How does Atlas Copco ensure cybersecurity in its implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies?

The Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Cloud Manufacturing, and large language models are key manufacturing components in the era of Industry 4.0. However, the components that streamline assembly, document relevant information, and connect our devices can make our production vulnerable to cyberattacks and threats, making cybersecurity for Industry 4.0 a must for success. So, how can you keep your most precious data safe and your business running smoothly? That’s where Atlas Copco may be able to help.

In this article, we will explore Industry 4.0 technology, which is paving the way for streamlined assembly operations, and how Atlas Copco can ensure cybersecurity when implementing these technologies.

Industry 4.0 and cybersecurity go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. As more manufacturing facilities implement this smart, connected, and integrated software and solutions into their daily operations, they must also consider the importance of cybersecurity to protect their most precious data from hackers.

Nowadays, manufacturers produce goods daily using smart integrated solutions and software. This rise in smart assembly solutions has improved uptime, quality, traceability, and more, allowing manufacturers to streamline processes like never before.

Incorrect repairs account for 30-40% of product recalls and safety issues, so a solution like Avantguard can help mitigate those issues by controlling and managing factory workflows. This reduces errors and downtime for high-quality production. Additionally, during production, Avantguard collects the results of every assembly step for traceability purposes, which can then be transferred to ToolsNet 8 so that you can generate product reports and identify areas for improvement.

With all this information at your fingertips, you can achieve high-quality tightenings during assembly. However, with all this information logged, achieving a high level of cybersecurity for Industry 4.0 is equally important. Now that vital information about your plant is stored remotely, cyberattacks are more likely to occur.

As you know, Industry 4.0 and cybersecurity are vital to improving and protecting your business. To help secure the production process, Atlas Copco has developed Avantguard using secure technologies and adhering to IEC 62443 standards, providing customers with a more secure product by design. Additionally, Avantguard includes user authorization features. These features enable access control, ensuring that only authorized personnel can perform specific functions. This enhances security and accountability on the line.

Gone are the days of manually recording tightening data. Once a necessity for quality control and documentation, it can now hinder your facility's success and growth when your competitors are all using systems to document necessary information automatically. However, this system can also make us vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can wreak havoc on your facility. From downtime to ransoms and even the risk to your operators’ health and wellness, there is much to consider regarding cybersecurity for Industry 4.0.

While Industry 4.0 and cybersecurity may be relatively new concepts and might seem daunting to some manufacturers, we can do much to leverage the latest technology while still protecting our operators, data, and bottom line. For example, ToolsControl, Atlas Copco’s software environment, enables controller software to operate outside of dedicated hardware. ToolsControl allows you to control more with less and eliminates all the hardware that keeps you tied down. This way, you can more easily maximize flexibility, uptime, and future-proof assembly lines while also reducing physical hardware from cluttering your plant floor.

So, how does ToolsControl mitigate cybersecurity risks? ToolsControl allows controller software to operate independently of hardware. Since ToolsControl is a closed-box environment, you can enjoy the flexibility of a user-friendly web interface while preserving the privacy of a physical controller. This is due to the inability to install anything on the ToolsControl environment. Consider this: Would you install antivirus software on a physical controller or fastening tool?

Regardless of the software or solutions you implement in assembly, keeping them updated with regular software updates as they become available is essential. This is because using outdated solutions in manufacturing increases the risk of hackers accessing your vital information and/or assuming control of your operational-level devices.

Atlas Copco helps manufacturers stay up-to-date and avoid disruptions by offering dedicated pages on our website where customers can quickly and easily find the latest software versions for Atlas Copco products, such as our Controller Software Downloads site. We also provide customers with detailed Product Essentials and other related product training videos, which can be found on YouTube or our website. These videos cover a wide range of offerings and train viewers on how to use and update our products.

To address these challenges and uphold Industry 4.0 and cybersecurity, you should consider implementing proactive maintenance solutions like TechCover. These solutions provide swift resolutions and preventive strategies to mitigate issues before they occur. With two different packages to choose from, TechCover enables you to select the level of coverage that best suits your needs and preferences.

In this manufacturing era, we can greatly minimize or even eliminate errors, improve product quality, increase uptime, and so much more. However, with greater connectivity and traceability comes other potential risks we must be aware of and work to resolve. Atlas Copco aims to be your trusted partner on this journey toward the Smart Factory, providing innovative solutions that prioritize Industry 4.0 and cybersecurity every step of the way.

Are you interested in learning more about how Atlas Copco ensures cybersecurity in the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies? Contact our experts today!