When Automation World readers were queried about how original equipment manufacturers can gain a competitive advantage by applying automation, 85 percent said they gain from improved product quality and increased throughput (respondents could choose multiple answers). In other words, automation helps them produce more parts at a better quality. Following closely, mentioned by 69 percent each, were lower costs of equipment and improved equipment and asset maintenance.

Bringing theory into practice, 92 percent reported that integrating control and human-machine interface was the automation technology used to achieve competitive advantage. Integrating motion and logic control (69 percent) and integrating safety systems (69 percent) followed in popularity, revealing integration as the key word in automation practice among the survey takers. Using a modular machine control architecture in place of centralized logic controllers and control cabinets is a newer method, but 62 percent of readers answering the poll reported adopting it. Just over half (54 percent) use vision systems.

Almost all responses indicated using some form of computer to display process information—either a desktop personal computer (PC) or an industrial panel mount PC. Thin client technology, placing a display and keyboard in the process area connected to a server maintained in a central location, is used by 38 percent of those reporting. None are using a wireless personal digital assistant. In fact, only a third use wireless anywhere in their networks.

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