Top 3 Advantages of Interoperable Automation & Controls for Industrial Efficiency

Interoperability is an important yet tricky function in industrial plants. The term interoperable refers to a product’s ability to work alongside and communicate with products from other manufacturers. It’s a basic standardization of machines in the industry. But it isn’t an easy thing to guarantee.

Most standards for automation and controls today are vertical. Each standard matches with a specific function or machine and, typically, only that function or machine. So there are few to no general standards across different controls and functions in industry. Many manufacturers also use different methods and technologies in their products, some of which can be incompatible. This is why standards for interoperability are necessary for future products and controls.

Why Interoperable

Despite the challenges, interoperability is still a very useful function for future machines to have. There are also a number of reasons for incorporating interoperable automation and controls in a plant. The ones listed here are three of the biggest benefits that interoperable automation and controls offer.

1. Lower operational cost

2. Easier data transfer and sharing

3. Flexibility

Interoperability can be tricky to get right. When it’s done right however, it can be a valuable tool on the plant floor. From money saving to ease of use for data to general flexibility around a plant, interoperability offers many benefits to operators and plant managers. Despite the challenges, such as lack of standardization, interoperability is a valuable and important feature for the future of industrial automation and controls.

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