Bus systems: The Next Step in Industrial Communication

Frost: As bus systems become more essential in both discrete and process industries there is a call for standardization of protocols in industrial communication systems. Pneumatic valve manufacturers will be able to manufacture products based on such standard protocols and tailor them according to the end-users’ needs. A move towards standardization is also helping manufacturers to develop and train their staff for installing and maintaining their products at end-user sites. In the North American region products based on DeviceNet protocol are popularly used in discrete manufacturing applications. Newer protocols like the Ethernet/IP, which can facilitate control through high-speed data lines, is expected to gain prominence among automotive end-users. The market earned revenue of $122 million in 2004 and estimates to reach $367 million in 2011.

Some end-users feel that it is difficult to work with fieldbus electronic products once they are installed at their site Udayachandra A.S. Pneumatic valve manufacturers may find it difficult to provide support after they install it, like having their staff on the work floor and supporting it through its operations. Fears of incurring additional costs and more down time, is making some end-users stick to existing solutions.”

For some manufacturers of pneumatic valves installing the valve systems at the user site is an issue due to the unique nature of work being carried out at the user site and integrating it into their industrial communication systems. The need of most end-users is to have custom made fieldbus solutions along with installation and maintenance support for a typical operation at the work site. This aspect is proving difficult for many valve manufacturers,.

Historically pneumatic products have been sold through distributors, but fieldbus valve manifolds requires direct involvement of the manufacturers to install them and trouble shoot problems at the end-user sites. As the demand for fieldbus valve manifolds increases, manufacturers should invest in improving manufacturing capabilities, training technical staff and take up more direct sales.

North American Electropneumatic Markets,

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