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Is Kubernetes the Right Fit for the Manufacturing Sector? Overcoming Challenges in Distributed Environments
Kubernetes has revolutionised how organisations manage infrastructure, networking, and applications. But can this powerful tool be effectively used in the manufacturing sector, with its distributed environments and unique challenges? The answer is yes—with the right approach and tools.
At Nearby Computing, we’ve partnered with numerous manufacturing customers who have successfully implemented Kubernetes in various configurations. From entirely on-premises edge Kubernetes distributions like Rancher or OpenShift to fully cloud-based solutions such as EKS or AKS—and even hybrid approaches that combine both—manufacturing operations are embracing Kubernetes to meet evolving needs.
The Potential and Challenges of Kubernetes in Manufacturing
Kubernetes offers transformative benefits such as scalability, resource efficiency, and self-healing. However, deploying it in the manufacturing sector isn’t without challenges. These include:
Distributed and diverse environments: Manufacturing often involves multiple edge locations with varying infrastructure needs.
Complex network topologies: Managing physical and virtual network resources alongside Kubernetes is far from straightforward.
Monitoring and observability gaps: Kubernetes’ native tools for observability are often insufficient, requiring integration with third-party systems.
How NearbyOne Simplifies Kubernetes for Manufacturing
NearbyOne addresses these challenges through a unified orchestration and management layer designed for distributed industrial environments. Let’s explore the key challenges and how NearbyOne resolves them.
1. Managing Resources Across Multiple Kubernetes Environments
Many manufacturing setups involve multiple Kubernetes clusters—often hybrid configurations—at the edge. However, Kubernetes lacks a unified interface to manage these diverse clusters.
How NearbyOne helps
NearbyOne provides a single pane of glass to manage and monitor Kubernetes clusters across environments. This allows seamless provisioning, lifecycle management, and resource allocation across on-premises, cloud, or hybrid setups, significantly reducing operational complexity.
2. Handling Complex Network Topologies
While Kubernetes is excellent for managing software resources, it wasn’t designed to handle the complexities of industrial network topologies. Physical and virtual network resources, private 5G/4G cores, uCPEs, and white boxes require specialised orchestration.
How NearbyOne helps
NearbyOne introduces NearbyBlock, a feature that manages the lifecycle of network resources, including physical and virtual functions. This enables you to orchestrate diverse network resources alongside Kubernetes, ensuring smooth integration and enhanced operational efficiency.
3. Enhanced Observability Across Solutions
Kubernetes’ native observability features often fall short when it comes to comprehensive monitoring. Manufacturing operations require detailed visibility not only into Kubernetes clusters but also into network and application resources.
How NearbyOne helps
NearbyOne offers a robust observability stack that goes beyond Kubernetes. It records logs, statuses, and metrics for clusters, network components, and deployed applications. Features like alerts and detailed reports provide full visibility, enabling proactive management and faster issue resolution.
Conclusion: Making Kubernetes Work for Manufacturing
Using Kubernetes in manufacturing environments might seem daunting, but with the right strategy and tools, it becomes a powerful enabler of operational efficiency. NearbyOne simplifies the deployment and management of Kubernetes at the edge, providing additional features tailored to industrial needs.
By leveraging NearbyOne, manufacturing companies can overcome the complexities of Kubernetes and unlock new levels of technological advancement. Ready to take your operations to the next level? Get in touch to discover how NearbyOne can transform your manufacturing edge!
