IUNO is a German research project created to support the development of IT security in Industry 4.0. Balluff, as part of this project, is developing an RFID solution based on OPC-UA, designed for securely communicating data between the object level and company IT systems. RFID systems are the basis for communication in production. These systems are considered key for Industry 4.0 solutions: they enable transparent supply chains, reliable tracking of individual products or entire lots in logistics and material management, and they also control data and components with secure identities in production networks.
OPC-UA protocol used in production with end-to-end encryption
Companies have to focus on the threat that hackers pose to production processes, and on the challenge of ensuring a workpiece always follows the right route through manufacturing and can be identified at all times. Balluff teamed up with WIBU Systems, which specializes in protecting and licensing software and documentation, to help the Homag Group, a manufacturer of woodworking machines, to establish secure processes for customized production. By meticulously analysing each process step within furniture production, the participants were able to derive and superbly implement appropriate protective measures. The OPC-UA protocol is now used in production with end-to-end encryption to stop would-be spies from stealing or tampering with data, thereby ensuring communication is safe and secure.
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