Abstract: A permission-engine computer system receives a request for electronic access by an equipment supplier to a manufacturing facility of a manufacturer to perform a remote support activity for equipment in the manufacturing facility. The permission-engine computer system routes the request to a plurality of predefined approvers and receives approval of the request from the plurality of predefined approvers. In response to receiving approval of the request from the plurality of predefined approvers, the permission-engine computer system signals a gateway computer system of the manufacturer that the request is approved. The gateway computer system automatically creates a connection between an electronic device in the manufacturing facility and a computer system of the equipment supplier in response to approval of the request. The connection is used for the remote support activity.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method is performed at a computer system of a manufacturer. The manufacturer operates a manufacturing facility that includes equipment from an equipment supplier. In the method, a request is received for electronic access by the equipment supplier to the manufacturing facility to perform a remote support activity for the equipment. The request is routed to predefined approvers. Approval of the request is received from the predefined approvers. In response to receiving approval of the request from the predefined approvers, a connection is automatically created between an electronic device in the manufacturing facility and a computer system for the equipment supplier. The connection is used for the remote support activity. Upon completion of the remote support activity, the connection is automatically terminated.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method is performed at a computer system of a manufacturer. The manufacturer operates a manufacturing facility that includes equipment from an equipment supplier. In the method, a request is received for electronic access by the equipment supplier to the manufacturing facility to perform a remote support activity for the equipment. The request is routed to predefined approvers. Approval of the request is received from the predefined approvers. In response to receiving approval of the request from the predefined approvers, a connection is automatically created between an electronic device in the manufacturing facility and a computer system for the equipment supplier. The connection is used for the remote support activity. Upon completion of the remote support activity, the connection is automatically terminated.