Red Lion Launches Flexedge™ Intelligent Edge Automation Platform

MC Red Lion Launches Flexedge Intelligent Edge Automation Platform 1 400

April 25, 2022

 

Red Lion Controls, global experts in communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and networking, launched the FlexEdge™ Intelligent Edge Automation Platform recently. This revolutionary system brings a new degree of versatility to edge computing, while its ease of use makes productivity and efficiency gains from digital transformation initiatives accessible with point-and-click simplicity. FlexEdge’s highly modular design and intuitive software enable quick, straightforward customization and deployment to myriad applications without compromising rugged, reliable operation. The platform carries several certifications that make it ideal for oil and gas, water, wastewater, maritime, hazardous location, and factory automation applications.

Engineered for industrial customers with diverse needs who want to effortlessly connect systems and process data at the edge, FlexEdge’s modular architecture boasts a wide variety of wireless and wired communication options. This breadth of options makes it an easily configured communication gateway that connects with any industrial communication requirement, regardless of protocol or manufacturer. And unlike fixed-function devices that require customers to learn many products — or systems with fixed chassis that take up unnecessary space — FlexEdge offers a form factor and platform that adapts as quickly as application needs change. It’s available with advanced networking functionality or advanced automation features, including protocol conversion; virtual HMIs; an advanced web server with Bootstrap, JavaScript and CSS; data, security and event logging; and cloud connectivity.

With FlexEdge, customers can seamlessly connect new and existing devices, reducing overall downtime, and allowing for frictionless, future-proof scalability at levels never before seen in edge computing. This flexibility allows the selection of one platform for any edge requirement, so customers can focus on business efficiency without worrying about choosing the right combination of products for their application.

For automation engineers, Red Lion’s FlexEdge offers a single platform that can solve most challenges while decreasing the number of deployed devices to reduce application complexity. For networking engineers, it’s a robust, industrial-grade networking gateway deployable as a wired or cellular solution to securely connect different networks through powerful networking functionality. With multiple isolated serial ports; Ethernet, optional Wi-Fi and cellular communication sleds; optional field installable I/O; and a certified, robust enclosure, FlexEdge ensures optimal operation in almost any industrial environment with demanding requirements.

“In today’s market, we see innovation accelerating at breakneck pace. And that’s terrific. But it makes it hard for customers to cost-effectively plan for the future. Too often they have no choice but to make costly capital investments, scrap existing equipment or both. The FlexEdge architecture answers their challenges. It adapts as quickly as needs change. No matter where a company is in their digital transformation journey, FlexEdge starts where they are, and helps future proof optimization plans,” said Colin Geis, data acquisition and IIoT product manager.

As word of FlexEdge begins to penetrate the market, the product’s unique capabilities captured the attention of Craig Resnick, ARC advisory group vice president. “As companies continue with their digital transformation and IT/OT convergence journeys, they seek an intelligent automation solution that will enable them to more seamlessly connect to both new and legacy equipment. Red Lion has introduced a new platform that enables users to collect the required data necessary from both IT and OT to better optimize decision-making and further maximize their investment in digital transformation. This scalable solution is designed to provide off-the-shelf plug-and-play connectivity to a wide range of networks, assets, generations of equipment, and protocols,” according to Resnick.

“Red Lion’s FlexEdge platform meets this demanding criterion, providing manufacturers and processors with a solution designed to not only fulfill their current and future edge platform requirements, but also one that can be deployed by a new and changing workforce, helping companies make faster, more informed, and intelligent decisions and achieve higher levels of operational effectiveness. Having the local computing power and IT/OT connectivity that the FlexEdge platform provides often results in reduced unscheduled downtime; increases productivity, profitability and KPIs; and delivers the intelligent information necessary so decisions can be made based on a single version of the truth,” Resnick continued.

“Furthermore, with the ability to have end-to-end visibility of the supply chain, users can gain a competitive advantage with increased flexibility and operational agility, productivity, plant efficiency, asset uptime and quality. They can also add profits to the bottom line by reducing operational risks and safety concerns, overhead costs, and changeover times and deploying predictive preventative maintenance programs,” Resnick concluded.

To learn more, and to explore how Red Lion’s new FlexEdge™ Intelligent Edge Automation Platform can solve your challenges, click here or call +1(717)767-6511.

 

DCS Red Lion Acquires MB Connect Line 2 400

 

 

Source

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Festo Didactic Showcases Technical Education and Training at Hannover Messe 2025

    Festo Didactic Showcases Technical Education and Training at Hannover Messe 2025

    May 20, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Hannover Messe 2025 was an extra special event for Festo. The Festo Group celebrated their 100th anniversary, Festo Canada celebrated their 50th anniversary, and Festo Didactic celebrated their 60th anniversary. Festo Didactic, the education arm of the company, understands how important education is for empowering individuals, driving economic growth,… Read More…

  • EtherCAT in Boost Mode

    May 14, 2025 EtherCAT and PC-based control in test bench technology EtherCAT is by far the fastest Industrial Ethernet technology. Nevertheless, the data acquisition process at Kraus & Naimer’s cam controller test benches called for an even shorter bus cycle. To achieve the required performance, Beckhoff specialists reduced the previous cycle time from 100 µs… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Electromate to Offer UR7e, UR12e & UR15 Collaborative Robots from Universal Robots

    May 20, 2025 Electromate is expanding its lineup of collaborative automation solutions with the addition of three advanced models from Universal Robots: the UR7e, UR12e, and UR15. These robots provide enhanced options for payload, reach, and precision in demanding collaborative applications. The UR7e delivers a 7 kg payload, 1300 mm reach, and ±0.03 mm repeatability. Positioned between the UR5e and… Read More…

  • Redefining Non-Invasive Temperature Measurement

    May 14, 2025 iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 provides accuracy and response time comparable to invasive temperature measurement. The non-invasive thermometer iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 by Endress+Hauser can be used across all industries for a wide range of demanding industrial applications. The surface-mounted thermometer measures process temperature without the risk of leakage and flow disruption. A specially designed… Read More…