Bottom Line Up Front: Tatsoft’s scalable Industrial IoT platform empowers industrial organizations to build sophisticated Edge-to-Cloud Solutions that deliver supervisory control, data aggregation, data transformation, and secure data hub capabilities while enabling enterprise analytics. Through the FrameworX EdgeConnect portfolio—featuring DataServer, Data Gateway, and Data Collector—organizations can deploy real-time applications that aggregate and transform critical data locally while leveraging cloud connectivity or central SCADA resources for advanced insights and enterprise integration.
1. Introduction: SCADA Is Evolving
The industrial world is changing. Companies are moving away from old, central-only SCADA systems and switching to Edge-to-Cloud solutions. These new systems combine local control and data collection with cloud connections or central SCADA. This shift isn’t just about using new tools—it’s about making edge computing more powerful. It allows businesses to turn raw data into useful insights and support Industry 4.0 goals with smart, secure data management that can grow with their needs.
Today’s industrial companies want smarter ways to collect and use data at the edge. They’re looking for better connections to their machines, the ability to gather data from many different sources, and tools that can process and analyse that data right where it’s created. They also want to control systems remotely, manage multiple sites from one place, and easily connect to the cloud or a central SCADA system. Old, central-only systems often can’t keep up. They face problems like slow communication and limited bandwidth, which make it hard to get real-time data, process it quickly, or use it for deeper insights.
Tatsoft’s scalable Industrial IoT platform addresses these challenges through FrameworX—a unified development environment for building real-time applications that provide intelligent edge connectivity and data transformation capabilities. Rather than forcing organizations to choose between edge data processing and centralized scalability, FrameworX enables developers to create applications that leverage distributed intelligence, providing bidirectional control connectivity and sophisticated data transformation at the edge while enabling seamless integration with cloud connectivity or central SCADA resources for advanced analytics, historical trending, and enterprise integration.
2. What is Edge-to-Cloud Architecture in SCADA?
Edge-to-cloud architecture in industry combines local and central computing. It divides work between devices on-site (edge) and central systems like the cloud or SCADA.
Unlike older SCADA systems that rely mostly on a central system, edge-to-cloud lets smart data processing happen at many places in the network. This makes the system faster, more flexible, and better for today’s industrial needs.
The key components of this architecture include:
Edge Devices: These are strong devices used in factories. They collect data where it happens, process it quickly, and act fast when needed.
IIoT Edge Gateways: These smart devices sit between field equipment and central systems. They gather data from different machines, convert it into standard formats, run simple analytics, and safely send the data to the cloud.
Cloud or Central SCADA Systems: These are central platforms that store data over time, run advanced analytics and machine learning, connect with business systems, and allow remote monitoring and control.
Cloud-edge solutions make sure things work well in this setup. They keep local systems running even if the internet is slow or lost. When the connection comes back, they send data to the cloud or central SCADA system.This helps store records, find patterns, and make better decisions. With the right setup, edge-to-cloud systems are strong and reliable. Local machines keep working without interruptions, and you still get the benefits of smart analysis when you’re back online.
3. Meet Tatsoft’s EdgeConnect Portfolio
FrameworX offers three different edge solutions to fit various industrial needs, from basic data collection to complete edge computing systems:
3.1 EdgeConnect DataServer
The EdgeConnect DataServer transforms any compatible device into a fully enabled multi-protocol edge server with comprehensive industrial capabilities. This powerful solution includes a built-in MQTT Broker, complete OPC UA server functionality, advanced scripting support (.NET and Python), direct SQL database access, and native connectivity to leading historians like Canary, plus seamless cloud synchronization with Azure, Snowflake, and other enterprise platforms.
DataServer is great for setups that need SCADA at the edge. It works well as a strong MQTT hub, or for running local tasks while letting engineers work on it remotely. It can connect to unlimited devices and supports advanced scripting and database features. This makes it perfect for complex edge setups where you need full control on-site, plus smooth connections to the cloud or a central SCADA system.
3.2 EdgeConnect DataGateway
The EdgeConnect DataGateway serves as a specialized protocol converter or tunneling gateway optimized for high-performance edge applications. While offering the same scripting capabilities (Python and C# for edge analytics) and MQTT/OPC UA support as DataServer, DataGateway is limited to a single northbound connection, making it perfect for focused integration scenarios.
This architecture restriction enables enhanced performance for high-performance edge devices where the primary goal is data normalization, protocol conversion, or creating secure bridge scenarios between field devices and specific upstream systems. DataGateway maintains full field device connectivity without restrictions while channeling all northbound communication through a single, optimized connection path.
3.3 EdgeConnect DataCollector
The EdgeConnect DataCollector is a tool that reads data from machines but doesn’t control them. Its main job is to collect and organise this data, then send it to other systems like data historians, FrameworX UNS, MES, or custom platforms. Even though it’s read-only, it still allows you to use Python or C# scripts to sort, filter, and process the data right where it’s collected. You can even do some basic analysis on the spot. It’s a lightweight and smart choice when you just need to gather and manage data quickly—without needing to control the machines.
4. Use Cases for Edge-to-Cloud SCADA
The versatility of edge-to-cloud SCADA architectures addresses diverse industrial scenarios:
OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers): By building strong connectivity directly into their machines, manufacturers can offer better remote support. They can track how equipment is performing, fix issues early, and offer extra services—without needing to send out a technician every time.
Utilities: Combining local control with cloud or central SCADA access gives utilities both fast response and big-picture insights. Local systems stay active and responsive, while the cloud helps with storing data, spotting trends, and planning maintenance before problems happen.
Multi-Site Manufacturers: Using a “set it up once, manage from one place, and fine-tune at each site” model makes running many locations easier. Edge systems are the same at every site but can still be adjusted locally. Everything can be monitored and managed from a central platform.
System Integrators: Edge-to-cloud setups help simplify the hardware at each site and reduce licensing costs. They also make it easier to connect with enterprise IT systems. This lets integrators build powerful solutions that are easier to install and manage from a central location.
5. FrameworX: A Scalable Industrial IoT Platform for Real-Time Applications
FrameworX delivers a scalable Industrial IoT platform lot specifically designed for building real-time applications that seamlessly integrate edge and cloud connectivity or central SCADA infrastructure. The platform provides a unified engineering environment that enables developers to create sophisticated applications spanning edge, on-premises, and centralized deployments while maintaining operational consistency across the entire infrastructure.
Native Protocol Support: Built-in connectivity for MQTT with Sparkplug B, OPC UA client/server functionality, and comprehensive REST API support eliminates the need for additional protocol converters or middleware.
Integrated Edge Capabilities: Each FrameworX edge deployment includes a built-in historian for local data storage, a comprehensive event engine for real-time alarming and notification, and advanced scripting capabilities (Python and C#) for local processing, edge analytics, and decision-making.
Flexible Deployment Options: Lightweight deployment supports Linux containers, Docker environments, and Windows platforms, enabling deployment on everything from Raspberry Pi devices to industrial-grade edge computers.
Real-Time Application Development: The platform’s architecture supports building applications that require immediate response times for critical supervisory functions while simultaneously enabling sophisticated data analysis and reporting through cloud connectivity or central SCADA. This dual capability allows developers to create applications that maintain operational safety and efficiency while enabling enterprise-level insights.
Real-World Applications: Water treatment facilities use FrameworX to build real-time monitoring applications that maintain local control while providing enterprise-level oversight. Energy companies develop edge applications for remote locations that ensure operational continuity while feeding data to centralized analytics platforms via cloud connectivity or central SCADA. Equipment manufacturers create embedded applications that provide unprecedented remote support capabilities through real-time data streaming and analysis.
6. Getting Started with Edge-to-Cloud SCADA
Assess Current Infrastructure: Begin by evaluating existing SCADA systems, identifying bottlenecks in centralized architectures, and determining which processes require local control versus cloud-based analytics.
Define Edge vs. Cloud Workloads: Consider latency requirements for critical control functions, bandwidth limitations for data transmission, regulatory requirements for data storage, and integration needs with existing enterprise systems.
Plan for Security and Scalability: Implement robust cybersecurity measures aligned with ISA 62443 standards, design for horizontal scaling as operations expand, and ensure interoperability with existing and planned future systems.
Architecture Design and Rollout: Tatsoft provides comprehensive support throughout the architecture design process, from initial planning through deployment and ongoing optimization. Our team works with organizations to develop implementation roadmaps that minimize disruption while maximizing the benefits of edge-to-cloud integration.
7. Conclusion: Ready for the Edge?
Edge-to-cloud architecture represents the future of scalable industrial SCADA, combining the reliability and responsiveness of local control with the analytical power and flexibility of cloud computing. As industrial operations become increasingly complex and distributed, this hybrid approach provides the foundation for sustainable digital transformation. Tatsoft’s scalable Industrial IoT platform through FrameworX EdgeConnect ensures organizations can build and deploy sophisticated real-time applications without sacrificing operational reliability or increasing system complexity. Whether starting with lightweight data collection applications through DataCollector or implementing comprehensive real-time control applications with DataServer, the FrameworX platform scales with application requirements and organizational growth.