Case Studies | 17.02.2021
Automotive manufacturer integrates OT and IT with Connectware
A framework for digital solutions along the manufacturing chain
Hamburg/Leipzig, 17.02.2021 – A common data infrastructure and universal cloud connectivity based on Cybus Connectware has been implemented at the Porsche plants in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and Leipzig. Cybus, an Industrial Cloud Community Partner, provides a technology-neutral framework for the compatible and efficient implementation of a wide range of digital solutions along the manufacturing chain.
The digitalization of production and logistics in the automotive industry is taking place through many small solutions developed along the entire manufacturing chain. To development compatible use cases fast and effectively, factory modernization requires a technology-neutral framework that connects operational technology (OT) with factory IT. Porsche has taken on this challenge and developed a comprehensive data strategy together with its Industrial Cloud Community partner Cybus. The plants in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and Leipzig are pilot plants for building a solution that can be scaled to other Volkswagen Group sites in the future. The solution is based on the Cybus Factory Data Hub and enables universal cloud connectivity and a shared data infrastructure.
The neutral technical framework for factory modernization
With more than 1000 machines from different manufacturers in a single hall, the complexity of digitizing production sites becomes clear. Previously, almost every machine required a dedicated digital solution or individual integration into the cloud to enable cross-factory analysis and optimization. In addition, the demands on the infrastructure are high: it must be performant, avoid downtime, enable flexibility and be reliable to handle a high data load. The sports car manufacturer is successfully meeting these challenges with a comprehensive data strategy. As a key component, the Factory Data Hub from Industrial Cloud Community Partner Cybus creates a technology-neutral layer that seamlessly integrates OT and IT.
The Factory Data Hub is a breakthrough in manufacturing IT
The on-premises Industrial IoT solution of Cybus collects operational data, which is then harmonized and transferred to the cloud. The centralized data infrastructure creates autonomy of applications, systems and environments and covers overarching security and specific data protocol requirements. As a high performance and easy to maintain software, Connectware runs 24 hours without downtime in the three-shift system of production plants. This is achieved by using Kubernetes clusters with Cybus Connectware – a breakthrough in production IT.
Seamlessly connecting IT and OT for high-tech automotive factories
The implementation of the Industrial IoT Edge Layer from Cybus enables the holistic management of data streams across OT and IT boundaries and realizes the high demands on IT infrastructure and security. As a pioneer in the Volkswagen Group, Porsche thus achieves full flexibility and scalability for its digital projects as well as a flexible transformation from gasoline to hybrid to fully electric automobile production. In doing so, Porsche is setting the course for the future of automotive production.
Cybus’ Factory Data Hub has already been used to implement initial use cases in the areas of logistics, maintenance and production. Examples include the Industrial Computer Vision (ICV) application, which enables guided installation, documentation and quality control of signs and labels in production, and the Call Rocker Solution, which automates replenishment in SAP logistics systems.
“The use case is an example of how the Volkswagen Group is taking major steps towards a scalable and future-proof production IT landscape. As a partner of the Industrial Cloud Community, Cybus is proud to support this.”
Peter Sorowka, CEO of Cybus
Cybus GmbH: Data infrastructure for the connected factory
Cybus is a specialist for data infrastructure in smart factories. With its Cybus Connectware software, Cybus ensures a comprehensive and automated data flow between the shop floor and IT. www.cybus.io
