Jelena Pejković: Organizations Need to Wisely Utilize Edge Computing – Here Are Three Main Advantages

Fast and quality data analysis is among the main prerequisites for successful business today. Leading organizations are therefore shifting data processing to edge computing as one way to continue business growth. Specifically, organizations that set up computing and networking systems, as well as storage systems as close as possible to the sources generating data, such as mobile devices, factory machines, or vehicles with artificial intelligence, can receive and analyze data in real-time.

This increases operational efficiency, reduces energy consumption from IT infrastructure, and ultimately allows the organization to operate in line with sustainability goals. Investing in edge computing technology brings organizations three main advantages: greater security, more efficient network usage, and the development of sustainable business. Additionally, according to recent research results, only a few organizations related to data centers or the IT industry operate in accordance with sustainability goals.

– Edge computing is the right solution for organizations that want to align operational efficiency with sustainability goals. Setting up IT infrastructure at the edge of the network brings numerous advantages, and that effort pays off – emphasizes Jelena Pejković, Sales Director of the ‘Secure Power’ department at Schneider Electric for the markets of Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Investing in edge computing technology brings advantages to organizations

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Monitoring Data at the Source Increases Security

The application of edge computing is evident, for example, in the development of telemedicine technology. However, the broader use of telemedicine tools has also increased opportunities for cyberattacks on healthcare systems. According to a global study from 2022, 66% of healthcare organizations reported cyberattacks in 2021, which is a third more attacks compared to the previous year. On average, data breaches cost healthcare institutions more than $10 million.

– In traditional infrastructure, most data is generated in individual, distributed devices and then sent to a central data center for storage and analysis. Besides the fact that protecting data in this process can be challenging, an additional problem is that only a few healthcare institutions use sophisticated cybersecurity tools. Edge computing allows healthcare institutions to analyze data at the source, effectively reducing security risks – explains Pejković.

Remote Analysis Enables Optimal Network Usage

Pejković points out that the second advantage of edge computing is particularly visible in industrial environments.

– Numerous machines and equipment, such as drilling systems for oil and gas or factory equipment, generate very important data. Besides the fact that transmitting this information to central data centers and back burdens the network, the need for greater bandwidth further increases transmission costs. Additionally, sending information between locations causes network delays that can negatively affect business processes, especially when real-time data analysis is necessary – claims the sales director.

Organizations can mitigate these obstacles by collecting information at the edge of the network where it is generated. Specifically, analyzing data at the source limits the amount of information sent to a central location, thereby reducing network usage. Local data analysis and less frequent information transmission over the network solve the problem of delays. Moreover, even if other parts of the network experience outages, edge systems can continue to operate smoothly and generate data.

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Data analysis at the source where it is generated reduces the possibility of security risks

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More Efficient Energy Consumption Contributes to Sustainable Business Processes

Organizations across all industries consume large amounts of energy: lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and the operation and maintenance of facilities require reliable power, often continuously 24 hours a day. For example, in data centers, 40% of total electricity is consumed just for cooling. Additionally, transmitting data from their source to the central data center further consumes energy.

– Edge computing sensors and software in network management centers enable organizations to easily monitor and oversee energy consumption at all remote locations. Like any device that generates data, these applications continuously collect information about building efficiency, based on which energy usage can be improved – explains Pejković. Specifically, edge computing can save up to 60% of energy consumption for data transmission. Smart building technology can result in energy savings of 5% to 25% on HVAC systems and nearly 50% savings on lighting systems. To optimally manage tools in smart buildings, edge computing is crucial.

Edge Computing Contributes to Business Efficiency

In addition to the three mentioned advantages, edge computing opens new opportunities for business development in other ways. As more companies transition to distributed IT environments, it will be essential for edge computing technology to rapidly advance to deliver greater efficiency.

Operational efficiency is a business goal in itself. Efficient business processes lead to reduced costs, increased profitability, better employee safety, and improved customer experience. Although enhancing business intelligence and data analysis is a general business objective, investing in edge computing and its application offers concrete and immediate business benefits, and it is up to organizations to wisely utilize them, concludes Pejković from Schneider Electric.

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Efficient business reduces costs, increases profitability and safety, and improves customer experience

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