A huge quantity of data generated by Internet of Things (IoT) is growing up exponentially based on non-stop operational states. Likewise, IoT devices are generating an avalanche of information that is tumultuous for predictable data processing and analytics functionality which is perfectly handled by the cloud before explosive growth of IoT. Fog computing structure confronts those disruptions, with powerful complement functionality of cloud framework, based on deployment of small clouds at proximity edge of data sources. Particularly, big IoT data analytics by fog computing structure is on a rising phase and requires extensive research to produce better data and smart selections.
Fog computing, also referred as fogging is pushing frontiers of computing applications, data, and services far from centralized cloud to the logical stream of the network edge. Fog networking system works on to create the management and configuration over the internet backbone instead of primarily controlled by network gateways and switches, which are embedded within the LTE network. Firms can illuminate the fog computing framework as extremely virtualized computing infrastructure, providing hierarchical computing facilities with the assistance of edge server nodes. These fog nodes organize the wide applications and services to store and process the contents in close proximity of end users. Sometimes, fog computing used often is interchangeably termed as edge computing. However, there’s little bit distinction between those two concepts. Fog and edge computing both involve pushing the processing and intelligence capabilities all the way down to the proximity where the data is originating. The main difference between both architectures is exactly where the computing and intelligence power is placed. In both structures, information is sent by the same sources or physical assets like pumps, relays, motors, sensors, and so on. All those devices perform a physical job in this world like electrical circuits, pumping water, switching, or sensing the task around them.
Fog computing is an architectural development of computing with a resource pool. Fog nodes process tasks without third-party interference and collaboratively provide computational flexibility, higher communication, storage capacity, and much more additional new mart services in hierarchical surroundings for rising number of devices, clients, or end users.
Involvement of fog computing in supply chain management
Industry and corporations face many difficult operating issues, such as complicated supply chain to motion applications, in equipment constraints to labor limitations. However, with IoT big data analytics, comparative organizations can find new price saving and revenue opportunities, instead of their flood of data turning into overwhelming challenges. Analytics help in operations to sense what’s important, understand what values are generated, and thereby act instantly to capture those values. Specifically, manufacturers are using data analytics to predict equipment failures and also to improve quality and market responsiveness by coordinative extended and complex supply chains. Data analytics can better engage with their customers to develop new revenue streams and enhance product features and new product development. Streaming of IoT big data presents one of the most important opportunities. Advantage of big data analytics at fog computing shows prognostic progress as a five-dimension emerging targets in near smart industrial development through user’s smart devices growth process in smart industrial development.
Fog computing enables supply chain delivery with aerial drones in the following ways.
- Consider that the time it takes for a message to pass from an aerial drone to the cloud is around eighty milliseconds. During the time between round-trip cloud messages, the drone travels about twelve feet. That work time can result in serious questions of safety. Fog-enabled drones are capable of autonomous awareness, analysis and sub-millisecond response to things like changing climatic conditions and other aircraft.
- Using drones to travel through or reach remote areas for delivery would be a perfect use case, as drones have to rely on satellite links for communication, which makes this use case cost-prohibitive. Instead, fog-enabled drones can access regional fog nodes for updates on airspace and different environmental conditions. This eliminates reliance on satellite links and makes deliveries to remote communities and over new routes a practical reality.
- Multiple drones can be pre-programmed for cooperative behavior, like working along to carry an oversized package. However, there are limitations to relying on preprogramming cooperative behavior. Fog nodes are self-conscious, peer-aware and self-organizing, which makes dynamic community behavior possible. While, drones are working cooperatively, they maintain their individual autonomy.
- When connectivity to the cloud or the bottom support infrastructure is limited, intermittent or lost, drones can’t act erratically because they lack instructions. One of the architectural pillars of fog computing is autonomy, which encompasses situational awareness, analysis and sub-millisecond response to ever-changing conditions. The mobile fog nodes offer onboard intelligence so that the drone can act with autonomy when required.
- Drone fleets are vital concept in supply chain delivery. Fleet behavior is enabled, in part, by the multi-tenancy properties of fog computing. A fog node on a drone may have application software owned by more than one stakeholder on a time-sharing basis. Fog computing multi-tenancy also handles the variability inherent in multi-tenancy. For example, one tenant may require that its data is command in strict privacy, whereas another tenant may need selective sharing of its data.
A combination of Cloud, Fog, and Mist computing can remodel faster and craft smart cities, drone-enabled supply chains, remote energy extraction and exploration, smart traffic, video police investigation, virtual reality, environmental conservation, and emergency response solutions.
Fog computing is likely to play a central role in today’s complicated world of supply chains. It can orchestrate the numerous hand-offs along the chain, while permitting the centralized cloud to specialize in historical analytics to drive supply chain optimization.
Read Full Magazine: The 10 Best Supply Chain Technology Solution Providers, 2018
