Belden has announced the integration of its CloudRail software with AWS IoT SiteWise. Acquired by Belden in 2023, CloudRail offers Cloud-based device management, allowing users to globally roll out, manage, and update edge devices. This fully managed solution processes data locally before transmitting it to the cloud. The integration combines AWS’ data services with CloudRail’s protocol management software, providing a comprehensive solution for both brownfield and greenfield data acquisition.
This collaboration enables customers to seamlessly connect industrial assets and sensors to the AWS cloud through CloudRail’s established software capabilities. Designed to simplify and standardise data discovery, acquisition, and normalisation from industrial environments, CloudRail delivers ready-to-use data. The data is then processed and stored locally via AWS IoT SiteWise Edge, while also being synchronised with AWS IoT SiteWise in the cloud for enterprise-wide visibility and advanced analytics.
The key benefits of this integration include:
- Faster time-to-value: With access to over 12,000 sensor definitions and data normalisation features, CloudRail significantly reduces the time and effort required to connect industrial assets to AWS IoT SiteWise, enabling customers to utilise their data within hours rather than weeks
- Simplified data flow from Edge to Cloud: A unified solution allows seamless data acquisition, processing, and transfer from the edge to the Cloud, eliminating complex integrations and ensuring consistent data flow
- Scalable and secure device management: CloudRail’s Cloud-based device management platform allows users to securely deploy, manage, and update thousands of edge devices from a centralised location
- Comprehensive asset and protocol supprot: CloudRail’s extensive library supports both modern and legacy industrial equipment, with protocols such as OPC-UA for modern machines and Modbus for devices like energy meters. Brownfield scenarios can also be addressed by retrofitting older equipment with secondary sensors
“The integration of CloudRail with AWS IoT SiteWise Edge provides our customers with a powerful and streamlined solution for industrial data acquisition and analysis,” said Matthew Wopata, Global Product Line Management Leader for Data Software Applications at Belden. “This marks the latest way Belden and its brands are helping companies around the world gather data at the edge so they can leverage it to improve processes and increase efficiency.”
Setting up the integration is simple. Users can select CloudRail as a data source in the AWS Console, and configure field devices, such as sensors and OPC UA servers, via the CloudRail Device Management Cloud (DMC). From there, the rest is handled within AWS, offering the benefits of CloudRail’s ease of use without requiring physical edge gateways.
CloudRail’s integration with AWS IoT SiteWise Edge is now available to customers. To learn more, visit the AWS stand at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), which runs from 9-14 September in Chicago.
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