Industrial Edge Visualization for Distributed Control Systems

[Erkan Teskancan]

## Industrial Edge Visualization for Distributed Control Systems

Emerson has introduced a new browser-based visualization application called DeltaV Live Enterprise View. This solution extends distributed control system (DCS) graphics beyond the control room, providing real-time operational visibility for engineering, maintenance, and management functions within the digital supply chain.

### Bringing Control System Visibility to the Enterprise

Industrial operations require rapid access to operational data for decision support across multiple roles. Traditional visualization solutions often necessitate duplicating or reconfiguring control system graphics, leading to delays and excessive engineering workload.

DeltaV Live Enterprise View enables direct viewing of operator-level graphics without the need for redesign or replication. The application presents screens exactly as configured in the DeltaV Live environment, ensuring consistency between the control room and enterprise view.

This capability is crucial in sectors such as oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and power generation, where process deviations demand rapid cross-functional coordination. A single source of visualization reduces inconsistencies between operational and analytical environments.

### Edge-Based Architecture and Secure Data Access

The application is built upon Emerson's edge computing infrastructure, designed to bridge OT and IT domains. The unidirectional data flow within the DeltaV Edge Environment allows external access to operational data while preventing write access or external interference with control systems.

This structure ensures strict separation between control layers and enterprise applications, adhering to zero-trust security principles. Users connect to real-time screens in read-only mode via a standard web browser, eliminating the need for direct system connections or additional client installations.

The absence of two-way communication minimizes cybersecurity risks while maintaining seamless access to process data.

### Reducing Engineering Workload and Delays

Traditional enterprise visualization solutions often require intermediate layers for data transformation or dashboard creation. These layers introduce latency and ongoing maintenance costs.

DeltaV Live Enterprise View eliminates these intermediate steps by directly utilizing existing control system graphics. This significantly reduces engineering effort and accelerates deployment, especially in large-scale facilities with systems containing thousands of graphic elements.

Furthermore, data consistency is enhanced as users see the same graphical interface as control room operators, avoiding discrepancies caused by data abstraction or transformation. This also speeds up troubleshooting and performance analysis.

### Integration within the Industrial Edge Ecosystem

The application is part of a broader edge ecosystem that includes analytics, workflow automation, and data visualization tools. Integrations include Grafana dashboards, Jupyter Notebook for advanced analytics, and Node-RED for workflow management.

Use cases enabled by these tools include:

• Real-time trend and alarm analysis
• AI-powered process optimization
• Batch production performance tracking
• Customized dashboard development

These capabilities ensure continuous analysis of operational data and rapid action at the enterprise level.

### Role in Enterprise Operations Platforms

DeltaV Live Enterprise View aligns with Emerson's software-defined enterprise operations platform strategy. This platform integrates scalable control systems, industrial AI capabilities, and cybersecurity frameworks.

As a visualization layer, it scales from edge deployments to enterprise-wide access. It also helps standardize data access and interpretation across geographically distributed assets.

The combination of edge computing and browser-based presentation enables large-scale deployments without significant infrastructure changes, making it suitable for existing facilities and new digital transformation projects.

### Conclusion

DeltaV Live Enterprise View extends control system visualization beyond traditional boundaries without compromising system integrity and cybersecurity. By eliminating the need for duplicate graphics and offering secure, read-only access via edge infrastructure, it overcomes a significant barrier in industrial data access and enhances operational alignment.