13 March 2008

Technology and market predictions for 2008

By Jim Pinto

While we are almost into the second quarter of this year, here are my pointers and prognostications regarding the top automation technology and market trends that will gain traction over the coming year.

• Industrial wireless:
Industrial wireless networks quickly will become integrated with standard plant and office networks. Beyond just wire replacement, there are many applications that will contribute to substantial market growth.

• Embedded intelligence and diagnostics:
Embedded operating information and self-diagnostics will minimize the need for scarce and expensive factory-service.

• Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications:
M2M will unleash a wave of productivity previously unseen: Improved asset-management, and enhanced service initiatives.

• Automation system security:
Most of today’s automation and control systems use the same hardware, operating systems, and communications as broadly deployed networks. Security has become an urgent issue.

• Consumer tech in industrial automation:
Internet access via cellular phones, handheld PDAs, and the like are inevitably rubbing off in industrial environments. Specifically-industrial software applications are coming.

Success will come to the companies that understand how to combine and coordinate new technology, new thinking, and effective solutions for customers in global markets.

Related links:

• Wild Wacky Wireless Wars:
  http://r.listpilot.net/c/isa/1rp4rd1/16thz
• Intelligent Connected Appliances
  http://www.jimpinto.com/writings/appliance1.html
• The new M2M (Machine-to-Machine) Revolution:
  http://listpilot.net/c/ISA/DyLS/w/isa.org/intechnews.cfm?id=5251
•  Control Systems Security:
  http://r.listpilot.net/c/isa/25ljxsc/1b731
• Consumer technology on the factory floor?:
  http://instrumentation.co.za/news.aspx?pklNewsId=9153&pklCategoryID=58

Behind the byline

Jim Pinto is an industry analyst and founder of Action Instruments. You can e-mail him at jim@jimpinto.com or view his writings at www.JimPinto.com. Read the Table of Contents of his book, Pinto’s Points, at www.jimpinto.com/writings/points.html.