To assess production output, we started gathering data from wellhead applications. Managers are now looking to gather more information from field-site sensors like RTUs or meters in order to build an application that would improve overall equipment effectiveness. Therefore, we should consider whether it would be more efficient to upload the field data to the cloud and then use cloud services to evaluate it.

These ideas about cloud connection are spreading across a wide range of businesses as management can no longer ignore the advantages of the IIoT. However, there are a few things you should take into account before integrating cloud services with IIoT applications. We outline the information you should clarify in this post before deciding if it is required to store your data in cloud systems. In addition, if you prefer to go toward the cloud, we can assist you in selecting the devices that will connect your field devices to the cloud in the most effective way.

Is Cloud Technology a Good Idea for Field Data? ​

The goal of IIoT deployment is to gather data from end devices in order to get insights that can be put to use. But where do we save all of this data? We must ask ourselves a few important questions as data users:

• Are the field devices in my application located in several locations?
• Is it necessary for my application to have 24/7 access to field data?
• Will my application eventually require scaling up?
• Will my application need to be scaled up over time?

Connecting your devices to the cloud is a smart choice if the majority of your responses to these questions are "Yes."   You now have to deal with the common challenge of selecting interconnectivity devices that match the needs of your application.

Choosing Connectivity Devices for the Cloud Depending on Your Needs

when you make the decision to connect your field data to the cloud, you will face challenges since many edge devices don't speak a language that the internet can comprehend. If you decide to use the cloud as your backend data server, connected devices need to be able to connect to it. Data integration should be taken into account in addition to your network's southbound (supporting protocols for your device) and northbound (supporting cloud connections) capabilities. Data analysis or network integration tasks may be carried out in the cloud or on the edge depending on the application. Your decision regarding interconnectivity devices for your IIoT implementation will be strongly affected by these factors.

The Interconnectivity Devices Capability Metrics are shown in the following graph, defining the recommended interconnectivity devices by mapping your data integration needs with the chosen backend data server.

A straightforward, ready-to-use serial-to-cloud device can help you save a good amount of time and money for applications where data integration does not need to take place at the edge.

The Quickest Route to Cloud-Ready Serial Devices

Moxa's NPort IA(W)5000A-I/O Series and MGate 5105-MB-EIP Series are ready-to-use serial-to-cloud devices that transfer a variety of field data types, including serial, I/O, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP, onto multiple cloud platforms. These devices enable generic MQTT, which connects to Amazon AWS cloud and other private clouds, and they feature built-in SDK for Microsoft Azure and Alibaba Cloud for quick and simple cloud adoption. Aside from providing a variety of serial-to-cloud configurations, Moxa's device servers and protocol gateways are also built to make setting up your devices simpler.