PLC Cloud VM Provisioning for Multi-Plant Control Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual creation and configuration of virtual machines in cloud servers for programmable logic controllers in industrial plants are complex and error-prone, especially when multiple plants are networked across different locations, requiring simplified and efficient processes.
Innovation Solution
A method where the programmable logic controller executes a software module to automatically create and configure a virtual machine on a cloud server, receiving and storing an access token to access and transmit process data, with the management unit generating and managing configuration parameters and access tokens, enabling automated and secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual creation and configuration of virtual machines is performed, then security and control are maintained, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically creating and configuring virtual machines without manual intervention. The PLC executes a software module that autonomously provisions VMs on the cloud server, eliminating human errors associated with manual configuration while maintaining system security through automated authentication token management.
Solution Approach 2:
The software module performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the virtual machine creation process with necessary parameters and authentication mechanisms. The PLC is pre-programmed with the software module that contains all required configuration logic, enabling automated VM provisioning before actual cloud operations begin.
2Productivity
If automated software module execution is implemented, then efficiency and speed are improved, but security risks from automatic access token management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of authentication from manual credential input to automated access token exchange. The PLC automatically retrieves, stores, and uses access tokens provided by the cloud server, transforming the authentication process into a parameter-driven automated operation that maintains security while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The access token acts as an intermediary between the PLC and the cloud server. Instead of direct credential exposure, the token mediates the authentication process, allowing automated access while maintaining security boundaries. The token can be revoked and renewed without affecting the underlying security infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple industrial plants are networked across different locations, then system versatility and coverage are improved, but the complexity of managing virtual machines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The software module provides universal functionality by implementing a standardized automated VM provisioning process that can be deployed across multiple PLCs in different industrial plants. The same module handles cloud server connections, access token management, and virtual machine creation uniformly across all locations, eliminating the need for plant-specific configuration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method serves to control an industrial plant comprising a programmable logic controller. In the method, the programmable logic controller establishes a connection with a cloud server, the programmable logic controller executes a software module that causes the creation and/or configuration of a virtual machine on the cloud server, the software module receives and stores an access token, the programmable logic controller uses the access token to access the virtual machine and the programmable logic controller cooperates with the virtual machine to transmit process data to the virtual machine and/or to support the control of the industrial plant.