Industrial automation suppliers are ramping up their promotion of 'open' platforms, a trend that has significant implications for the automation, engineering, and construction management (AECM) industries. The stakes are high, as identifying genuine openness in these platforms can lead to better integration, reduced costs, and heightened competitive advantage.
What Happened
As the industrial automation sector evolves, many suppliers are touting their platforms as 'open.' However, the term 'open' is often used variably, creating confusion among buyers seeking truly interoperable and flexible solutions. According to Christopher Deloglos in his recent article on Automation World, discerning the authenticity of these claims involves evaluating platforms against five practical criteria. These criteria assess the ease of integration with third-party products, the transparency of data sharing protocols, adherence to industry standards, the availability of open-source components, and the platform’s ability to support multiple communication protocols.
This emphasis on openness comes at a time when the AECM industry faces increasing pressure to adopt more sophisticated automation solutions to remain competitive. With the rise of Industry 4.0, the demand for systems that can seamlessly integrate with existing technologies and adapt to future innovations is more critical than ever.
What This Means for Your Business
For AECM leaders, understanding the true nature of 'open' platforms is crucial for making informed procurement decisions. Genuine open platforms offer substantial benefits, including easier integration with existing systems, reduced vendor lock-in, and greater flexibility in adapting to technological advances. These aspects can drive down costs and improve return on investment (ROI) by avoiding expensive proprietary systems that limit interoperability.
Furthermore, leveraging truly open platforms can enhance compliance with emerging cybersecurity standards such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and NIST guidelines. Open platforms that adhere to established industry standards are often better positioned to meet the rigorous security requirements necessary for government contracting.
What US Operators Should Watch
US operators should closely monitor the evolving standards and certifications that influence the definition of 'openness' in industrial platforms. Keeping an eye on updates to CMMC and NIST guidelines will be essential to ensure compliance and maintain eligibility for federal contracts. Additionally, decision-makers should track developments in open-source initiatives and industry collaborations that could affect the competitive landscape.
As the deadline for CMMC compliance approaches, ensuring that your chosen platforms meet these standards will be vital. Operators should also be prepared for upcoming procurement windows and regulation timelines that may require swift adaptation to new open platform requirements.
Source: Automation World. Read the original story ->
Partner Insight · VisioneerIT
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