Automation is grounded in the routine – in fact, it’s kind
of the basis for the entire concept – but is flush with the potential for
innovation. The possibilities of automation are constantly developing and
evolving, with its benefits becoming more apparent with each advance. Sometimes
it’s not even an advance, but just a sea change in the industry. For instance,
for a long time, automation was seen as a great way to make repeating processes
quicker and more accurate. At that time, energy conservation wasn’t something
that many facilities thought about. Now, though, the energy saving potential of
automation is seen as a key factor. Nothing changed about automation, views
just shifted.
The ARC Advisory Group is a major supporter of innovation in
automation and manufacturing, and the ARC
World Industry Forum 2013 is the annual showcase for the best of these
breakthroughs. More than that, it’s the best place to generate ideas and
possibilities for what’s next. With energy savings such a hot topic, that will
certainly be discussed at length. Other automation advances like Ethernet
integration, unique equipment replacements and upgrades (like those provided by
IIS), and even process control via cloud computing, will all be explored. Have
you been to ARC before? Are you going this year? Let us know your best
remembrances – or what you’re looking forward to!
