INDUSTRY INITIATIVE

ei³ leads OMAC’s initiative to create a Practical Guide for Remote Access to Plant Equipment

Remote Access through the internet is a powerful way to solve many problems that occur with plant floor equipment. If the Remote Access solution is not done right, it might introduce problems, operational difficulties, and even cybersecurity vulnerabilities to the plant floor.

With this in mind, The Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC) convened a “Remote Access Workgroup” of 37 elite leaders representing major manufacturing companies, OEMs, system integrators, and automation vendors to create a comprehensive guide. Facilitated by ei3 Corporation and sponsored by OMAC, this guide for network-based Remote Access and data collection methods for industrial applications is based on comprehensive research of existing technologies, deployed solutions, and emerging requirements in terms of security and privacy.

About the Practical Guide for Remote Access Workgroup

OMAC Practical Guide for Remote Access Workgroup Online Session

Mark Fondl, Workgroup Leader, Presenting the Guide

OMAC Practical Guide for Remote Access Workgroup Session

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

This document is the result of the assistance of many individuals from around the world, representing end users, OEMs, system integrators, and automation vendors. Involving various individuals from the automation ecosystem provides a broader outlook at this topic which balances the requirements of the user with the services of the supplier.

Leading Manufacturing Companies such as Cargill, Dole Vegetables, and Frito Lay – Pepsico, P&G
Global OEMs including Durr USA, ID Technology, ITW Hartness, Mettler Toledo, Milacron, Nordson Corporation, and ProMach
System Integrators like Avanceon, Grantek, Martin CSI, Omnicon, Outlier Automation, PREMIER System Integrators, Rovisys, SAGE
Vendors such as Beckhoff, CIPA GmbH, ei3, EtherCAT Technology Group, Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., SICK, Siemens and
Industry Associations like the PMMI amongst others

TOPICS

Challenges with Remote Access

Chapter 1:

Evolution of Remote Access

Chapter 2:

Assess your Current Situation

Chapter 3:

Improve IT/OT Collaboration

Chapter 4:

Developing a Remote Access Plan

Chapter 5:

Summary and Recognition of Participants

Member Experiences

“During the workgroup meetings, we found that secure remote access is not something every organization considers in their planning. If you were attending a client site, you would have to ensure you are protecting the client’s systems – it should be the same for remote connections”

"As an OEM/Integrator we’ve been trying to standardize a means for remote connectivity. We often have to default to using whatever means the customer provides, which becomes a logistical nightmare. The ongoing challenge lies in establishing both the connection and robust security practices."

"Understanding what remote access is in place now is a different story from understanding what remote access SHOULD be in place. For customers looking to get to a point where remote access is widespread and easy, we recommend looking at the big picture, infrastructure as a whole, and start laying the groundwork for an enterprise-wide ICS remote access platform which IT can approve and OT will enjoy using."

"By documenting the best practices for Remote Access, we have developed a practical and vendor-neutral guide that would assist in a secure deployment of Remote Access to respond, resolve and support manufacturing operations"