FOCUS ON DIGITALISATION
Our security system is as robust as the weakest link in the chain
Security in focus
In a digital factory , how should security of the various levels of management be addressed ?
The design of a digital factory is based on three levels :
■ Systems that manage machines .
■ Systems that manage the production plant .
■ Systems that manage business .
Each one of these levels can contain more than one system involving several suppliers .
Besides management and control systems , there are also analytical systems that measure the machines ’ performance and status either in real-time or based on logs . One of the most common demands on digitalisation projects is the wish for an overview of manufacturing status and the ability to remotely access this information . In terms of business management , the systems usually need to be connected to CRM software or to customer portals for the management of orders .
The exposure of these systems to open environments and the interoperability between them are key to successful digitalisation . The solution to these challenges does not mean isolating systems , but rather creating different environments . Moving from one to another then requires passing through a single point , where we can establish control and verify the authenticity of the system issuing or receiving
What about cloud systems in a digital factory ecosystem ?
the message or request ( as well as the actual message itself ).
In other words , our security system is as robust as the weakest link in the chain .
Cloud systems in the digital factory
What about cloud systems in a digital factory ecosystem ?
All levels that incorporate management software in a digital factory can utilise systems in the cloud . The machines are the first item
we need to protect to prevent cyberattacks against a digital factory . The key to securely connecting machines to systems is the deployment of reliable machines based on the latest technology . The incorporation of software ensures a simple connection with systems on the next level .
In terms of shop floor management , it must be possible to create a network within which all machines are connected to each other . This network should be connected to the next level via a highly dependable firewall . This means following certain guidelines and monitoring ports , communications and all information that is shared by the systems .
For business management , it is important to implement different networks for the different groups working with the individual systems . These are connected to our servers via a single hub that is monitored and secure . Bystronic ’ s in-depth understanding of the nature of our customers ’ communications allows us to avoid non-authenticated and insecure sources or origins .
Systems in the cloud should secure the communications hub and computer ports , whereby communication is always initiated from our systems and not vice versa ( from the cloud ).
In conclusion , potential problems do not result from the networking of systems or from the cloud . Quite the opposite is true , and they both have enormous potential for the development of a truly digital factory . Issues also exist in conventional manufacturing environments where attacks are already taking place daily .
A robust interconnection system with a provider who is committed to the security of a manufacturer ’ s systems is crucial to ensuring the security of the digitalisation process . It is one of the keys to achieving a secure smart factory . n
50 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR March 2022