Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has reiterated the importance of industrial edge computing in addressing the unique demands of Nigeria’s industrial sector.
Edge computing is a model that processes data closer to where it’s generated or used, rather than sending it to a centralised data centre or cloud for processing.
In simple terms, instead of relying on distant servers, edge computing allows data to be processed on local devices or nearby servers, like in a factory.
The End User Sales Director, Schneider Electric, Rohan de Beer, in a note to The PUNCH, emphasised that while cloud computing offers incredible benefits, the industrial edge is indispensable for sectors in Nigeria where real-time decision-making and continuous operations are non-negotiable.
“Edge computing supports rapid data analysis, ensuring that industrial processes remain efficient and resilient even in connectivity-limited areas.”
He said industries like mining, often located in Nigeria’s remote regions, latency can pose significant challenges.
By deploying edge nodes or data centres near these operations, businesses can maintain real-time data processing and enable critical functions to continue seamlessly, de Beer argued.
The expert stated that configuration allows data replication to cloud servers at designated intervals, preserving the ability to leverage big data insights without compromising immediate operational needs.
“Edge computing’s ability to process data locally is invaluable, especially in scenarios where AI and automation are integral to productivity,” De Beer added.
“From predictive maintenance to real-time quality control, the benefits of the edge align perfectly with the needs of Nigeria’s forward-looking industrial operators.”
The expert reiterated Schneider Electric’s commitment to innovation embodied in its EcoStruxure IT Data Centre Infrastructure Management 3.0 architecture.
With enhanced security features and improved load balancing capabilities, Schneider Electric’s DCIM 3.0 architecture ensures that Nigerian industries remain operationally robust and secure, he stated.
De Beer noted, “Our EcoStruxure IT architecture is designed to meet the challenges of today’s dynamic industrial environments. By combining edge computing with superior infrastructure management, we provide Nigerian businesses with the tools they need to optimize operations and maintain continuity.”