With advances in data management and interoperability, connectivity, and analytics, new generations of control systems are emerging, enabling optimal automated control of devices and assets. The control function in IIoT systems tends to be distributed on the periphery, rather than a centralized control. The distributed control must be intelligent and resilient, and capable of responding rapidly to a changing environment. The control system needs to sense, interpret, and react in the context of maintaining and optimizing operations. This intelligence relies on models that consume data from sensors and devices, make assumptions, and deliver control decisions within the confines of the actuator's capabilities, as the model understands them. If the IIoT system understands the models at work in the controller and how the decisions are being made, the connected devices and systems can anticipate the controller's actions and take actions to improve the outcome, including prescribing alternative methods.
As IIoT systems are deployed in all kinds of environments, it becomes likely for network connectivity to be periodically unavailable. In the event of connectivity loss, a resilient system limits the data loss to disconnected endpoints and can continue operation. When the connection is restored, any data updates that were blocked by the disruption can be transmitted. Placing the control capability near the devices being controlled reduces the dependency on the network and centralized computing capabilities, resulting in a more resilient control system. Because control devices generally do not generate large data volumes, they do not require high bandwidth.
Security concerns arise with intelligent and distributed control systems. Each endpoint or device is vulnerable to both physical and electronic assaults. The firmware of devices deployed in IIoT typically includes features to protect the device, and system, from malware and other intrusions. However, just as you need to update the virus protections on your laptop, the firmware may require updates as security vulnerabilities are discovered. As it is prohibitive to replace the physical chips or boards in potentially thousands of devices, a mechanism to push out automatic security updates is necessary. Unfortunately, manufacturers of many devices have been slow to adopt automatic security update features, or they stop providing updates once newer models are released.