Enabling Rugged, Optimized Connectivity and Automation at the Edge
Red Lion Controls, global experts in communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and
networking, launched the FlexEdge™ Intelligent Edge Automation Platform today. This revolutionary system
brings a new degree of versatility to edge computing, while its ease of use makes productivity and efficiency
gains from digital transformation initiatives accessible with point-and-click simplicity. FlexEdge’s highly
modular design and intuitive software enable quick, straightforward customization and deployment to myriad
applications without compromising rugged, reliable operation. The platform carries several certifications that
make it ideal for oil and gas, water wastewater, maritime, hazardous location, and factory automation
applications.Engineered for industrial customers with diverse needs who want to effortlessly connect systems and
process data at the edge, FlexEdge’s modular architecture boasts a wide variety of wireless and wired
communication options. This breadth of options makes it an easily configured communication gateway that
connects with any industrial communication requirement, regardless of protocol or manufacturer. And unlike
fixed-function devices that require customers to learn many products—or systems with fixed chassis that
take up unnecessary space—FlexEdge offers a form factor and platform that adapts as quickly as application
needs change. It’s available with advanced networking functionality or advanced automation features
including protocol conversion; virtual HMIs; an advanced web server with Bootstrap, JavaScript and CSS;
data, security and event logging; and cloud connectivity.
With FlexEdge, customers can seamlessly connect new and existing devices, reducing overall downtime and
allowing for frictionless, future-proof scalability at levels never before seen in edge computing. This flexibility
allows the selection of one platform for any edge requirement, so customers can focus on business efficiency
without worrying about choosing the right combination of products for their application.
For automation engineers, Red Lion’s FlexEdge offers a single platform that can solve most challenges while
decreasing the number of deployed devices to reduce application complexity. For networking engineers, it’s
a robust, industrial-grade networking gateway deployable as a wired or cellular solution to securely connect
different networks through powerful networking functionality. With multiple isolated serial ports, Ethernet,
optional Wi-Fi and cellular communication sleds, optional field-installable I/O, and a certified, robust
enclosure, FlexEdge ensures optimal operation in almost any industrial environment with demanding
requirements.
“In today’s market, we see innovation accelerating at breakneck pace. And that’s terrific. But it
makes it hard for customers to cost-effectively plan for the future. Too often they have no choice but
to make costly capital investments, scrap existing equipment, or both. The FlexEdge architecture
answers their challenges. It adapts as quickly as needs change. No matter where a company is in
their digital transformation journey, FlexEdge starts where they are, and helps future proof
optimization plans,” said Colin Geis, data acquisition and IIoT product manager.
As word of FlexEdge begins to penetrate the market, the product’s unique capabilities captured the attention
of Craig Resnick, ARC advisory group vice president. “As companies continue with their digital
transformation and IT/OT convergence journeys, they seek an intelligent automation solution that will enable
them to more seamlessly connect to both new and legacy equipment. Red Lion has introduced a new
platform that enables users to collect the required data necessary from both IT and OT to better optimize
decision-making and further maximize their investment in digital transformation. This scalable solution is
designed to provide off-the-shelf plug-and-play connectivity to a wide range of networks, assets, generations
of equipment, and protocols,” according to Resnick.
“Red Lion’s FlexEdge platform meets this demanding criterion, providing manufacturers and processors with
a solution designed to not only fulfill their current and future edge platform requirements, but also one that
can be deployed by a new and changing workforce, helping companies make faster, more informed and
intelligent decisions and achieve higher levels of operational effectiveness. Having the local computing
power and IT/OT connectivity that the FlexEdge platform provides often results in reduced unscheduled
downtime; increases productivity, profitability and KPIs; and delivers the intelligent information necessary so
decisions can be made based on a single version of the truth,” Resnick continued.
“Furthermore, with the ability to have end-to-end visibility of the supply chain, users can gain a competitive
advantage with increased flexibility and operational agility, productivity, plant efficiency, asset uptime and
quality. They can also add profits to the bottom line by reducing operational risks and safety concerns,
overhead costs, and changeover times and deploying predictive preventative maintenance programs,”
Resnick concluded.
To learn more, and to explore how Red Lion’s new FlexEdge™ Intelligent Edge Automation Platform can
solve your challenges, visit www.FlexEdge.net.
