IEN: What are the major concerns facing providers of automation technology and related products and services in the next few years? How can they be addressed?
Cramer: Providers of automation technology are challenged to deliver products and services that offer interoperability with a broad universe of systems and applications. The best recipe for interoperability is to develop systems and components that enable remote diagnostics, utilize Wide Area Networks (WAN) and TCP/IP protocols, and allow system programming tools to be accessed through Internet browser technologies.
IEN: What innovations are in store for users of automation systems and peripherals? What enhancements can be expected in automation software?
Cramer: Automation systems and peripherals that make use of Internet-enabled technologies in an open and license-free manner will enable faster and easier access to technical support, performance monitoring, and diagnostics tools. Delivery of automation software via hosting can significantly enhance the speed, economics, reliability, security, and data processing capabilities of such applications.
IEN: What advances do you see in motors, controls, networks, power systems, and web services?
Cramer: Motors, controls, networks, and power systems will make use of open, Internet-enabled technologies to enhance performance, and improve access to technical support.
IEN: Will wireless become more prevalent in automation?
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. These security tools utilize Wide Area Networks (WAN) and TCP/IP protocols; necessary components of an open architecture.
IEN: Is the drive toward lean/flexible manufacturing impacting this sector? In what ways?
Cramer: Yes. The need to hasten product changeovers, maintain lean engineering staffs, and achieve superior equipment performance is driving even greater advancement in automation technologies. Likewise, automation technologies that grant faster access to technical support and productivity-enhancing tools are driving the success of lean/flexible manufacturing practices.
IEN: Is it becoming harder to integrate legacy/traditional parts of the enterprise with the latest technologies?
Cramer: Adoption of open technologies, such as Ethernet and Active X, will make integration of legacy parts of the enterprise easier, rather than harder. By replacing disparate and proprietary systems with centralized and universally accessible networks and controls, companies can ensure connectivity throughout the enterprise.