End users want packaging machinery to be an optimum electromechanical solution. Underlying this is clearly the combination of software used to drive automation systems. Today s solutions are too heavily dependent upon mechanical solutions resulting in high life cycle costs and minimal agility in production. Standardization Among Automation Suppliers Can Fill the Gap A panel discussion following the end user presentations launched an energetic discussion on the use of standards in control systems. A discussion of standards elicited a reaction from a spectrum of motion control and logic control system suppliers who targeted networking interfaces and programming standards.
Innovation is the lifeblood to many motion control suppliers.
It has, however, been the nemesis of many of the users and OEMs. OEMs regard standards as the only way to move forward as they do not have the latitude to support numerous proprietary systems. Software and programming standards, however, are some of the primary reasons for the slow adoption rate of technology by OEMs. A widely accepted method for integration of logic and motion is not readily available today. In ARC s view, the only way to move ahead is by developing a standard.