I/O Modules for Discrete Automation

The I/O Modules for Discrete Market Research Report delivers current market analysis plus a five-year market and technology forecast. The report is available in multiple editions including worldwide, all regions, and most major countries. 

Discrete I/O Market Recovers from the Pandemic

ARC Advisory Group’s research on the Discrete Automation I/O Module market shows that the market has fully recovered from the pandemic and is poised for continued growth. Discrete I/O modules are mainly used in discrete (factory) manufacturing applications such as machine control, but may also be employed in process applications. This is the result of the growing processing power of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), in which discrete automation IO modules are part of the architecture. After a year of complete uncertainty in 2020, where revenues dipped by high-single digits for the IO modules discrete market, 2021 witnessed a rise in demand for industrial activities as the world recovered from the grip of the pandemic.

I/O Modules Strategic Issues

In addition to providing a five-year market forecast, the IO Modules Discrete market research report provides detailed quantitative current market data and addresses key strategic issues as follows.

Use Open Standards

Standardization is a key to success. However, standardizing on hardware alone is less important than standardizing on networks and semantics of operations. ARC recommends looking at open communications first and standardizing on connectivity rather than on a dedicated controller.

Use OPC UA for Cloud Connection

OPC UA has become the tool of choice for linking to a cloud platform, and most suppliers and OEMs support this protocol. There is already a wide range of products out there that support it, including barcode readers.

Automation Supplier Service Offerings

An automation supplier's service offering can bring significant benefits over the lifecycle. When choosing an IO, service can be a key differentiator in performance and cost savings.

Evaluate Supplier's Global Support Network

When exporting machinery, this can mean that the machine needs service at the other end of the world. To keep costs from running out of hand, ARC recommends taking into consideration the service and support network of the control supplier regardless of whether the service is offered by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or the supplier.