New ARC Advisory Group White Paper Reveals Benefits to Using the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture(TM) for Process Control
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MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio, Feb. 12, 2007 - A new white paper from ARC Advisory Group highlights the expanded functionality and new capabilities that give the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture(TM) distinct advantages over traditional DCS-based process automation systems. The paper, commissioned by Rockwell Automation, describes how process manufacturers can benefit from a unified information and control framework designed to help them reduce production costs, improve regulatory compliance and respond more quickly to changing market demands.
Titled "Rockwell Automation Process Industry Strategies," the paper details the company's history in process automation and explains how recent enhancements to its Integrated Architecture strengthen its value to manufacturers as a leading process automation supplier. According to ARC, Rockwell Automation continues to make inroads in hybrid industries by leveraging its worldwide installed base and its growing lineup of process automation solutions.
"Key to the company's strategy is building on its well-established hardware and software to provide the functionality customers need for plant-wide control, which in the past has been a shared domain of DCS and PLC suppliers," said Larry O'Brien, research director, Process Automation, ARC. "By focusing on its core strengths in discrete applications, and leveraging its multidisciplined Logix Control Platform, Rockwell Automation is well-positioned to meet the industry's demand for scalability, ease of use and a plant-wide view of control."
The paper also outlines the core requirements of ARC's Collaborative Process Automation System (CPAS), a model ARC uses to benchmark process automation system functionality. The Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture, consisting of the Logix Control Platform and FactoryTalk Production Software, meets the requirements of the CPAS model in several key areas - most notably, by providing a common engineering environment, a unified communications framework and a technology foundation built on industry standards.
"The inherent value of a completely integrated plant has been obvious to many process manufacturers, particularly those in the batch and hybrid industries, for a long time. However, that level of integration has in the past proven to be elusive," said Kevin Zaba, process business manager, Rockwell Automation. "Our Integrated Architecture is unique in that it provides manufacturers with a complete view of the entire plant across all aspects of their process - with a single, unified platform for engineering and configuration, visualization, control and asset management."
The paper also highlights the continued focus of Rockwell Automation on the end-to-end process automation solution, including field instrumentation expertise and fieldbus interoperability at the device level. According to ARC, the Rockwell Automation alliance with one of the leading worldwide field device suppliers - Endress+Hauser - is central to this effort. The core strength of the partnership is best seen in industries such as food and beverage, life sciences, and water and wastewater. Both companies are strong in these industries, and their complementary products, automation system capabilities and pre-tested interoperability create proven solutions that effectively address specific industry needs.
"Rockwell Automation is unique in its ability to move process and discrete applications easily into a plant-wide environment, on a common control platform and integrated with applications from other control disciplines," O'Brien said. "The major process automation system players should consider Rockwell Automation a formidable competitor in the years ahead, in North America and globally."
The "Rockwell Automation Process Industry Strategies" white paper is available at: http://www.rockwellautomation.com/solutions/process.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a leading global provider of industrial automation control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation which include Allen-Bradley® controls and services and Rockwell Software® factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 19,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries. For more information on the ARC white paper, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, ext. 1997.
If you would like this information in electronic format (either disk or e-mail), please contact either of the individuals at the top of this release.
All reader inquiries should be directed to the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, ext. 1997.
Allen-Bradley, FactoryTalk, Integrated Architecture, Rockwell Automation and Rockwell Software are trademarks of Rockwell Automation Inc
Media contacts: Scott Anthony
Rockwell Automation
440.646.5260
seanthony@ra.rockwell.com
Rich Goldsmith
Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc.
612.455.1794
rgoldsmith@psbpr.com
