2017 Automation Fair Recap: Advancing Connected Plants & IT/OT Integration

Another Automation Fair concluded, drawing over 10,000 attendees for a full week of insightful sessions and product showcases. The event spotlighted Connected Plantwide Ethernet (CPWE) architecture, connectivity, security, and process applications tailored for energy sector customers.

At Cisco’s booth, the team presented Industrial to Enterprise – One, Secure Network, featuring live demos on CPWE, Factory Security, Collaboration, Oil & Gas Connectivity, and Meraki’s cloud‑managed infrastructure. Cisco also joined the Rockwell Connected Enterprise pavilion, where it launched the newly co‑developed FactoryTalk Network Manager. This tool provides operations teams with rapid, plug‑and‑play network management, delivering full visibility and control of industrial Ethernet infrastructure while boosting system availability and aligning IT and OT frameworks.

Key Discussions from the Floor

Industry experts, analysts, media, partners, and system integrators converged on the same topics: IT/OT convergence and advanced network design. In response to this demand, Cisco offers targeted training programs:

• Industrial IP Advantage – a consortium effort with Rockwell and Panduit that delivers best‑practice guidelines, professional development, and industry‑specific network design insights.
• Industrial CCNA – a certification that equips candidates with the skills to implement and troubleshoot industry‑standard protocols using proven architectures.

Throughout the week, Cisco subject‑matter experts led sessions on:

• The evolution of the digital oilfield
• Digital manufacturing solutions in practice
• Smart manufacturing journeys
• Delivering the plant of the future today
• Identity and mobility in CPWE architectures

Beyond product launches, Cisco partnered with Rockwell and other exhibitors to support the Houston community impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Together with the United Way, we assembled 8,000 Thanksgiving meal kits for affected families. We also celebrated raffle winners who took home a drone or Yeti cup from our booth.

We look forward to welcoming you again in Philadelphia next year.

For deeper insight, explore our ongoing initiatives in:

• Cisco Connected Factory
• Data Management in Digital Manufacturing
• IT/OT Convergence
• Factory Security