Representative End User Clients
Representative Automation Clients
Representative Software Clients
Most end users today have a large collection of operations solutions that employ information technology (“operations IT”), each addressing a specific set of functional requirements. These solutions can represent a significant investment in money and effort, just as is the case with physical assets.
Increasing and more sophisticated business needs and imperatives have led to solutions that automate many more functions than may have been common in the past. Business changes such as mergers and divestitures bring together solutions from multiple sources, with associated management challenges.
To fully address the challenges and opportunities, it is best to view the complete list of solutions as a portfolio, managing them together, rather than making isolated decisions.
We’ve identified several practices that have been proven effective in addressing the challenges associated with portfolio management. None are difficult to apply. It is the combination of practices that is most effective. While there is no “perfect” approach to managing a complex set of technologies, it is important to define and apply it in a repeatable fashion. Solution suppliers use similar methods and practices to guide their development and marketing efforts. Asset owners can derive similar benefits. Those who fail to take steps to manage their technology are at danger of being managed by it.
Background
In simpler times, asset owners needing to automate all or part of their manufacturing process would acquire a control system (DCS or PLC) and perhaps a few software tools for support processes and replace these only when they no longer met their needs. Much has changed since then.
The business need for more automated and efficient operations has led end users to acquire many more operations IT solutions. Each of these is a combination of software and hardware products that have been configured to address a specific set of functional requirements. Thse solutions can represent a significant investment in money and effort, just as is the case with physical assets. In some cases there may be significant additional value in custom or proprietary intellectual property. Business and technology drivers influence how these collections are managed.
Table of Contents
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Executive Overview
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Background
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Current Situation
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Challenges and Opportunities
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A Portfolio Management Approach
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Proven Practices Available
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Conclusion
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