DataHub Case Study
In a chemical production plant for the synthesis of drugs (located in the Middle East), the need was to manage and transmit precious data outside the production plant: some information coming directly from the PLC on board the machine had to be transferred to the MES without affecting on the security policies nor on the efficiency of the process.
The solution was to connect the PLCs to OPC servers, and then use the Cogent DataHub for feed the ESM database. in this way it has been made possible to view the status of the plant remotely and those with the right credentials and privileges can even send control commands to production systems.
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 on-premise software, enabling users to capture, monitor, control,
view, securely network and consolidate real-time process data over untrusted networks. Skkynet's approach is based on security-by-design and allows to reshape the system architecture by giving users (at different corporate levels) access to plant data, keeping critical systems safe behind DMZs and firewalls closed. 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.
