Contribute to the Future of Process Control: Take the PLC vs. DCS Survey

Summary

As the digital transformation of process control systems continues, users are assessing their current systems and seeking the best alternatives for future success. The idea of using a system based on a programmable logic controller (PLC) rather than a distributed control systems (DCS) has become a philosophical and technical debate in the industry.  More recently, the developing Open Process Automation Forum’s O-PAS™ Standard requires IEC 61131 and/or IEC 61499 programming standards from the PLC industry be incorporated into process control systems.
 
To understand process automation and control user issues, tradeoffs, concerns, and thoughts on this topic, Bill Lydon has launched The PLC vs DCS Survey and is looking for input. Lydon is an experienced industrial, process control, and building automation technology and business consultant and editor emeritus of InTech magazine.  A summary of the crowdsourced results will be published on Automation.com as a resource and reference for users. 
 
“The PLC vs DCS Survey is a way for user to share experience and thoughts on this important topic,” said Lydon. “This is an independent survey not sponsored by any suppliers. Please help to clarify the issues, tradeoffs, concerns, and your thoughts by taking this survey.”
 
A link to the survey can be found here. The survey will be open for a few weeks and a results report is expected midyear.
 
Lydon’s recent article, Open Process Automation: Open Controllers and Decoupling Field I/O, covers discussions at the 28th Annual ARC Industry Leadership conference about The Open Process Automation Forum and the O-PAS™ Standard.