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?
Cramer: Since the Information Technology (IT) bubble burst two years ago, successful technology providers must demonstrate a strong value proposition, and a fast return on investment of their solution.
The Internet must form the basis of today's technology solutions to ensure longevity and integration with other enterprise applications and future technologies.
Technology providers must also use cost-effective means to deliver their technology. For example, application hosting is gaining popularity in the manufacturing industry for its cost, security, and increased data processing benefits. Another example is the increased use of outside firms working as "virtual engineers," providing troubleshooting and control system engineering services remotely.
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?
Cramer: Application hosting provides an innovative way of bundling and delivering software and services. By enabling a broader range of system functions and services to be packaged together, application hosting eliminates the need to install and administer myriad software applications from multiple vendors. This is a significant benefit. Specialized software functions such as asset management, control and alarm maintenance, process modeling and optimization, process monitoring, planning and scheduling, etc. can be provided through a single source to simplify and streamline costs and administration.
IEN: What advances do you see in networks, and network equipment and devices?
Cramer: The trend of embracing Ethernet on the plant floor is becoming increasingly prevalent as a means of information distribution beyond the physical boundaries of the factory. Ethernet-enabled devices work well in wide area network and VPN strategies as a tool that enables users, such as process engineers, to access data about their production equipment.
IEN: Will wireless become more prevalent on the plant floor?
Cramer: Wireless devices are and will continue to be a tool that enhances a technology infrastructure, especially in plants where interconnection of devices can become an expensive proposition. Wireless LAN networks provide great freedom for viewing and communicating information, as well as enabling powerful troubleshooting strategies such as wearable computers.
IEN: How can security issues be resolved?
Cramer: Security issues can be resolved by implementing the same technologies that banks, financial institutions, and e-commerce vendors use to ensure secure transactions. This includes the use of encryption technologies, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), firewalls, and dedicated networks. Using an Application Service Provider (ASP) to host monitoring, reporting, and data analysis applications places security in the hands of trained experts. (Click here for more on this topic.)
IEN: Is the drive toward lean/flexible manufacturing impacting this sector? In what ways?
Cramer: Lean/flexible manufacturing is driving wide-scale adoption of e-manufacturing technologies. Businesses will continue to seek solutions that reduce costs and have a clear, short-term ROI. This will not change. However, the impact lean/flexible manufacturing has on e-manufacturing will be dictated by the degree of interoperability technology providers are able to achieve amongst their solutions. In other words, network technology providers must consider what vendors of supply chain software are doing, and supply chain vendors must design software that will work with production monitoring applications, etc.
IEN: How can companies integrate legacy/traditional parts of the enterprise with the latest technologies?
Cramer: There is always some degree of upgrade necessary when implementing new technologies if control systems are truly legacy. In most cases, a control system upgrade provides the foundation for easy integration of the latest technologies. Whether a company is seeking to implement a new data acquisition system or MES, installation of automated machine controls will streamline the job.
