Quickstart Guide
Installation and Deployments

Kubernetes Installation

10min

You can use Kubernetes to install Manufacturing Connect Edge. 

Before you begin

  • Get access to a configured Kubernetes cluster.
  • Get access to PersistentVolumeClaim (PVC). Learn more about Persistent Volumes from the Kubernetes documentation.
  • Get administrative permissions to run the kubectl command-line tool.
  • Obtain access to a Manufacturing Connect Edge service account .json file, which you can get from [email protected].
  • Depending on the specific requirements of your environment, you may need to get access to a storage class. Learn more about Storage Classes from the Kubernetes documentation.

To use Kubernetes to install Manufacturing Connect Edge, you will need to do the following:

  • Step 1: Launch a Manufacturing Connect Edge Kubernetes
  • Step 2: Log in to Manufacturing Connect Edge

To jump to a specific section, refer to the Table of Contents on the right side and click the corresponding step.

Step 1: Launch a Manufacturing Connect Edge Kubernetes

To launch a Manufacturing Connect Edge Kubernetes:

1. Request and download the service account .json file by sending an email to [email protected]. 2. Open a Command Prompt Terminal (CTRL+R). 3. Execute the following Linux commands to setup credentials for a Kubernetes namespace.

Linux


The command creates a namespace named imc-edge-prod.

Linux


Important: If you encounter an error as shown in the screenshot below when using Windows PowerShell, make sure to follow these steps:

  • The namespace has been created
  • There are no spaces in the command
  • Replace the double quotes with single quotes
Document image


Refer to the command parameters:

  • kubectl create secret sets a Secret for use with a Docker registry.
  • --namespace imc-edge-prod sets up a Kubernetes namespace of imc-edge-prod.
  • docker-registry imc-credential sets up Secret name as imc-credential. This should not be changed.
  • --docker-server=us-docker.pkg.dev sets the Docker registry server as us-docker.pkg.dev. This should not be changed.
  • --docker-username=_json_key sets the Docker registry username to connect to the server above. This should not be changed.
  • --docker-password="$(cat ~/<file_name>.json)" retrieves the password within the service account file requested from step 1.

Note: imc-edge-prod should be changed to an isolated namespace to suit deployment best.

Example: if the .json file is named abc123.json, execute: kubectl create secret --namespace imc-edge-prod docker-registry imc-credential --docker-server=us-docker.pkg.dev --docker-username=_json_key --docker-password="$(cat ~/abc123.json)"

4. Copy or download the following Manufacturing Connect Edge deployment file.

YAML


5. Execute following command to deploy Manufacturing Connect Edge Kubernetes cluster using the deployment file from Step 4.

Linux


Refer to the command parameters:

  • -f mc-edge-deployment.yaml uses the file mc-edge-deployment.yaml for deployment. This should not be changed.
  • --namespace imc-edge-prod sets imc-edge-prod to be the deployment that Kubernetes will use.

Special and Additional Considerations:

  • Manufacturing Connect Edge can function in both single/multi Kubernetes node clusters, and can support various networking modes. Your Kubernetes admin has the responsibility to configure proper networking.​​
  • Adjust CPU/RAM/Storage for the Kubernetes cluster as needed. Storage should be set to at least 10GB. Scale additional computing resources when using high-computing power Manufacturing Connect Edge features such as PLC drivers, CC, and Flows.
  • Consult Kubernetes official documentation for best practices.
  • Ensure credentials are stored properly with Kubernetes management​.
  • NET_ADMIN permissions are required​.

Step 2: Log in to Manufacturing Connect Edge

Note: To identify the port configured by the admin, use the following command: kubectl get svc -n imc-edge-prod