Other performance-boosting innovations you’d like to see from your suppliers include: • More affordable high-temperature sensors• OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) data available via OPC (an open communication standard) • Web-based data access• Better system configuration tools• Electronic data sheet files, drivers, and the like embedded in devices that can be uploaded directly from the device• Improved reliability of vision systems, and automated inspection of engineering components (for dimension, shape and surface finish)• Integrated control systems• Full access to technical support, data sheets, manuals and knowledge base from the Internet• Open-architecture software platforms that are easily integratable with third-party software• Faster tracking and mobility• Diagnostic information from more “smart” devices.Other innovations that earned deserved mentions from respondents included: • Industrial Ethernet and rotary/linear encoders• Real-time feedback for motion control, which is critical for precision, quality, high-speed manufacturing• Automatic analysis of controller performance• The integration of key information technology (IT) applications such as Microsoft Corp.’s Windows operating system• The widespread adoption of quality management • Machine safety and the emergence of the new Machinery Directive, an updated version of European Union machine standards, effective Dec. 29, 2009.Other predictions included:• Reduced license fees• PLC/PC controls to facilitate ease of use, ease of updates and change overs• More integrated, stable, wireless solutions with with better software for “telephone”/PDA (personal digital assistant) connections into process plants• More intelligent systems and software for decision making • Integration of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems with shop-floor automation systems• Faster industrial-grade Ethernet• The growing intelligence of individual components linked by Ethernet• Seamless integration of automation products• Energy-saving equipment• Ethernet communications• Reduction of and merging of standards• Pre-packaged automation solutions including control and mechanics• Computer-aided-design software that can control machine tools• Lasers and control system interfaces.Related Feature - Automation World Readers Voice Innovation Needs and ConcernsTo read the feature article relating to this story, go towww.automationworld.com/feature-6425.
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