Ready to Embrace a Profitable Machine-as-a-Service Business Model?

Due to the emergence of the IIoT, a novel business approach has surfaced: Machine-as-a-Service. This model not only brings in new revenue channels for machine manufacturers but also offers a means to assess the viability of their novel technology in specific scenarios before invoicing clients. It has also expanded business prospects by enabling customers to lease machines instead of outright purchasing them, a practice that might have been financially unfeasible. As an illustration, Rolls-Royce no longer sells engines to its clients. Instead, customers are billed based on their hourly power consumption and for comprehensive maintenance services.

Machine-as-a-Service has directed machine manufacturers towards emphasizing the “service” component. By incorporating IIoT-connected sensors into machines, operational data can be transmitted to the cloud for comprehensive big data analysis. This facilitates upgraded services such as predictive maintenance and remote servicing. Predictive maintenance ensures continuous, hassle-free operations by proactively planning and executing maintenance tasks before breakdowns lead to unexpected downtimes. Remote servicing not only slashes maintenance expenses by minimizing on-site visits but also enables quicker resolutions to any arising issues. Nonetheless, secure remote access to machines is essential for providing these services.

Even though remote access is not a new concept, the commonly used software-based solutions have drawbacks that may deter machine manufacturers. The first approach involves employing remote desktop software. By connecting a machine to a local terminal running this software, machine builders can swiftly establish a dedicated link to the machine. Nevertheless, many of these remote connections possess a high risk of data breaches due to weak encryption. If not implemented securely, malicious entities could illicitly gain entry to the owner’s intranet.

The alternative method is setting up virtual private network (VPN) tunnels. After configuring the IP address, domain name, key ID, encryption algorithms, and more, the IT team is required to plan and maintain the entire network. VPNs demand substantial IT support and specialized IT staff to ensure they don’t disrupt intranets. For numerous extensive or remote projects, dedicated IT support staff may not be readily accessible.

VPNs are deemed secure as they create independent one-to-one connections to fulfill security criteria. Essentially, each maintenance project necessitates a unique VPN connection to the remote site. From the standpoint of a machine manufacturer, every VPN connection represents an individual link that requires separate configuration and management. Managing a single VPN tunnel already demands a significant investment in manpower. When multiplied by hundreds or thousands, the workload escalates considerably. Dealing with a plethora of devices across varied clients calls for a substantial outlay in establishing, organizing, and sustaining connections and IT infrastructure.

Fortuitously, the advancements in IoT and cloud platform technology can resolve the issues associated with these traditional solutions. Rather than supervising individual VPN tunnels, you can leverage IoT technology to establish a centralized platform capable of overseeing all your connections. Machine builders can oversee all their remote machines dispersed across various sites by utilizing web-based software operating on a cloud platform. By opting for cloud-based software, machine manufacturers can effortlessly access their machines anytime and anywhere. They can designate the required sites for connection, and the connections can be automated to link the machine manufacturers to their clients’ machines. This significantly streamlines the laborious task of configuring and coordinating VPN connection settings for each remote connection, thereby substantially cutting down on maintenance and IT personnel costs.

Presently, there are a few manufacturers equipped with industrial-grade hardware and software integration capabilities. Opting for the appropriate partner is essential for machine builders managing a multitude of connected devices. A proficient partner can offer machine manufacturers a highly scalable means to establish secure links between humans and machines, thus enabling remote maintenance and the realization of Machine-as-a-Service.

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