Automation has become a critical part of any industrial process; over the years many automation vendors have emerged to satisfy the need for new and more innovative solutions to automation never-ending challenges.
In this article, we will discuss automation vendors, give a different example and mention the advantages and disadvantages of having so many automation vendors.
Contents:
In general, automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks that would otherwise be done by humans. That can involve the use of machinery, software, or other types of technology to automate tasks or processes that are typically performed manually. Automation can be used to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and free up human workers to focus on more complex or creative tasks.
Automation in industrial processes is the use of technology to automate various tasks or processes in manufacturing, production, or other types of industrial facilities. This can involve the use of machinery, robotics, control systems, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and other types of automation tools to optimize industrial processes.
For example, in a manufacturing plant, automation can be used to automate the assembly line, with robots and machines taking over tasks that were previously done manually. This can lead to faster and more efficient production, as well as increased safety and accuracy in the manufacturing process.
Introducing automation to the industrial sector has provided many advantages to manufacturing facilities, some of these benefits are:
Automation can help to optimize industrial processes, leading to faster and more efficient production. This can result in increased output and productivity.
Automation can help to ensure consistent quality in the manufacturing or production process, as machines and robots can perform tasks with high precision and accuracy.
Automation can help to improve safety in the industrial sector by reducing the need for workers to perform dangerous or hazardous tasks.
Robots and machines can handle these tasks, reducing the risk of injury to human workers.
Automation can help to reduce costs by reducing waste and minimizing the need for rework or quality control.
Automation allows for faster adjustments and modifications to production processes as needed, which helps increase the flexibility of industrial processes.
There are many different types of automation vendors that provide a wide range of products and services. Some estimates suggest that there may be several hundred automation vendors worldwide, although this number can vary depending on how automation vendors are defined and categorized here are some of the well-established automation vendors worldwide:
Siemens is a global leader in automation technology, offering a range of products and solutions for industrial automation, process automation, and building automation.
ABB is a Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation that provides automation technology and solutions for various industries, including robotics, electrification, and industrial automation.
Rockwell Automation is an American company that provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions, including control systems, software, and services.
Schneider Electric is a French multinational corporation that specializes in energy management and automation solutions for various industries, including building automation, industrial automation, and power distribution.
Mitsubishi Electric is a Japanese multinational company that offers a wide range of automation and control solutions for various industries, including industrial automation, process automation, and building automation
Honeywell is a multinational company that provides a wide range of products and solutions, including automation and control systems for various industries such as aerospace, building automation, and process automation.
Emerson is a global technology and engineering company that provides automation solutions for various industries, including oil and gas, chemical, and pharmaceuticals. Their offerings include control systems, measurement and analytical instruments, and services.
GE is a multinational company that provides automation solutions for various industries, including aviation, energy, and healthcare. Their automation offerings include control systems, software, and services.
Omron is a Japanese company that specializes in automation and control solutions for various industries, including automotive, electronics, and healthcare. Their offerings include control systems, sensing and measurement devices, and robotics.
Festo is a German company that provides automation solutions for various industries, including automotive, food and beverage, and packaging. Their offerings include control systems, sensors, and pneumatics.
As we said, it will be difficult to list all automation vendors worldwide, but there are more and more automation names that are very well-established in the automation sector and not mentioned above.
Some of these automation vendors are:
These are just a few examples of automation vendors worldwide. Each vendor may have different areas of expertise and may offer a range of software solutions for different applications and industries.
There are several reasons why so many automation vendors exist:
Different industries and applications have different requirements when it comes to automation. This has led to the need for many vendors that specialize in specific areas of automation, such as robotics, process control, or motion control.
The development of new technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, has opened up new possibilities for automation. Many vendors have emerged to offer new automation solutions that use these technologies.
The demand for automation has increased around the world, as companies look for ways to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety in their operations. This has led to a growing market for automation vendors.
The automation industry is highly competitive, with many vendors competing for market share. This competition has led to the development of new products and technologies, as well as competitive pricing and service offerings.
Here we discussed the pros and cons of having many industrial automation vendors.
Choosing the best automation vendor for your application can be a complicated task, but with some studies and factors to consider, this decision can be easier to make.
Here are some factors you may need to consider before choosing your automation vendor.
Begin by assessing the specific needs and requirements for your application. This can help you identify the features, functionality, and performance criteria that your vendor must meet.
Research different vendors and their products to determine which ones are best suited to your needs.
Ask potential vendors for customer references, and speak with those customers to get a better sense of their experience with the vendor and their products.
Request product demos and trials to see how the vendor’s products perform in your specific application. This can help you determine if the products meet your requirements and if the vendor provides adequate support and service.
Compare pricing and value among different automation vendors. Consider the total cost of the product or service, including not only the purchase price of the product but also ongoing maintenance and support costs.
Consider compatibility with your existing systems and equipment. Ensure that the vendor’s products can integrate with your current system, and also with different vendors, in case your system will have products from more than one vendor
Consider your future needs and requirements, and choose a vendor that can provide scalability and flexibility to accommodate your changing needs over time.
Look for a vendor that has experience in your industry and understands your specific challenges and requirements. This can help ensure that the vendor’s products and services are the best fit for your needs.
Look for a vendor that provides training and support to help you get the most out of their products. This can include online resources, on-site training, and technical support.
Ensure that the vendor’s products and services meet your organization’s security and compliance requirements. This can include data privacy regulations, cybersecurity standards, and industry-specific regulations.
Choose a vendor that has a stable and reliable business track record. Look for factors such as financial stability, longevity in the market, and customer satisfaction.
Consider the potential for a long-term partnership with the vendor. Look for a vendor that is committed to building a long-term relationship and can provide ongoing support and services as your needs evolve.
These are just a few factors you can consider before choosing your vendor; other factors may be considered or dropped based on your specific application.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Instrumentation, Electrical, PLC, and SCADA video tutorials.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive daily updates.
Read Next:
The conveyor sorting machine is widely used in the packing industries using the PLC program…
Learn the example of flip-flop PLC program for lamps application using the ladder logic to…
In this article, you will learn the STAR DELTA programming using PLC controller to start…
Lube oil consoles of rotary equipment packages in industrial process plants are usually equipped with…
Rotating equipment packages such as pumps, compressors, turbines need the lube oil consoles for their…
This article explains how to blink lights in ladder logic with a detailed explanation video…