DataHub use case
In the mid-90s, a multinational candy company needed check chocolate mixing and distribution systems at one of its North American manufacturing facilities. After trying a number of Windows-based applications, they couldn't find a system that could provide effective control - the root issue was the basic incompatibility between the operating systems used by the OT (plant floor) and the 'IT (office).
Thus it was decided to divide the problem into two parts: The real-time operating system (QNX obsolete but solid technology) would be used for the ICS (industrial control system) applications and Windows would be used to display the operator interface. This way, the critical control could be isolated from any problems that occurred in the Windows system.
However, a "small" problem remained to be solved: how to connect the two systems?
Cogent's solution was the first large-scale implementation of the technology Cogent DataHub. A DataHub was installed on each QNX computer and the corresponding DataHub programs were run on the Windows display computers. This combination provided a central distribution mechanism for all process data, allowing Windows applications to access QNX control data over a standard network connection.
The end result was a control system that ran for more than 20 years in that candy factory with only minor changes as new ingredients were introduced or the plant's equipment was reconfigured. The system survived several personnel and plant ownership changes, and was finally retired only when both production lines needed to be replaced.
What does Skkynet do?
Skkynet provides software solutions and services for secure, real-time industrial data communications. DataHub® middleware technology is available for embedded systems, cloud applications and as on-premise software, allowing users to capture, monitor, control,
view, securely network and consolidate real-time process data over insecure networks. Our patented approach is based on security-by-design and allows you to reshape system architecture giving users (at different company levels) access to plant data, keeping critical systems safe behind closed DMZs and firewalls . Skkynet is actively involved in developing solutions forIndustrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and applications Industry 4.0.
What problems does it solve?
Skkynet solves the problem of secure access to process data. In the past, the critical infrastructure and industrial systems they were isolated from corporate networks and the Internet, making access to Industrial Big Data difficult or impossible. With the advent of digitalization, IIoT, Industrie 4.0 (and the need for remote access to industrial systems during the COVID 19 pandemic) companies now require access to their industrial data in real time like never before. However, traditional technologies based on a client-server model require firewalls to be opened for access the data of the "plant floor". Solutions using VPN or MQTT are not adequate to meet the needs of securely isolating corporate networks and operations while still providing access for monitoring and control of mission-critical systems. Skkynet uses our protocol (DHTP) to allow the two-way data flow between networks through proxies and DMZs, which means secure data communications between the operational and management levels of a company, including cloud platforms.
Who are your customers and fields of application?
Users of Skkynet software and services are found in all industries: Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals & Mining, Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Pharma & Healthcare, Machines & Tools, Transportation and many more.
Among our major customers are system integrators such as Siemens, AVEVA, ABB, Yokogawa, Honeywell, Metso, and dozens of specialized integrators. End users include Shell, GSK, Air Products, Gamesa, Caterpillar, IBM, GE, Equinor, Goodyear, BASF, SCG, Tata, Fuji Electric, TEVA, Kimberley-Clark, E.ON, HeidelbergCement, Boeing, Gazprom, Bombardier and Bank of Canada, to name just a few.
These customers and system integrators use Skkynet software and services to access, integrate and redistribute their process data, allowing them to manage their systems more efficiently and reduce costs.
