Many Distributed Control Systems suppliers have released a new generation of offerings in which the industrial control system is virtualized and “software-defined” to a much greater degree than in previous models. Many of the leading global DCS vendors have briefed ARC in recent months regarding the benefits of their software defined automation systems and spotlighting some key case studies that highlight the increasing adoption of these systems in real world control applications.
"By leveraging virtualization, modular architecture, and open standards, Software Defined Architecture (SDA) helps manufacturers accelerate system design and deployment. Research shows adopting SDA allows manufacturers to reduce time to market by 50 percent and commissioning time by 60 percent. SDA also allows manufacturers to adapt production lines quickly to meet changing customer demands and shorter product lifecycles," according to Mark Sen Gupta, Director of Research and key author of ARC's Distributed Control Systems for Power Generation Market Research.
Distributed Control Systems for Power Generation Market Trends
In addition to providing detailed competitive market share data, the research also addresses key market trends as follows:
Beyond Main Automation Contractor
More utilities are expanding the MAC project concept to include project electrical equipment and systems. A few large global automation suppliers have the product portfolios and expertise to serve as both the MEC and MAC, further reducing project engineering costs and simplifying supply chain and procurement. The IEC 61850 standards, sometimes referred to as the “fieldbus for electrical,” help drive this trend. Automation suppliers with a strong electrical equipment presence benefit from (and drive) this trend at the expense of suppliers without this expertise. This trend is most evident in large green-field projects.
Modular Automation
The Industry 4.0 approach emphasizes modular production, an approach embraced by chemical manufacturers in Europe and elsewhere. Now an increasing number of petrochemicals, refining, and power generation companies are also building plants in a modular fashion. Such plants also need greater control system modularity. To meet this need suppliers have introduced a new generation of “single point” I/O that can be either individually characterized with specific plug-in modules or software-configurable single-point I/O. These new forms of I/O also make standard, modular cabinets, and field enclosures more feasible. ARC also sees increased use of remote instrument enclosures, which are self-contained modules of I/O, controls, and related equipment that can be deployed quickly. Key initiatives to address modularity include NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) and Module Type Package (MTP).
Remote Operations Management
End users, especially in the offshore oil & gas industry, are operating processes located at great distances from support resources. Remote personnel need a complete but non-intrusive view of operations along with situational awareness. Much of this view could be provided by the DCS and applications normally hosted on the DCS. These remote personnel are technicians, process engineers, analysts, or domain experts. ARC believes that remote operations management will drive DCS market-related improvements in HMI flexibility, alarm management, and presentation and greater location independence and scalability for a variety of operational applications. In addition, some DCS suppliers have developed offerings that specifically support remote monitoring, operations, and/or analysis.
Leading Suppliers to the Distributed Control Systems for Power Generation Market Identified
In addition to providing specific market data and industry trends, this ARC market research also identifies and positions the leading suppliers to this market and provides and summarizes their relevant offerings. An alphabetical list of key suppliers covered in this analysis includes: ABB, Emerson Automation Solutions, HollySys, Schneider Electric, Siemens Energy.
About the Distributed Control Systems for Power Generation Research
The Distributed Control Systems for Power Generation research explores the current and future market performance and related technology and business trends and identifies leading technology suppliers. This new research is based on ARC’s industry-leading market research database, extensive primary and secondary research, and proprietary economic modelling techniques. The research includes competitive analysis, five-year market forecasts, and seven years of historical analysis. The research segmentation includes World Region, Revenue Category, Hardware Type, Service Type, System Size, Plant Type, Application Type, Project Type, Customer Type, Sales Channel.
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