Keywords: Intelligent I/O Modules, Digital I/O Modules, Analog I/O Modules, Ethernet I/O Modules, Distributed I/O Modules, Industrial I/O Modules, Control I/O Modules, I/O Hardware
A new ARC Global Market Research Study shows the market for discrete I/O module sales showed strong growth in 2014. In 2015, ARC expects the growth to drop to a low level, and after a weak 2016 rise again in 2017 and beyond. The market for discrete I/O modules is mainly driven by two forces: an increasing need for decentralized solutions and the need for more information driven manufacturing resulting in more measurement on the production floor.
Looking at specific hardware types, intelligent I/O modules and network adapters particularly will grow above market average. “Looking at I/O modules, it is important to point out that in their basic functionality they will remain crucial for automation. Unlike DCS or PLCs, which may not be needed in future systems, I/O modules will remain necessary. In a world where digitalization and virtualization becomes more pervasive and more processes of manufacturing are automated, the demand for I/O modules will further increase.” according to Analyst Stefan Miksch, the principal author of ARC’s “Discrete Automation I/O Module Global Market Research Study”.
Distributed Automation and Intelligence in the Field
Machine builders are demanding discrete I/O modules which can be mounted directly to the machine. This has three outcomes for the I/O market. First, remote I/O modules will experience growing demand - especially in the automotive industry. Second, I/O modules need more intelligence to perform smaller logic tasks on their own. Third, the demand for network adapters will rise above average.
Information-Driven Manufacturing
Data, advanced analytics, and visualization tools power information-driven manufacturing. PLCs and associated I/O represent a primary source of the plant- and factory-floor data needed to provide a base for advanced analytics for decision support. Operator panels, which represent approximately 15 percent of the cost of a PLC system, can help operators visualize the data and analytics. As operator panels increase in size and price, they will help increase the overall market size.
Megatrends in Emerging Countries
While the current situation in China, India, or Brazil does not look as rosy as it did in the mid-2000s, emerging countries will continue to be a major driver for growth in automation. As urbanization continues and income increases, demand for higher quality products will rise, resulting in the need for automated production processes.
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