technical support.
Custom software development, hardware design and fabrication, and more services and options are also available (for an additional fee) to create any conceivable solution. For OEMs wanting to brand the QCS IIoT solution under their own label, an annual white label agreement is available.
