How HMS Networks is powering the shift to secure, scalable, and smart manufacturing systems

By Staff Report August 16, 2025 5:38 pm IST

Connectivity, once a back-end issue, has now become essential for better operations, scalability, and informed decision-making. HMS Networks, a global leader in industrial communication and IIoT solutions, is helping manufacturers and OEMs on their transition journey to Industry 4.0. The company provides future-ready connectivity, edge intelligence, and secure automation platforms to support this shift.

A unified approach to industrial automation

With the recent consolidation of Red Lion Controls and N-Tron into a single, powerful HMS identity, customers now benefit from an expanded and integrated product portfolio tailored for the most demanding industrial environments. The union streamlines connectivity from edge to enterprise, whether in discrete manufacturing, process control, or infrastructure applications.

This unified vision allows manufacturers to use a complete set of automation and networking solutions that simplify protocol diversity, enhance remote access securely, and ensure long-term investment protection.

“We don’t just connect machines, we connect businesses to insights that drive performance, productivity, and growth.” — Sameer Mudhalwadkar, Commercial Director, HMS Industrial Networks India Private Limited

From protocol diversity to global compatibility
One of the most pressing challenges on the shop floor is managing communication between devices that speak different industrial protocols. HMS Networks’ Anybus, Ewon, and Ixxat product lines are specifically designed to address this need.

• Anybus gateways and embedded interfaces allow seamless communication across networks like PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus-TCP.
• Ewon remote connectivity solutions give OEMs and integrators secure, real-time access to industrial equipment for diagnostics and maintenance, without being on-site.
• Ixxat provides solutions for real-time networking and functional safety, particularly in demanding motion control and automotive test environments.

This capability to bridge communication silos enables machine builders to develop systems that are truly global-ready, cutting down on engineering hours and speeding up deployment.

Edge automation
As digital transformation gains momentum, edge computing becomes the nucleus of innovation. Red Lion’s FlexEdge™ Intelligent Edge Automation Platform brings together data acquisition, protocol conversion, and secure cloud integration, all on a single, ruggedised platform.

FlexEdge has Crimson® 3.2, a powerful configuration software that supports over 300 industrial protocols and allows easy cloud connectivity via MQTT and OPC UA. The modular design supports hot-swappable I/O, ensuring future scalability and reduced downtime during upgrades.

Building the connected factory
An industrial environment comprising cleanroom pharmaceutical units, remote oil & gas assets, and more demands intelligent, secure, and adaptive systems. HMS Networks responds to this challenge with industrial-grade Ethernet switches, remote access tools, and cybersecurity-ready platforms specifically designed for harsh operating conditions.

Through this technology stack, HMS enables real-time data visibility, faster decision-making, and predictive maintenance, laying the foundation for connected factories that are agile, data-driven, and globally competitive.

Among HMS Networks’ robust offerings, the N-Tron® series of industrial Ethernet switches helps deliver high-performance networking for mission-critical applications. Designed to operate reliably in harsh environments, N-Tron switches are ideal for use in oil and gas, marine, transportation, manufacturing, and utility sectors.

These switches support managed, unmanaged, and PoE options for flexible and scalable solutions for diverse industrial networking demands. With features such as extended operating temperatures, redundant power inputs, and industrial certifications, N-Tron switches give uninterrupted communication even in the most challenging conditions.

HMS will present industrial connectivity and automation solutions at Automation Expo 2025. Meet the HMS Networks team at Stall I-1A in Hall 6, Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), Goregaon, Mumbai, from 11th August to 14th August 2025. Discover how you can bridge the gap between IT and OT to power smarter, scalable, and secure industrial systems.

For more information, visit: www.hms-networks.com