Compatibility in Automation: Challenges and Solutions
One of the most challenging issues facing the automation industry is compatibility among different application vendors. This issue needs urgent resolution. Proponents of transitioning to an open automation architecture recognize that without an open system that ensures application compatibility across different vendor platforms, innovation may stall. In the case of outdated technologies, programs created for the control unit of a specific manufacturer will most likely not operate on a similar device from another manufacturer without incurring costs for reprogramming. Don Bartusiak, Chief Engineer at ExxonMobil Research & Engineering, draws an analogy: imagine having to rewrite all your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations every time you buy a computer from a new supplier. In today's networked industry, incompatible programs are an unjustifiable waste of time and resources.
The Importance of Standards
The IEC-61131-3 standard, along with PLCopen standards, provides two main platforms to support compatible applications from multiple vendors. The minimum baseline for this is the ability to exchange programs in structured text language between controllers. The most advanced method is the use of the PLCopen XML station exchange standard. However, in 2017 the challenge was to get all vendors to agree to these exchange standards.
PLCopen certificates for manufacturers can be found on the PLCopen website: PLCopen Certificates.
The Necessity of Open Architecture
Vendors must actively utilize these standards or other standardized programs for exchange in the new open architecture of industrial control, which can interact with other software. Otherwise, computer industrial solutions will occupy this empty niche, and traditional automation equipment suppliers will be at risk. Innovative manufacturers are already offering and selling equipment that is programmable with Internet of Things technology in mind. One example is Node-Red, an open-source visual programming tool used by developers for data collection and management on various platforms, including Raspberry Pi.