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Important terminology for the digital transformation in the water industry

Big Data

refers to large, complex and rapidly changing data sets that cannot be evaluated by classical methods of data processing and, therefore, require sophisticated algorithms. The term also covers the complex of technologies used to collect and evaluate such data sets, and is thus also a synonym for the intelligent handling of large and simultaneously heterogeneous data sets.

Digitalization / Digitization

is, in the original sense, the conversion of analog to digital data (e.g. text, sound, image). In the context of the development of the Internet, objects, processes and services are increasingly being digitalized.

Disruptive business models

are digital business models which, within a short period of time, threaten the existence of established companies or even markets in the analogue world. This can lead to the collapse of individual companies (e.g. Kodak as a result of digital photography) or put entire industries at risk (e.g. paper newspapers versus electronic newspapers).

Cloud (Computing)

is the demand-oriented provision of IT resources in the form of storage or computing capacity and/or software applications via the Internet or Intranet (“the Cloud”). The usage is billed according to the actual demand, in contrast to own IT resources, where the user is completely responsible for the acquisition and operation of hardware and software.

Cyber Security

is the overall combination of all security measures that not only affect the central hardware facilities in the sense of classic IT security, but also includes the entire cyberspace including the Internet (or similar networks), associated information technology and other communication elements (including mobile communication).

CPS - cyber-physical systems

are interconnected information and software as well as mechanical and electronic components (e.g. AWS Jet cleaner with camera system and IntelliGrid automation solution). Data transfer and exchange as well as monitoring and control are performed via a network, such as the Internet in real time. These are also called SMART Machines.

Data protection

is a collective term for the protection of personal or individual data and the prevention of improper data processing, such as data breaches.

Data security

is the confidentiality, integrity, availability and controllability of data from the perspective of the data owner. The goal is to protect data from manipulation and non-availability, e.g. by protecting it from internal and external access, encrypting communication, data backup, and updates and patches.

Digital business models

are fundamental principles to create value/capital and to address and win customers accordingly. These are divided into eight basic models (procurement, service provision, sales, distribution, target group definition, financing and communication). Digital business models are the application and adaptation of the above-mentioned basic principles and the basic models to activities on the Internet or in cloud computing as well as in connection with business activities of digital transformation.

Digital Transformation

is the overall concept of all technical and organizational developments and measures in which objects (e.g. books and CDs), processes (e.g. payment transactions) and services (e.g. hotel reservations and seminars) are transferred from the physical world to the digital world by algorithms. The new digital objects (e.g. e-book and MP3), processes (e.g. PayPal) and services (e.g. Airbnb or webinars) are mainly organized via the Internet. Furthermore, the growing networking (linking IT and machines to form a complete operational system) is also one of the core elements.

Industry 4.0

is the overall concept of all technical and organizational developments and measures in which objects (e.g. books and CDs), processes (e.g. payment transactions) and services (e.g. hotel reservations and seminars) are transferred from the physical world to the digital world by algorithms. The new digital objects (e.g. e-book and MP3), processes (e.g. PayPal) and services (e.g. Airbnb or webinars) are mainly organized via the Internet. Furthermore, the growing networking (linking IT and machines to form a complete operational system) is also one of the core elements.

Internet of Things (IoT)

originally refers to the linking of physical objects (things), or their communication with each other, via the Internet or an Internet-like structure. Meanwhile, this term is being extended to people and animals as communication participants (e.g. Smart Watch). In contrast to Industry 4.0, IoT not only includes the technical level, but also the associated business models.

ISMS

is the management system for IT security according to the standard 100-1 of BSI (German Federal Office for Information Security) and is fully compliant with ISO 27001. According to BSI, the standard specifies “which instruments and methods the management level of an institution uses to comprehensibly control the tasks and activities oriented towards information security”. Appropriate software solutions are used for this purpose.

M2M

stands for machine-to-machine and is the automated exchange of information between end devices such as machines, automats, vehicles or containers. The communication can also take place via a central control office. The exchange of information increasingly takes place using the Internet and various access networks, such as the mobile phone network.

OPC

(OLE Process Control) is a standard for manufacturer-independent, safe and reliable data exchange between sensors, controllers and SCADA systems. A large number of major manufacturers have associated in the OPC Foundation, which is responsible for the development and maintenance of the standard.

Platform

is the homogeneous technical basis on which software applications and applications can be developed and executed. Increasingly, central hardware platforms are being used, which users can access via the Internet and thus no longer need to use their own hardware. This service is provided by major enterprises such as Telekom, Google or Amazon under the term PaaS (Platform as a Service).

Smart

means translated “fast”, “smart” or “clever”. In the context of digitization, this term is often used as an adjective to express that objects, processes, services or entire organizations and systems are embedded in digital environments and thus function faster, more economically and ecologically. Examples are Smart Watch, Smart Machine, Smart Object, Smart Infrastructure, Smart City, Smart Factory etc.

Smart Machines

are products which, equipped with intelligent software modules, can achieve greater efficiency and can be networked with each other or with superior systems. The machines are equipped with appropriate sensors and IT and communication technology.

TeleMatic

is a broad term for the interconnection of communication and computer science. Under this concept, HST has developed and established software modules for decentralized data acquisition, automation and telecontrol systems connected via communication technology. The software handles both communication and local process data acquisition, processing and archiving. A unique feature is the methodology of data storage of raw data according to the Delta Event method. The TeleMatic modules can be used on the automation platforms Siemens S7-1200 / S7-1500 and Beckhoff IPCs of the CX series. They enable reliable raw data acquisition, more transparent data evaluation without compression, permanent decentralised archiving and efficient engineering. The integration of the OPC UA standard in the TeleMatic modules is a consistent further development to bring reliable communication to a currently maximum level of security.

Usability

is derived from the words “use” and “ability”. It stands for the user- and operator- friendliness of technological components and systems.

Networking

is a term from systems theory and refers to the cause-and-effect relationships as well as to general and special system characteristics of interconnected sub-elements of a system. In the context of digitization, the term refers to the interconnection of IT and machines to form a complete operational system.

Contact

Nghiep Chi Le, M.A.

International Project Manager
Tel+49 291 9929-107
Fax+49 291 7691
E-Mail Nghiep-Chi.Le@hst.de

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