A comprehensive overview of the United Manufacturing Hub architecture,
detailing its deployment, management, and data processing capabilities.
4 minute read
The United Manufacturing Hub is a comprehensive Helm Chart for Kubernetes,
integrating a variety of open source software, including notable third-party
applications such as Node-RED and Grafana. Designed for versatility, UMH is
deployable across a wide spectrum of environments, from edge devices to virtual
machines, and even managed Kubernetes services, catering to diverse industrial
needs.
The following diagram depicts the interaction dynamics between UMH’s components
and user types, offering a visual guide to its architecture and operational
mechanisms.
Management Console
The Management Console
of the United Manufacturing Hub is a robust web application designed to configure,
manage, and monitor the various aspects of Data and Device & Container
Infrastructures within UMH. Acting as the central command center, it provides a
comprehensive overview and control over the system’s functionalities, ensuring
efficient operation and maintenance. The console simplifies complex processes,
making it accessible for users to oversee the vast array of services and operations
integral to UMH.
Device & Container Infrastructure
The Device & Container Infrastructure
lays the foundation of the United Manufacturing Hub’s architecture, streamlining
the deployment and setup of essential software and operating systems across devices.
This infrastructure is pivotal in automating the installation process, ensuring
that the essential software components and operating systems are efficiently and
reliably established. It provides the groundwork upon which the Data Infrastructure
is built, embodying a robust and scalable base for the entire architecture.
Data Infrastructure
The Data Infrastructure is the heart of
the United Manufacturing Hub, orchestrating the interconnection of data sources,
storage, monitoring, and analysis solutions. It comprises three key components:
Data Connectivity: Facilitates the integration of diverse data sources into
UMH, enabling uninterrupted data exchange.
Unified Namespace (UNS): Centralizes and standardizes data within UMH into
a cohesive model, by linking each layer of the ISA-95 automation pyramid to the
UNS and assimilating non-traditional data sources.
Historian: Stores data in TimescaleDB, a PostgreSQL-based time-series
database, allowing real-time and historical data analysis through Grafana or
other tools.
The UMH Data Infrastructure leverages Industrial IoT to expand the ISA95 Automation
Pyramid, enabling high-speed data processing using systems like Kafka. It enhances
system availability through Kubernetes and simplifies maintenance with Docker and
Prometheus. Additionally, it facilitates the use of AI, predictive maintenance,
and digital twin technologies
Expandability
The United Manufacturing Hub is architecturally designed for high expandability,
enabling integration of custom microservices or Docker containers. This adaptability
allows for users to establish connections with third-party systems or to implement
specialized data analysis tools. The platform also accommodates any third-party
application available as a Helm Chart, Kubernetes resource, or Docker Compose,
offering vast potential for customization to suit evolving industrial demands.