IO Modules

IO Modules Can Offer USP for Suppliers and Users
ARC looks at the IO module market in terms of automation hardware that enables communication between a field device and an industrial controller.  In this regard not only the classical IO modules are included, but also more intelligent devices that take some complexity out of the PLC. 

The market for IO modules differs heavily in characteristics between its various sub-segments.  The most important difference is between the discrete and process industries.  The market for digital IO modules was characterized for many years by dropping prices and increasing competition.  Now, this development has bottomed out, but in parallel, analog IO modules are dropping in price.  While commoditization has forced suppliers towards operational excellence to remain profitable with decreasing prices, it has also led to an increasing number of partnerships and brand labeling agreements.  In addition, falling prices have increased demand for IO modules and driven the trend towards distributed IO.

During ARC's market research, many companies described how they reach a competitive advantage through using the right IO modules strategy.  These strategies range from dedicated migration strategies to high speed modules for machine control.

For automation suppliers, the most important sub-regions in EMEA are Eastern and Western Europe.  Western Europe hosts not only many automation suppliers but also a large number of machine builders and system integrators.  Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy are the centers of automation and machine building.

Strategic Issues
IO modules are diverse products and the landscape of different players and strategies is very scattered.  Looking at the most successful players in niche markets as well as across many products, we recommend the following strategies:

• Clear positioning within products and industries
• Network strategies should aim at open network standards and orient at the regionally preferred network
• Growth through partnerships and alliances
• Offer high speed modules for machines
• Lower pricing, since the price competition is still important

Executive Summary

• Scope
• Market Size and Forecast
• Strategies for Success

Scope

Market Shares List of Figures

• Market Shares of the Leading Suppliers
• Market Shares by Region
• North America
• Europe, Middle East, Asia
• Asia
• Latin America
• Market Shares by Industry
• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive
• Building Automation
• Cement & Glass
• Chemical
• Electric Power Generation
• Electronics & Electrical
• Food & Beverage
• Machinery Manufacturing
• Oil & Gas
• Pharmaceutical & Biotech
• Pulp & Paper
• Semiconductors
• Water & Wastewater
• Market Shares by IO Module Type
• Analog
• Digital
• Intelligent IO
• Pneumatic Valve Terminal
• Network Adaptor
• Power Supply & Chassis
• IS Barriers, Isolators, Bus Interface Modules, HART Multiplexers
• Market Shares by Environment
• Intrinsically Safe IO MOdules
• Other
• Market Shares by Form Factor
• Modular IO (IP20)
• Slice IO (IP20)
• Block IO Module (IP20)
• Block IO Module (IP65/67)
• Market Shares of Safety IO Devices

Market Forecast List of Figures

• Total Shipments of IO Modules
• Shipments by Region
• North America
• Europe, Middle East, Asia
• Asia
• Latin America
• Shipments by Industry
• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive
• Building Automation
• Cement & Glass
• Chemical
• Electric Power Generation
• Electronics & Electrical
• Food & Beverage
• Machinery Manufacturing
• Oil & Gas
• Pharmaceutical & Biotech
• Pulp & Paper
• Semiconductors
• Water & Wastewater
• Shipments by IO Module Type
• Analog
• Digital
• Intelligent IO
• Intelligent IO Modules by Functionality
• Pneumatic Valve Terminal
• Network Adaptor
• Network Adapters by Network
• Power Supply & Chassis
• IS Barriers, Isolators, Bus Interface Modules, HART Multiplexers
• Average Selling Price by Type
• Shipments by Environment
• Intrinsically Safe IO MOdules
• Other
• Shipments by Form Factor
• Modular IO (IP20)
• Slice IO (IP20)
• Block IO Module (IP20)
• Block IO Module (IP65/67)
• Shipments by Safety IO vs. Non-Safety IO
• Shipments by Sales Channel
• Shipments by Customer Type

Supplier Profiles

Profiles for the major suppliers servicing this market are included.  Each profile reviews the company's business, products, and services as it applies to this market segment.  Suppliers profiled include ABB, Advantech, Beckhoff, B&R Industrial Automation, Eaton, Emerson Process Management, Fuji Electric, GE Intelligent Platforms, Hitachi, Honeywell Process Solutions, ifm electronic, Invensys, Jetter AG, LS Industrial Systems, Metso, Mitsubishi Electric, M-System, MTL, OMRON, Opto 22, Phoenix Contact, Pilz, Pepperl+Fuchs, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Sharp, Shinho System Co., Siemens, Turck, WAGO Kontakttechnik, Yamatake, Yokogawa.