Emphasizes 'Ecostructure', which is efficient in maintenance due to standardization.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is often called an opportunity to revolutionize manufacturing. Opportunity belongs to those who are prepared, but some still view it with skepticism rather than seizing it. Schneider Electric , a global energy management and automation specialist, is one of the leading companies leading the way in turning this opportunity into reality. To learn more about the industrial IoT that Schneider is realizing, we met with Seongyeop Jeong, Team Leader of the Automation Business Unit at Schneider Electric Korea, and Geunbae Noh, Team Leader of the Software Channel Business Unit.

-What benefits does a company gain by adopting 'industrial IoT'?
Team Leader Jeong Seong-yeop (hereafter, Jeong ) : In Korea, because we're used to doing what the government or our superiors tell us to do, I think we're constantly feeling this thirst. And while it's often called "revolution," Schneider calls it "evolution." It's not about creating new things, it's about increasing productivity, lowering electricity bills, making data easier to see, reducing downtime, and automating more.
Once you've implemented it and feel the tangible effects, I believe your thirst will be quenched. For example, if IoT is implemented in a curved surface cutting task, the machine will perform according to the input values, standardizing quality. Furthermore, since people won't have to directly operate the machine, safety and convenience will increase. However, to analyze the data, your company must recognize its own shortcomings and needs and provide the data to a plant provider or consulting firm.

-What level of adoption of industrial IoT do you think the domestic manufacturing industry has reached?
Team Leader Noh Geun-bae (hereafter, Noh) : This is the stage where the need is recognized from the field. For example, at a large company, there was a request to "manage motors." However, vibration and temperature sensors were not installed. Without data, we can't provide a solution (using data). Most people recognize the need, but they don't have the infrastructure to build the data. Rather than full automation, we are moving towards building and utilizing partial automation first.
How does Schneider's industrial IoT technology platform, EcoStructure, provide solutions?
Jeong: It is an integrated platform consisting of product-to-product connectivity (Step 1) that collects data, edge control that implements optimized automation based on data (Step 2), and software that performs simulations after diagnosis or provides analysis reports (Step 3). We offer a wide range of solutions, from process optimization to buildings, homes, data centers, and smart grids, but we specialize in the industrial sector.

-If I were to explain with an example of the introduction of eco-structure.
Jeong: If you configure EcoStruxure on the inverter that drives the motor, it collects data such as motor temperature and energy and sends it to the edge controller. Schneider's PLC M580 ePAC features an Ethernet-based backbone, ensuring no data delays. Data received from the controller is managed using cloud simulation software like SimSci or augmented reality software like Vijeo 360.

-Viseo 360, based on augmented reality, is a cutting-edge device that you would only see in smart factory promotional videos.
Jeong: Scanning a device with an iPad allows you to view the data. Field supervisors can take immediate action and record any defects, making this a solution frequently requested by customers. Of course, it's also used as a means of remotely monitoring and controlling defect rates. There are already cases where it has been introduced abroad.
-What else differentiates Schneider in the IIoT field?
Noh: Efficiency achieved through standardization is a key factor. Last year, we announced Prometheus software, which enables integrated management of PLCs from Siemens, Rockwell, and Schneider. This year, we launched System Platform 2017, which integrates data from sensors, heterogeneous PLCs, and equipment, and can be customized to include process management and control systems. Because it leverages Microsoft's operating system and Azure, it's fast and convenient.

This platform wasn't released overnight; there's also a 2002 version. At the time, only software was available. Recognizing that interoperability was essential for survival in competition with companies offering PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and DCSs (Distributed Control Systems), the company created a standard platform capable of integrating heterogeneous systems. In 2002, it offered 32,000 I/Os, and today, it offers up to 2 million I/Os. For example, even if the water supply facility references are different in Eunpyeong-gu and Gangdong-gu, the status board and data can be viewed on a single screen because the system platform is integrated centrally.

Partnerships are crucial in the industrial IoT space. How is Schneider doing this?
Jeong: We're actively forming partnerships both domestically and internationally. We're researching a wide range of fields and business models, including Microsoft and Cisco, as well as large and small system integration (SI) companies and telecommunications companies. We're exploring how to leverage our strengths to address specific needs with engineers, consultants, and distributors. This month, we signed an MOU with Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital.

-How is collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises taking place?
Jeong: We're making extensive preparations, but there are challenges because we have to collect data from the sensors on the individual components. Looking at domestic manufacturing plants and processes, many are handcrafted and require individual processes. The Smart Factory Private Sector Collaboration Promotion Team has also been supporting system development for individual processes. Now, these individual processes seem to have matured to a certain degree and are ready for automation. In the future, I believe Schneider will have opportunities to provide advanced solutions, such as MES.

-Do you think that when you think of Schneider, industrial IoT comes to mind? The future I dream of.
Jeong: Schneider was previously a company focused on managing electricity and energy, but the acquisition of Invensys (2014) provided the opportunity to expand into PLC and DCS. Going forward, Schneider envisions a future where EcoStruxure will establish itself as an independent platform in the industrial IoT market. Schneider Korea will also strive to ensure that Korea can have a ripple effect in the international market.