Edge Data Management for Midstream Oil & Gas
A unique problem facing the downstream industry is that the
most critical assets are remote and often understaffed. For conveyors, the edge
has a variable definition and is highly dependent on the trigger point. In a
complex network, midsize companies are looking for strategies to increase
competitiveness, improve productivity and reduce unit costs. Transforming
real-time data into actionable information at the device level makes scanning
decisions like Edge Computing easier.
"What can be measured is done"
Edge reinvents data management
Edge Computing is the latest innovative strategy to
restructure data management. Most new data will be generated at the asset
(device) level, where its usefulness is not limited by scale or capacity
constraints, according to a recent Gartner report. Edge computing allows you to
process data at or near the point of origin, where data is sent locally or to
the cloud for analysis and management.
"By 2022, 75% of data will be created and processed
outside the data center or cloud, compared to 10%."
Where is the information and how to use it
For midsize companies, all assets are remote and operate in
open environments. Edge computing is a physical-digital-physical cycle in which
data is collected by physical sensors, analyzed digitally, and can
automatically drive changes in physical hardware.1 Edge computing provides
digital optimization/automation solutions for outside operations of the data
from the processing center. and not having staff on site.
Real-time device-level responses are possible on high-end
platforms. However, data integrity becomes extremely important when taking
corrective action. Furthermore, the choice of technology (hardware, software,
and monitoring devices) is a critical design consideration, as
control/monitoring systems are deployed independently in the intermediate
stages of production, without manual supervision.
Basics of Building a Resilient Leading Computing Platform
Midsize companies have many options when designing their
cutting-edge digital and computing architecture. Digitization projects require
a forward-looking strategy that meets current needs and allows for expansion
with new developments. To ensure long-term sustainability, the plan must be a
live approach that balances operational requirements with manageable
guidelines2.
Remote operations have different needs than centralized facilities and operate without onsite staff and limited IT assistance. As a
result, platform reliability is critical to protecting data quality and
ensuring uptime. Border platforms must be simple, autonomous, and secure:
Simple. New advances in hardware and software are taking
place at an ever-faster pace. A simple platform design must have a
“forward-looking” architecture and take into account new advances (hardware and
software). Change is a constant condition of the digital transformation
revolution. Especially for pipelines, the flexibility to quickly deploy patches
and software updates across multiple sites is critical.
Safe. As more field assets are connected, security and cyber-attack prevention become top design criteria. Edge computing platforms must be
redundantly architected to minimize disruption and data loss due to hardware
failures or malfunctions.
The Internet of Things and the digital transformation are
seriously affecting the way companies operate and run their businesses. But
with forward thinking plans and a roadmap for integrating Edge Computing
technology, early adopters can increase flexibility and agility while
confidently weathering future market changes.