Consulting & Design
Industrial networks typically grow piece by piece, over time, as multiple system integrators and control system vendors add to a site in independent projects. But who’s looking out for the complete industrial network? Like mechanical, electrical, and automation, industrial networking is a discipline unto itself. When you go to interconnect these system “islands” to improve visibility and efficiency, you need experts with the specific skillset and experience to provide solution architecture and unlock new capabilities.
Configuration, Testing, and Proof-of-Concept
Every week, a new product is available, each claiming to be the silver bullet. We can help cut through the marketing hype to identify the right solution for you, including lab proof-of-concept or production pilots. Unfortunately, making a product selection is only half the battle. Maybe less. Careful and custom configuration is key if you want optimum performance, reliability, and security.
Audit
“You can't really know where you are going until you know where you have been.” When networks grow rapidly and piecemeal, often you’re not even sure what you have. Our network audits can include physical inventory; installation, lifecycle, firmware, and configuration assessments; network diagnostics/health; and network traffic capture and analysis. Our audits are a valuable first step before a detailed design.
Troubleshooting
Does your HMI seem less responsive than when it was first installed? Does your PLC lock up requiring a reboot, with increasing frequency, costing you more downtime with each month? Has your entire control system become unresponsive when a contractor adds something new to the network? The network is often viewed as a mystical black box that no one can see inside. In reality, many techniques are available to chase down any issue. We can provide concrete findings and recommendations to stop the madness.
Training
Ready to level up? We’ve found that even basic industrial ethernet training goes a long way in raising everyone’s knowledge, capabilities, and — more importantly — confidence to maintain their control system. In our training, we lay a foundation of networking fundamentals, move through relevant industrial network topics, and incorporate specifics to your environment, including hands-on exercises.