Siemens has announced plans to build an open cloud platform to analyse large datasets in industry. This will provide a platform for data-based services such as Siemens offers for predictive maintenance, asset and energy data management. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can also create their own applications to exploit the open infrastructure for data analytics. For example, data can be analysed to optimise operation of the OEM's machinery fleets (Platform as a Service). It is intended that the new cloud platform will utilise the technologies of the SAP HANA® Cloud Platform. Based on SAP's in-memory technology, the SAP HANA Cloud Platform is an open platform that enables customers and developers to develop, extend and operate apps in the cloud.
"The establishment of the new cloud platform will make a significant contribution to driving forward the digitalisation of automation. Powerful services for analysing data from industry are an important part of our digital enterprise strategy", declared Klaus Helmrich, Managing Board Member of Siemens AG.
This development further extends the data-based services Siemens unveiled in 2014. With these Plant Data Services, machinery and systems data is continuously recorded, preprocessed and analysed, providing real added value to manufacturing companies. For instance, the "Asset Analytics" services enable companies to increase the availability of machines, production lines or entire systems through continuous online monitoring. Intelligent pattern recognition or simulation is used to identify potential problems well in advance to enable corrective measures before unplanned downtimes occur. "Energy Analytics" energy data management services support plant operators by providing the transparency of usage data and revealing hidden energy savings potential. With the creation of the new cloud platform, Siemens is enhancing its Plant Data Services to encompass "Plant Cloud Services". Based on the SAP HANA Cloud Platform, an open IT ecosystem is to be created: OEMs and application developers can access the platform via open interfaces to utilise it for their own services and analytics – for example online monitoring of machine tools, industrial robots or industrial machinery such as compressors and pumps located anywhere in the world. Encrypted communication and the use of certified data centres for processing and storing the data will ensure high levels of security. The latest cybersecurity technologies will be employed.
The open cloud platform for industry is currently in a pilot phase and will be gradually rolled out to further customer groups over the course of this year.
Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui