Keywords: Collaboration, Distributed Control Systems, DCS, Collaborative Process Automation System, CPAS, Security, IIoT, Analytics, Standards
The current trend to apply Internet technology to process automation systems promises to collapse these systems into a paradoxically simple structure. It also provides a solid basis for distributed intelligence by eliminating artificial barriers to data and information. However, the process control systems installed today remain remarkably similar in structure to when Distributed Control Systems (DCS) were introduced four decades ago.
Based on more than a decade of research, ARC Advisory Group has published the third edition of its highly successful “Collaborative Process Automation Systems (CPAS)” study. This report identifies technologies, standards, and principles that describe what a state-of-the-art process automation system could and should be based on end user needs and the application of available standards and technology. This third release, CPAS 3.0, enhances the original CPAS vision by adding more detail and clarity to the vision and reflecting the advance of both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) in the interim.
CPAS 3.0 Targets Process Industries
CPAS 3.0 targets technology users in and technology suppliers to segments such as chemicals; oil & gas; mining; minerals; textiles; metals; pulp & paper; and consumables, such as food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Readers should think of CPAS as an application-enabling platform for process control, advanced process control, and manufacturing operations management applications, plus human empowerment applications such as decision support and advanced analytics.
Both owner-operators and automation technology and solution suppliers can use this report to develop unique automation solution approaches. End users want technology that can easily adapt to the changing business environment. CPAS 3.0 describes such a system. Suppliers want to provide their customers with the best technical solutions, while providing compelling reasons for repeat business. ARC believes that CPAS 3.0 provides clarity to removing the technology roadblocks and dead ends that have hindered many designs in the past.
The guiding principles outlined in CPAS have been developed over more than a decade. However, meeting these principles may require some suppliers to move more effectively in incorporating available and proven technology using “out-of-the-box” thinking. For end users, it will require many to move from the lowest bidder/RFQ approach to evaluating process automation suppliers, and instead evaluate suppliers from a lifecycle and performance perspective. Suppliers, in turn, need to be able to assure value throughout the lifecycle.
Process Industry Needs Game-Changing Ideas
ARC believes that the industry is mature and ready for game-changing ideas in the expanded role of the process automation system. Suppliers and owner-operators alike should understand that CPAS 3.0 goes far beyond what is traditionally thought of as a distributed control system and uses a very broad definition of automation. CPAS is not a single supplier environment, but a combination of structure, technologies, and guiding principles that allow it to act as if it were provided by a single supplier.
For more information on this study, please visit our Market Research section.