AT&T collaborates with Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation and AT&T are collaborating to improve remote asset utilization and connected machine management.

The companies plan to deliver cellular solutions that help enable Rockwell Automation customers to securely collect, manage and take action on data from industrial equipment located in plants and remote sites around the globe.

By bringing together the AT&T Global SIM and M2X Data Service platform with Rockwell Automation cloud-enabled service offerings, customers benefit from a more secure, flexible and scalable way to connect automation assets and industrial machinery to remote experts. This allows for timely and proactive preventive maintenance and operational improvement practices throughout the life of these assets.

“We’re creating solutions to help change how industrial companies operate around the world,” said Mike Troiano, vice president, industrial IoT solutions, AT&T. “Rockwell Automation brings industrial expertise and market presence, while AT&T brings industry-leading IoT platforms and communications. Together, we aim to connect people with machines to make business processes simpler and more efficient.”

The companies are also working to develop reference architecture and validated designs for cellular IoT deployments within industrial sites. These tools will guide customers in the design and use of cellular connected assets in ways that complement the existing in-plant network infrastructure. This will help plant owners to leverage connected machine management services offered by multiple equipment suppliers without overburdening their in-plant network infrastructure or violating enterprise security standards.

“Our combined solutions will help industry to realize The Connected Enterprise by securely connecting a large number of smart assets both plant-wide and distributed in the field,” said Sujeet Chand, senior vice president, chief technology officer, Rockwell Automation. “This will result in rapid value creation for our customers.”