Schneider Electric seeks adoption of edge computing in industrial sector

Energy management and Industrial automation firm, Schneider Electric, has reaffirmed the pivotal role of industrial edge computing in supporting the unique demands of Nigeria’s growing industrial sector.

Amid the rapid adoption of cloud computing, Schneider Electric highlights the sustained relevance of the industrial edge, which continues to thrive in settings where real-time, mission-critical operations are paramount.

The firm noted that in the Nigeria’s industrial sector, including remote mining operations and fast-paced manufacturing hubs, where infrastructure challenges may hinder seamless connectivity, edge computing becomes essential for delivering real-time, reliable data processing capabilities.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, End User Sales Director, Schneider Electric, Rohan de Beer, stressed 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.

He noted that Edge computing supports rapid data analysis, ensuring that industrial processes remain efficient and resilient even in connectivity-limited areas.

According to him, In 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. This configuration allows data replication to cloud servers at designated intervals, preserving the ability to leverage big data insights without compromising immediate operational needs.”

He added, “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.”

He further stressed that the firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in its EcoStruxure IT Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) 3.0 architecture.

This solution, he noted, is specifically tailored for distributed environments and provides unmatched monitoring and management for hybrid IT landscapes.

“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 said.

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.”

Speaking on other important benefits of the initiative, he explained Edge computing enables efficient use of computational resources, crucial for AI applications that power predictive maintenance and operational optimization. In turn, this approach reduces bandwidth usage and operational costs, positioning Nigerian industries for sustainable growth.

“As technology continues to evolve, Schneider Electric is committed to leading the charge with solutions that empower industries to harness the benefits of both edge and cloud computing,” he concluded.