IEN: What are the major concerns facing providers of computer technology, networks, and related products and services in the next few years? How can they be addressed?
Fahrion: Learning and understanding the benefits and features of IP-based technologies. Consumer and IT market technologies have evolved to a high level, while volumes have driven the costs down to the point of extreme value. In the last decade, we saw PC technology adopted, often in place of PLCs or custom HMI equipment. In this decade, we'll see communications technologies adopted from the consumer and IT sector at an even faster rate.
IEN: What innovations are in store for users in computers and computer accessories, I/O, communication standards, and/or systems? What enhancements can be expected in CAM, CMMS, and Communications/EDI software?
Fahrion: Complete integration of equipment connectivity, across platforms and across networks. Equipment manufactures are beginning to accept open-protocols. For those that aren't, third party devices are becoming available to bridge equipment together.
IEN: What advances do you see in networks, and network equipment and devices?
Fahrion: IP-based communications will continue to flourish and Industrial Ethernet will become a widely recognized (and understood) technology. Much of the technology is already developed and widely used in other sectors, driving the cost down. The cost-per-node is too attractive to be ignored, so Industry will find a way to capitalize on those technologies.
IEN: Will wireless become more prevalent on the plant floor?
Fahrion: Absolutely. Wireless communications will solve many implementation problems that have existed for decades on the plant floor. The catch is to do it without introducing new problems inherent to wireless technology. I'm confident that the combination of high demand, advancing technologies, and rapidly falling costs thanks to the consumer/IT sector, will make wireless technology a common plant-floor communications medium in the near future.
IEN: How can security issues be resolved?
Fahrion: At this stage, it is most important that the issues be addressed, both at the plant floor and committee level. There will be many technologies available to address security issues. The risk will be that the early-adopters will overlook security. Training and awareness are key.
IEN: Is the drive toward lean/flexible manufacturing impacting this sector? In what ways?
Fahrion: Cost-cutting measures impact all sectors -- in this case, drives toward higher efficiencies, less downtime, lower maintenance and capital costs. In some cases this means the updating of equipment. More often, particularly in today's economy, it means finding unique and innovative ways to make improvements with the equipment already in place.
IEN: How can companies integrate legacy/traditional parts of the enterprise with the latest technologies?
Fahrion: Third party suppliers are responding in force to the need for legacy connectivity. If there is a legacy device on your plant floor, the products are available today to integrate it at most any level desired. The capability for factorywide integration is here today.
