In order to provide real-time data and information for better decision-making, control, and management, and—by extension—improved performance, quality, and production,
a new analysis by Frost & Sullivan, "European Industrial/Communication Market," reveals that the market generated revenues of €854.1 million in 2010 and is estimated to reach €1,596.1 million in 2015. The research covers Ethernet, fieldbus, and wireless device technologies.
The emphasis on improving plant efficiency has highlighted the need for continuous monitoring of production flows and quality control at every stage of production.
"Industrial networking/communication devices have the ability to retrieve real-time data from multiple, sometimes inaccessible, field devices, which are essential for processing control operations where a rapid response is needed to prevent any disruption to system performance," notes Frost & Sullivan research analyst Katarzyna Owczarczyk. "Real-time capabilities also enable the convenient and cost-effective transmission and monitoring of parameters over long distances."
End users recognize the importance of measuring the various critical parameters available within a factory automation environment, which could be used to improve production. Industrial networking/communication devices can assist in monitoring these parameters and provide valuable information, potentially increasing plant efficiency.
However, the conservative attitudes of end-user industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, and oil and gas, toward adopting new technologies, due to a lack of certainty about their potential benefits, have proven to be a significant constraint on the adoption of industrial networks.
"The application of field devices occurs primarily in green plant projects, as end users are reluctant to change the infrastructure of existing facilities. Many are comfortable with traditional plant operating methods," explains Owczarczyk. "Therefore, they are less willing to invest in industrial networking solutions, viewing them mainly as an alternative rather than a first-choice option."
Concerns about system reliability and security tend to further fuel this conservatism. While real-time technology facilitates the availability of data on the internet and intranet servers, data security during transmission is not guaranteed since the data is relatively accessible. Moreover, end users are unwilling to risk investing in mobile telephony, as they are still not convinced of the robustness of wireless transmission.
“Manufacturers of industrial networking/communication devices need to raise awareness and conduct workshops and simulations to educate end users about the advantages of integrating industrial networks into the manufacturing process,” advises Owczarczyk. “Once end users experience the benefits of these devices, adoption rates will be set to take off.”
The “European Industrial Networking/Communication Market” report is part of the “Industrial Automation & Process Control Growth Partnership Service” program, which also includes research on the following markets: the European fieldbus market, the wireless device market in factory automation, and strategic analysis of the European industrial Ethernet market. All research included in each subscription provides insights into market opportunities and industry trends based on extensive interviews with market participants.
