Overview of Cloud Computing in the Process Control Industry

Much of the existing literature on cloud computing in process control industry discusses research up to 2019 and this paper aims at presenting a detailed apprehension of the cloud computing technologies being implemented in the process control industry up to the specified year. This paper introduces the principal ideas of cloud computing, the utilization of the technologies in process control systems and potential advantages and disadvantages. It also focuses on the critical areas for application, best practices, and such ideas as the suitability of AI in the spheres of education, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, public sector, and retail. Further, it explores the new trends, shares examples, and gives the cloud computing prospects in process control. The study's results indicate that while cloud integration can yield substantial benefits regarding the factors of flexibility, costs, and data analysis, issues concerning security, delays, and anticipation of legal requirements remain. The last section of this study offers suggestions to stakeholders as they seek to deal with the growing trend for cloud-enabled process control systems.