Reconfigureable Logic Control for Manufacturing Systems

This article explores optimistic use of reconfigurable logic control for manufacturing systems. The rapid advancement of computing and networking technologies is enabling more data to be gathered, stored, and analyzed. It is possible for all of the machines in a manufacturing plant to be connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), with their production data stored either in a local database or in a cloud system. This opens up new avenues for online decision-making based on real-time data coming from the system. However, it also introduces significant cybersecurity challenges that will need to be addressed for successful deployment. Traditionally, security in a manufacturing plant was handled through physical separation and access gates with badge identification. Connecting the manufacturing plant to the Internet results in multiple opportunities for improving performance through better data analytics, as well as myriad challenges for safety, security, and privacy.