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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe simplest way to explain the main benefit of a\ndistributed system is a household analogy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Picture a lightbulb going out. What if it wasn\u2019t as simple\nas simply replacing it? What if you\nneeded to turn the power off at the source, putting the rest of the system out\nof commission? Until that lightbulb is attended to, no one could cook or watch\nTV or work on the computer or any number of other things that require power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A centralized system functions in this way. If one component\nof the baggage system fails, the entire system must be shut down to replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A distributed system is the opposite. With a distributed\nbaggage handling system, the component that failed can be swapped out without\nthe rest of the system being affected. If the lightbulb goes out, you turn the\nswitch off, replace it, and move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That simplicity translates directly to greater uptime and\nsignificant time savings in terms of maintenance. Often, operators maintaining\na centralized system will let several \u201clightbulbs\u201d go out before getting the\nsystem attended to, \u201csaving\u201d time in the long run. This is extremely inefficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, distributed systems allow for more manageable and\nless disruptive maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Does a\nDistributed System Promote System Longevity?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the last several years, distributed systems have been\nput into place at all levels of control, largely due to advancements in\nEthernet IP that allow for simpler connection between remote devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This advancement, coupled with simpler connectors and\ncabling systems, means quick disconnects of affected devices in a distributed\nsystem are possible, providing a pathway toward the \u201cplug-and-play\u201d maintenance\noutlined above. It is critical to consider, however, the balance between\nredundancy of cabling and the maintenance of that redundancy, and anyone\nlooking to implement a distributed system will have to weigh the impact of\nboth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Distributed systems are also more agile in terms of future\nadaptability. Whereas accounting for the increasing complexity of technological\ninnovations can mean serious upgrades for a centralized system, a distributed\nsystem is much more capable of adding new, embedded systems via communication\nacross a CAN bus. Put simply, distributed systems are more easily altered and\nimproved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The maintenance benefits we\u2019ve outlined also promote\nlongevity. Maintenance is simpler, response times are faster, and preventative\nmaintenance options can further elongate the life of a system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kasacontrols.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/longevity.jpg\")
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