PI: Standards for Interoperability, Scaling and Innovation
Even after a little more than a year at PNO/PI, I am continually impressed by how our standards for the interoperability of industrial communication solutions lead to scaling and thus diversity and attractive prices for communication and automation solutions. What’s more – PI technologies often provide the starting impetus for further innovations.
Today, PI has a broad technology portfolio that ranges from communication technologies and integration solutions to information models and solutions for safety applications. Real-time location tracking with omlox, and modularization technology with MTP are now part of the PI portfolio as well.
It is never about digitalization for the sake of digitalization, but rather about far-reaching improvements and cost reductions in automation technology. And it is about reducing unnecessary manual work in times of skilled labor shortages, about more transparency and, last but not least, about energy- and resource-saving production. For all of this, further innovations are essential – the golden age of automation technology has begun.
The range of our technologies has grown enormously in recent years. At its core, however, it is always about the consistent digital and cost-effective connection of all devices at all levels, both complex and simple sensors and actuators. And this is ensured by IO-Link, Ethernet-APL and SPE as well as the Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI), which offers a standardized interface for controlling a robot from a PLC. The open PI location-tracking technology omlox takes care of the location of tools and components. And MTP ensures greater simplicity and flexibility when connecting system modules.
One should not forget that the basis for this diversity was laid over 35 years ago. With PROFINET as an Ethernet-based standard, IT and OT applications can be transmitted simultaneously over one wire. This enables consistent use from simple field devices to the cloud without disruption. With TSN, larger amounts of data or applications can also be transported synchronously over OT networks.
We are now working on the next topics that address megatrends such as AI & convergence, including the transparency and use of data for further optimization that we are accustomed to in the IT world. Security will continue to take up a lot of space to protect our facilities.
We are well positioned for all of these tasks and are optimistic about the future. The next step is to present the diverse portfolio of extensive PI technologies in an even more understandable way. We look at new trends at trade fairs, digital and social channels and discover new target groups.
Finally, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to present communication technology as an exciting career field for our young generation. After 15 years in control technology and more than 15 years in information technology, I can only say that OT is at least as attractive, interesting, and forward-looking as IT, especially for technology enthusiasts. Be part of it!
