INTEGRATION - Control system/ERP integration is more profitable and technically easier than ever, but non-technical challenges remain

摘要

Implementing integration between plant control systems and higher level computing platforms such as ERP systems is more profitable now than ever thanks to the increased cost volatility of most plants' two main inputs - energy and raw materials - and more price volatility for plant products. At the same time, integration has never been technically easier because of the spread of standards that define terms for data exchange. Because these technical integration hurdles are coming down, implementation costs are dropping rapidly. Increased profitability and lower costs should result in a flurry of control/ERP system integration projects, but this is not happening primarily because of non-technical barriers that remain stubbornly high - security concerns, reduced plant technical staff and, especially, turf wars between process automation professionals and their IT counterparts.