SD-WAN, or software-defined wide area network, represents a transformative approach by applying software-defined networking (SDN) principles to traditional wide area networks (WANs). This innovative network function enables businesses to utilize a variety of transport services, including MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet, for secure wan connections between users and applications, whether they're located in data centers - local or regional apps, machinery or sensitive databases - or hosted in the cloud - software-as-a-service (SaaS) or infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS).

In addition, network security is transformed matching the new WAN architecture: from castle-and-moat security with central firewalls and secure web gateways to protect the wan from the public internet, to a zero trust approach, where all user access and application traffic is verified, web security is ubiquitous and the internal network is segmented in security zones such that even WAN traffic is filtered.

For manufacturers, navigating complex and ever-evolving network challenges is part of the daily grind. So, how does SD-WAN fit into their world? It promises enhanced productivity, bolstered security, and heightened user experience, all while simplifying operations and cutting costs.

This blog post delves into the reasons why secure SD-WAN is an optimal solution for manufacturers aiming to fulfill their digital transformation objectives.

Meeting the Complex Network Demands of Manufacturing

Manufacturers are tasked with overcoming complex and dynamic network challenges in their day-to-day operations. They are required to connect a multitude of locations, manage bandwidth-intensive industrial applications, and support initiatives related to IoT and Industry 4.0. How does SD-WAN play a role in addressing these needs?

Connectivity Across Dispersed Locations

Manufacturing entities often operate across several locations, including factories, warehouses, branch offices, and even incorporate remote workers. Ensuring reliable and secure connectivity throughout these varied locations, in addition to cloud and internet access, is paramount.

Where traditional WANs depend on costly and rigid MPLS links that may restrict bandwidth, increase latency, and lead to network bottlenecks, SD-WAN emerges as a solution. It enables manufacturers to utilize a mix of connection types, such as MPLS, LTE, and broadband, to securely connect users to applications.

Moreover, SD-WAN offers centralized network management including real-time monitoring and configuration, which empowers IT teams to manage the network with ease and efficiency.

Handling Bandwidth-Heavy Industrial Applications

Manufacturers rely on a plethora of industrial applications, including ERP, CMM, CAD, CAM, and WMS, to oversee their production processes, inventory, quality control, and customer communication. These applications demand a WAN optimization with high bandwidth, low latency, and consistent performance to operate effectively.

Traditional WANs often falter under the pressure of supporting the increased traffic and connection quality requirements from these applications, particularly when they are cloud-based or accessed by various devices. SD-WAN addresses these issues by leveraging real-time analytics to direct traffic onto the most efficient path, taking into account the specific requirements of the application and the current network conditions. Additionally, SD-WAN enhances user experience and efficiency by minimizing packet loss, jitter, and downtime - the relevant connectivity factors to optimize application performance.

Supporting IoT and Industry 4.0 Initiatives

Manufacturers are increasingly adopting IoT and Industry 4.0 initiatives, such as smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, and digital twins, aiming to boost their productivity, quality, and innovation. These initiatives require the integration of numerous sensors, devices, and machines to gather and analyze data, and to automate and optimize processes. However, they also introduce substantial network challenges, including scalability, security, and data privacy concerns.

Traditional WANs may struggle to manage the vast data produced by IoT devices and can leave systems vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches. SD-WAN supports IoT and Industry 4.0 initiatives by offering scalable and secure network connectivity and segmentation, along with integrated threat protection and data encryption. It also facilitates real-time access and control over IoT devices and data, as well as seamless integration with cloud platforms and services.

Enhancing Security in a High-Risk Environment

In today's high-risk environment, manufacturers are confronted with the critical task of safeguarding their data, assets, processes, and products against a myriad of cyber and physical dangers. Secure SD-WAN emerges as a pivotal solution in bolstering their security stance.

Addressing Manufacturing-Specific Security Challenges

Manufacturers grapple with a spectrum of security challenges including unauthorized access, theft, industrial espionage, insider threats, counterfeit products, and vulnerabilities within the supply chain. These issues not only threaten the safety, quality, and innovation of their operations but also pose legal and reputational risks. Secure SD-WAN steps in to mitigate these risks by offering extensive visibility, control, and security over their networks and data.

Additionally, Secure SD-WAN aids in detecting and thwarting intrusions, monitoring and auditing activities, and upholding security policies and standards.

Integrated Security Features of Secure SD-WAN

Secure SD-WAN transcends mere connectivity; it's a security-first networking approach that weaves a range of security functionalities into the SD-WAN framework. SASE and SSE technologies with features such as dynamic encrypted tunnels, network segmentation and isolation, advanced threat detection and prevention, and enhanced reporting capabilities, empower Secure SD-WAN to deliver secure, private, and direct internet access, and integrated threat defense. Instead of looking at networks in a black and white, where the internal WAN is trusted and everything outside is untrusted, network architectures are considered to be rainbows, where each user and app access is verified first, no matter whether it is remote, in the WAN or in the cloud.

This zero trust approach ensures uniform security across all network edges, from the flexible WAN edges to the cloud.

Compliance and Data Protection in Manufacturing

Handling sensitive data containing intellectual property and customer details is commonplace for manufacturers. Effective data governance, characterized by stringent security protocols, access controls, and privacy policies, is essential to shield this information, thereby reducing the likelihood of data breaches and ensuring regulatory compliance. Secure SD-WAN supports these data governance efforts by providing top-tier cybersecurity defenses like traffic filtering and data inspection, continuous monitoring and alerting as well as the activation of threat protection or policy controls to secure intellectual property, customer data, and confidential business information.

Furthermore, Secure SD-WAN facilitates adherence to various regulations and data privacy laws, including the Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Cost-Effective Network Management and Scalability

Secure SD-WAN offers manufacturers the opportunity to not only reduce their networking costs but also to scale their solutions as their business grows, all while simplifying network management and operations. But how does secure SD-WAN manage to accomplish these objectives?

Reducing Networking Costs with SD-WAN

The appeal of SD-WAN largely lies in its potential to save costs. By enabling the use of more affordable and flexible connection types, such as broadband, 5G, or satellite, secure SD-WAN helps manufacturers move away from costly and inflexible MPLS links. Furthermore, it reduces both capital and operational expenses by consolidating multiple dedicated devices and security solutions, including routers, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), VPN appliances, and others.

With integrated security features, secure SD-WAN presents a unified, cost-efficient approach to both networking and security.

Scalable Solutions for Growing Manufacturing Needs

As manufacturers expand to new locations, integrate new devices, or adopt new applications, they require network solutions that can scale accordingly. SD-WAN offers this flexibility, facilitating the easy and rapid deployment, configuration, and management of network services without the need for complex hardware setups or manual processes. It dynamically adjusts network bandwidth and performance to meet demand, ensuring the delivery of optimal service and user experience.

By integrating with cloud platforms and services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, secure SD-WAN enhances versatility. This allows manufacturers to take full advantage of cloud computing's elasticity, agility, and innovative capabilities.

Simplifying Network Management and Operations

For manufacturers, managing a complex and dynamic network can be challenging and resource-intensive, particularly when dealing with multiple vendors, devices, and interfaces. SD-WAN simplifies this task by offering centralized, streamlined network configuration and policy management. This enables IT teams to efficiently control the network through a unified interface.

Additionally, SD-WAN automates essential network functions like routing, load balancing, redundancy, and security, which helps reduce human errors and enhance network reliability. Secure SD-WAN goes a step further in simplifying network management and operations by providing detailed visibility, reporting, and analytics on network and app traffic. This allows IT teams to effectively monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize network performance for efficient WAN optimization, while also ensuring compliance and data protection.

Summary

In this blog post, we've explored the significant advantages of secure SD-WAN for manufacturers grappling with the complexities and ever-changing demands of network management. Secure SD-WAN emerges as a powerful tool to boost productivity, enhance security, and streamline efficiency, all while minimizing expenses and simplifying network complexities.

Moreover, secure SD-WAN supports manufacturers in their journey towards digital transformation. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating IoT and Industry 4.0 initiatives, and seamlessly integrates with cloud platforms and services. For manufacturers in pursuit of a scalable, secure, and cost-effective networking solution, secure SD-WAN represents an essential next step.

Learn More

Get in touch with us today to find out how Open Systems’ Secure SD-WAN can transform your production operations or check out relevant success stories from peers in your industry here.

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