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Industrial Edge Architecture for IT and Production

Siemens Industrial Edge connects OT and IT on a secure, Docker-based platform. It enables centralized management of distributed applications, automated software deployment, and seamless integration of real-time production data into enterprise IT systems.

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Modular Architecture for Industrial Interoperability and Enterprise IT Standards


To meet rigorous enterprise IT standards and modern industrial automation demands, Siemens Industrial Edge uses a decoupled architecture that separates the control plane from the data plane. This design supports a Security-by-Design approach and compliance with IEC 62443 -4-2 to ensure robust protection of production environments. This multi-tier structure enables seamless data orchestration from the shop floor to the enterprise, ensuring flexibility and facilitating better, data-driven decision-making.

Infographic displaying how the Industrial Edge computing platform operates with a focus on assets.

How IT with Industrial Edge is advancing production

Real-Time Data Processing and OT Integration

Industrial Edge Devices run secure runtimes on the factory floor, enabling data ingestion and apps with near-zero latency. Multi-protocol connectivity, open APIs support real-time insights and scalable, data-driven manufacturing.

Centralized Orchestration and IT Management

Industrial Edge Management (IEM) acts as a command center for device onboarding, firmware updates, application management. It enables security policies, remote updates, job tracking, and vulnerability management with ProductCERT.

Seamless Data Flow to Enterprise Systems

Standardized interfaces such as MQTT, REST, OPC UA enable OT data exchange with IT systems. Industrial Edge integrates Siemens Xcelerator solutions and third-party platforms: SCADA, MES/MoM, ERP, cloud services like AWS or Azure.

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Scalable Data Processing with Open Architecture

Modern edge computing does more than process data - it simplifies the lifecycle management of distributed systems across all production sites. Siemens Industrial Edge enables enterprise IT teams to automate deployment, management, and operation - including security patches, firmware updates, and configuration - across the entire shop floor, enhancing operational agility and reducing manufacturing downtime. The platform has been awarded with the UL Solutions Smart Systems Verified Platinum rating in recognition of its robust capabilities and security.

Industrial Edge Platform Highlights

Automated Lifecycle Management for efficient production

Centralized architecture reduces operational costs and improves efficiency. Automated software updates and zero-touch provisioning minimize risk and maximize availability - no manual intervention required.

Industrial Edge Deployment Administration

Industrial Edge Management provides secure, scalable administration with centralized, rule-based role and rights management. Flexible user provisioning, detailed permissions and audit logging ensure robust security and compliance.

Developer-Centric Platform for Enterprise IT

Built on Docker-standard containers, the architecture supports any programming language for rapid app development and deployment. Native Docker and Kubernetes-based management enable automated orchestration and CI/CD workflows.

Flexible Enterprise Deployment Models

The Industrial Edge Management platform adapts to your enterprise IT strategy and security needs:

  • IEM Virtual (On-Premises):

    Runs as a virtual appliance on leading hypervisors like VMware vSphere, Oracle VirtualBox, and VMware Workstation. Leverage existing server infrastructure and backup routines while keeping data and management within your local network for maximum data sovereignty.

  • IEM Pro (Kubernetes):

    Turnkey management for Kubernetes platforms – incl. Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). Optimized for large device fleets, providing hardware isolation, high availability, and enhanced resilience features.

  • IEM Cloud (SaaS):

    Siemens-hosted solution for globally distributed sites. Reduces IT workload, ensures always-up-to-date management, and supports your global manufacturing network.

Enjoy robust, enterprise-scale device management, centralized fleet administration, and remote configuration across all industrial assets.

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Maximizing Operational Agility: Apps, Hardware, and Industrial Security

Scale your industrial intelligence with flexible edge computing that supports horizontal and vertical scaling, disaster recovery, and production continuity. Security is at the core with IEC 62443 compliance, security-by-design, CRA-Readiness for 2027, and a zero-trust architecture with RBAC and MFA. Critical infrastructure is protected by features like encrypted updates (SHA-256), role-based access, brute-force protection, OT/IT segmentation, and automated security audits/container scanning.

Full Docker Flexibility

Deploy microservices in Python, C++, or use low-code tools like Mendix – all securely isolated at scale across thousands of nodes. Open API support (RESTful integration, GraphQL, Swagger/OpenAPI documentation) and a microservices-based architecture enable rapid enterprise IT innovation.

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Simatic Edge App dashboard screenshot.

Ready-to-Use Apps for Production Optimization

Accelerate ROI with Siemens’ pre-configured industrial applications which include scalable data management, real-time streaming via Redis and secure MQTT, and more.

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Hardware-Agnostic Shop Floor Integration

Avoid vendor lock-in with open hardware: Edge Runtime operates on SIMATIC IPCs, IoT/SCALANCE devices, SIMATIC HMI Panels, certified third-party hardware, and any server as a virtual edge device. Seamlessly integrate into any brownfield or greenfield production system using multi-protocol connectivity.

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