Red Lion Launches FlexEdge Intelligent Edge Automation Platform

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.

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