Integration takes place via 'Siemens Industrial Edge', which collects data from controllers (PLC), sensors and other manufacturing systems and processes it at the edge. OT data models (Operational Technology, OT), such as AI models, can also be executed there in a closed loop directly with the production automation. The data is then transferred to the 'Snowflake AI Data Cloud', which offers functions for storing, managing and analyzing large volumes of data as well as generative AI-supported evaluations.

By connecting Siemens Industrial Edge with the Snowflake AI Data Cloud, manufacturers gain access to plug-and-play Industrial Edge applications that can contextualize OT data and transfer it to IT systems © Siemens

The solution supports plug-and-play industrial edge applications that contextualize OT data and integrate it into IT systems. This should enable manufacturers to combine machine data with information from supply chains, production or finance and thus make more informed decisions.

Manufacturing system provider FFT provides an initial application example. The company is already using the integration via its own DataBridge app to transfer production data securely and scalably to the Snowflake AI Data Cloud. The solution is used in the company's own production lines and systems to optimize machine utilization, availability and maintenance requirements based on data.

The joint platform is aimed at production managers, data engineers and IT managers. It addresses typical challenges such as data silos, limited transparency and inefficient analyses. By combining edge processing and cloud analytics, the aim is to achieve higher machine performance, improved product quality and reduced maintenance costs.

Statements from the cooperation partners

“This collaboration brings together the best of both worlds,” said Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens. “Siemens has deep expertise in how to bring OT and IT together on the shop floor, while Snowflake excels in managing and analyzing both large-scale OT and IT data. Together, we enable customers to bridge the IT/OT divide and scale their digital transformation across machines, lines, and factories.”
 
“Together with Siemens, we’re enabling manufacturers to harness the full potential of their data through Snowflake’s easy, connected and trusted platform,” said Christian Kleinerman, EVP of Product at Snowflake. “The ability to apply AI across both IT and OT data isn't just an advancement; it unlocks a new reality of possibilities for unparalleled quality improvement and radical performance optimization, as well as new ways of process automation powered by AI agents.”