Safe IIoT product certifications.

The ISA Global Security Alliance (ISAGCA) and the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) have announced the release of a co-sponsored Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) product certification study entitled, “IIoT Component Certification Based on the ISA/IEC 62443 Standard.”

The report, the first in a two-part study, evaluates the urgent need for industry vetted IIoT product certification programs, with the goal of determining the applicability of the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards and certifications to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) IIoT components and gateways.

The second part of the study, due out later this year, answers the same questions for IIOT system offerings (solutions) and analyzes the use of IIOT solutions for process control.

“During a certification roadmap meeting two years ago, ISCI asset owners noted the high volume of new IIoT offerings from the supplier community and sought a standards-based scheme for certifying the cybersecurity of these new offerings,” said ISA Managing Director Andre Ristaino, who oversees both ISAGCA and ISCI. “Our supplier members were equally interested in this, so ISAGCA and ISCI jointly funded the two-part study to answer the questions.”

In 2016, ISCI completed a rigorous study on the applicability of ISA/IEC 62443 to automation and control systems in smart building technology. The positive report conclusions were vetted by smart building subject matter experts, resulting in the accelerated adoption of the ISA/IEC 62443 standards by product suppliers in this industry sector.

“As an organization, we are committed to reporting on the applicability of this powerful series of standards to new industry sectors and publicly sharing the results,” said Eric Cosman, ISA99 Committee Co-chairman. “Through the results of these rigorous studies, we are able to confirm the broad applicability of these standards to many technologies and sectors.”

@ISA_Interchange #PAuto #IIoT #Cybersecurity

Continued growth for industrial networks despite pandemic - Report.

The study concludes that the industrial network market is showing signs of regained stability and HMS expects the total market to grow by 6% in 2021.

Every year, HMS Networks carries out a study* of the industrial network market to analyze the distribution of new connected nodes in factory automation. This year’s study shows that, despite the Corona pandemic, the industrial network market is expected it to grow by 6% in 2021. Industrial Ethernet still shows the highest growth and now has 65% of new installed nodes (64% last year), while fieldbuses are at 28% (30). Wireless networks continue to climb and are now at 7%. PROFINET passes EtherNet/IP at the top of the network rankings with 18% market share compared to 17%.

Market shares 2021 according to HMS Networks – fieldbus, industrial Ethernet and wireless.

The study concludes that the industrial network market is showing signs of regained stability and HMS expects the total market to grow by 6% in 2021.HMS Networks now presents their annual analysis of the industrial network market, focusing on new installed nodes within factory automation globally. As an independent supplier of solutions within Industrial ICT (Information and Communication Technology), HMS has a substantial insight into the industrial network market. The 2021 study includes estimated market shares and growth rates for fieldbuses, industrial Ethernet and Wireless technologies.

The study concludes that the industrial network market is showing signs of regained stability and HMS expects the total market to grow by 6% in 2021.

Industrial Ethernet is growing steadily
Growing by 8%, Industrial Ethernet continues to take market share. Industrial Ethernet now makes up for 65% of the global market of new installed nodes in Factory Automation (compared to 64% last year). EtherNet/IP and PROFINET are fighting for first place, but this year PROFINET passes EtherNet/IP at the top of the network rankings with 18% market share compared to 17%. EtherCAT continues to perform well globally and now matches the leading fieldbus PROFIBUS at 8% market share. Modbus TCP is next at 5% market share and together with fieldbus brother Modbus RTU, these Modbus technologies now account for 10% of the market, confirming their continued importance in factory installations globally.

Fieldbus decline halted
The ongoing fieldbus decline reported by HMS in recent years is almost halted with a fieldbus decrease of only -1% in 2021, as factories tend to stick to existing technologies to a higher degree in uncertain times, such as during the pandemic. Fieldbuses are now at 28% market share of the total amount of new installed nodes (30% last year). PROFIBUS is still the clear fieldbus leader at 8% followed by Modbus-RTU at 5% share and CC-Link at 4%.

Wireless is here to stay
Wireless continues to grow rapidly at a rate of 24%. Wireless now has 7% market share but the market still awaits the full impact of 5G in factories. With ongoing global activities about wireless cellular technologies as enablers for next level smart manufacturing, HMS expects that market demand will increase for wirelessly connected devices and machines to be included in the less cabled and flexible automation architectures of the future.

Regional network variations
EtherNet/IP and PROFINET are leading in Europe and the Middle East with PROFIBUS and EtherCAT as runners up. Other popular networks are Modbus (RTU/TCP) and Ethernet POWERLINK. The U.S. market is dominated by EtherNet/IP with EtherCAT gaining some market share. PROFINET and EtherNet/IP lead a fragmented Asian market, followed by strong contenders CC-Link/CC-Link IE Field, PROFIBUS, EtherCAT and Modbus (RTU/TCP).

* The study includes HMS’ estimation for 2021 based on number of new installed nodes within Factory Automation. A node is defined as a machine or device connected to an industrial field network. The presented figures represent HMS’ consolidated view, considering insights from colleagues in the industry, our own sales statistics and overall perception of the market.

@hmsnetworks @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Fieldbus #Ethernet #Wireless

Investments in connectivity technologies drive innovation gaining competitive advantage.

A newly commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Analog Devices has been announced. This study shows that industrial manufacturers who have made investments in connectivity technologies (“high maturity”) are better positioned to drive innovation and gain a competitive advantage compared to firms that have been slower to implement connectivity (“low maturity”) across the factory floor. 

The study, based on a survey of more than 300 manufacturing, operations, and connectivity executives across the globe, found that 85% of high maturity firms are currently using Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies across much of the factory floor, compared to 17% of low maturity organisations. Over half (53%) of low maturity organisations report that their legacy equipment is unable to communicate with other assets.

“This past year was a true catalyst for digital transformation and many businesses needed to navigate and adopt connectivity strategies that helped them to become more agile and lay the groundwork for future innovation,” said Martin Cotter, SVP Industrial, Consumer & Multi-Markets at Analog Devices. “We see significant opportunity in the adoption of connectivity solutions, including 5G, to help organisations get data more quickly, enabling end applications.” 

Findings from the research include:

• Connected firms believe that improving network reliability (including adding 5G networks) will create significant opportunity: 68% of high maturity firms say this will enable them to make better use of existing cloud infrastructure and 66% believe their industrial data and IP will be more secure. Conversely, only 21% of low maturity firms believe that improving network reliability will help improve security. However, all respondents agree that improving network reliability will improve efficiency by freeing up employees who are constantly resolving downtime issues. • Low maturity firms struggle with security risk: 54% say that their lack of sophisticated cybersecurity strategy puts their business, customer, and employee safety at risk. • The human element continues to pose challenges: Almost half (47%) of low maturity firms say they lack the expertise to understand which connectivity tech-nologies to invest in, indicating a skills gap. Even high maturity firms report that it is not easy for them to access the insights they need to make labour planning and safety decisions. • Real-time monitoring of equipment and productivity demonstrates an acute awareness of the high cost of unscheduled downtime: High (5%) and medium (17%) maturity firms reported much lower occurrence of unscheduled downtime of their industrial technology or equipment each week than low maturity companies (53%). These interruptions lead to higher cost of holding inventory and labour per unit, loss of production and customer confidence and decreased work capacity.

This research shows us that while many firms are benefiting from the promise of industrial connectivity, others have significant legacy and talent-related hurdles to overcome. Both a shortage of in-house expertise and interoperability of systems and data are two major hindrances to manufacturing modernisation.

Methodology: For this study, “Seamless Connectivity Fuels Industrial Innovation” (March 2021) – commissioned by Analog Devices – Forrester Consulting conducted a global online survey of 312 industrial connectivity strategy leaders. Survey participants included decision-makers in IT, operations, cybersecurity, and general management manufacturing roles. The study was conducted in October 2020.

@ADI_News @forrester #PAuto 

Inline ultrasonic flow - a study!

A just-published study from Flow Research should be of interest to those involved in the fast-moving ultrasonic flowmeter market. The study is called Module A: The World Market for Inline Ultrasonic Flowmeters, and it is hot off the press from Flow Research.

New Product Developments

The Inline Ultrasonic market is especially important because these meters are used for growing custody transfer applications for both oil and natural gas. While ultrasonic meters are holding their own against competing turbine, differential pressure and positive displacement flowmeters, these other flowmeter types still present challenges for certain applications. Inline meters offer greater security and typically greater accuracy than clamp-on and insertion meters, and they are the largest market of the three types. Many of the new developments, like twin transmitters and more accurate multipath measurement, are occurring with inline meters.

Flow Research spent a full year researching the entire ultrasonic market visiting many of the leading suppliers onsite. They attended conferences in April and June 2017 where many suppliers were exhibiting and product managers were in attendance. This gave the ability to cross-check our numbers and to make sure that the most accurate figures possible were reported. It has been over four years since the last edition of this study, and for those who want to stay competitive in the ultrasonic market, it is an absolute must-have.

@flowresearch #PAuto

Automation professionals respond to American cybersecurity workforce development report!

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has responded to a widely circulated report from the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy that calls for a unified US national strategy to address the serious workforce development needs presented by the multi-dimensional threats of cyber attacks.

Dr Peggie Koon

While commending the Pell Center for bringing greater attention to this vital challenge, 2014 ISA President Peggie Koon, Ph.D., emphasises in a letter to the center that a comprehensive workforce development strategy is being implemented to train and prepare those responsible for protecting the critical and industrial infrastructure that forms the foundation of modern economies, and serves as the greatest potential target of cyber terrorists and the greatest risk of potential damage from cyber attack.

The Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, published in early 2014 by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, sets forth guidelines to help owners and operators involved in the critical and industrial infrastructure identify, assess and manage cyber risk. The Framework is based on the input of leading cybersecurity experts from government and multiple industry sectors.

Cited throughout the Framework, Dr. Koon notes, is a series of standards on industrial automation and control systems security that are being developed by ISA in an international effort involving experts from more than 200 companies and organizations representing energy, water and wastewater, food and beverage processing, chemicals,  petroleum refining and other vital industry sectors. The standards, designated the ISA 62443 series, are being adopted as they are completed by the Geneva-based International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as the IEC 62443 series, assuring recognition by industries and governments across the globe.

The Pell Center report, Professionalizing Cybersecurity: A Path for Universal Standards and Status, makes the important point that the technology for combating cyber attacks is only as good as the people who develop, implement and maintain it. However, for those responsible for protecting the critical infrastructure and industrial base, the required expertise extends well beyond the tools and technology of cybersecurity, Dr. Koon points out: “They require an understanding of the engineering interactions of complex automation and control systems—in which cyber vulnerabilities exploited in sectors such as energy production and distribution, water treatment, refining and chemicals can disrupt and damage multiple sectors, with potentially severe consequences for public health and welfare, and on a vast and interconnected economy.“

Patrick Gouhin

"As the leading professional association for automation and control systems engineers and practitioners, ISA represents the very people who must meet the great and challenging demands for knowledge and expertise in protecting the industrial and critical infrastructure,” states Patrick Gouhin, ISA Executive Director and CEO.

“ISA’s leadership in industrial cybersecurity extends well beyond the standards by leveraging the vast expertise and knowledge from the ISA/IEC 62443 program,” Gouhin adds. “This has led to programs for the training, certification, and continuing education of those who must understand the complexities and interactions of advanced automation and control systems while protecting critical infrastructure and the industrial base.”

These programs include:

Professional certification and certificate programs Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) Certification, which demonstrates proficiency in all aspects of industrial automation and control systems including network and control systems security Industrial Cybersecurity Certificate Program, which demonstrates proficiency in understanding and applying the ISA/IEC 62443 international standards Certified Mission-Critical Professional (CMCP) Certification, in development under a US Department of Labor grant to Cleveland Community College, focusing on the skills and knowledge to combat cyber and other threats in industrial operations Study courses and preparation materials in support of the Control Systems Engineering (CSE) program, a specialized Professional Engineering (PE) license recognized in the US and administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, which includes coverage of network and control systems security Competency-based workforce development  The Automation Competency Model (ACM), developed by the Automation Federation, the umbrella organization of ISA, in conjunction with the US Department of Labor, establishes what individuals need to know to successfully perform the tasks required in automation occupations, including network and control systems security. Training classes, publications and conferences on: Basic and advanced cybersecurity for industrial automation and control systems Understanding and implementing the ISA/IEC 62443 standards

Cost-effectiveness drives opportunities for the measurement gauges market still!

The global measurement gauges market has limited technological advancement, thus pricing strategy is a key differentiator for companies operating in this space.  Realising this, manufacturers are wooing price-sensitive end users by offshoring their manufacturing to cost-efficient countries in Asia. 

To continue rolling out cost-effective products, market participants are expanding their manufacturing capabilities in Asia-Pacific (APAC), which already accounts for 70 percent of global measurement gauges production.  APAC will also remain the key revenue-generating market, followed by North America and Europe. 

The new study from Frost & Sullivan, Analysis of the Global Measurement Gauges Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $178.8 million in 2013 and estimates this to reach $201.8 million in 2017. The analysis covers height gauges, depth gauges, plug-and-bore gauges, and ring gauges. 

Increasing industrialisation in APAC as well as the growth of the automotive industry and machine shops in the region, continue to fuel the demand for measurement gauges. End users are particularly looking for simple gauges as they have a limited budget allocated towards inspection and measurement tools. 

Nonetheless, the presence of established market participants limits business opportunities for smaller-sized companies. Furthermore, the availability of low-cost coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and scanners hinders the growth of the measurement gauges market in North America and Europe. 

Although established market participants dominate the market, there are several Chinese measurement gauges manufacturers that have made inroads into the APAC market with their low cost products.” explained Frost & Sullivan Test and Measurement Senior Research Analyst Aravind Govindan. “Research indicates that a lack of marketing capabilities similar to some of their larger counterparts is likely to restrict the growth and business potential of some of the smaller participants.” 

Brand visibility is evaluated as a key competitive criterion, which has led to a greater focus on this by market participants through the use of online channels and eCommerce websites as retailing points for measurement gauges.