Maintaining and upgrading legacy systems is one of the most difficult challenges industrial and manufacturing managers face today. Constant technological change often weakens the business value of legacy systems, which have been developed over the years through huge investments. Managers struggle with the problem of modernizing these systems while keeping their functionality intact. Despite their obsolescence, legacy systems continue to provide a competitive advantage through supporting unique industrial processes. Routine checks allow for preventative maintenance, and for replacement parts to be ordered before they are desperately needed. Here at MRO Electric and Supply, we stock a large number of classic and legacy products which can be shipped in record time.
When new technologies arise, engineers simply cannot uproot existing systems. However, some legacy controls can be connected to the Internet of Things. This allows for a high level of data acquisition which can be stored, processed, and analyzed. Several IoT products can also support remote monitoring and control. Many Modicon Quantum Series products have an Ethernet port that allows for this upgraded connectivity. However, not every legacy system has these capabilities.
Targeted attacks on industrial systems always remain a threat as our society plows forward into the computer-driven Information Age. Securing legacy systems that were designed to communicate point to point is a enormous challenge. Many of these older systems were installed pre-internet era, are not designed for connectivity, and have no means of authenticated commands that are received. System interruptions for security updates can be difficult and costly, and downtime is expensive. It is always a challenge to find ways to increase security for legacy systems. One important tip is to always keep the software for connected legacy systems updated with the most current version.
Although replacement supplies and remanufactured parts can be ordered for many years to come, it is important to keep in mind that no legacy system will last forever. In this current sluggish world economy, often the best answer is a well-planned, slow and steady upgrade.
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