September 2008
Features

Does wireless improve process automation?

The reasons for wireless are clear: Broad range of applications can deliver compelling benefits, and open-standard approaches are expanding supplier participation and the range of functionality available to end users. Various sources estimate the demand for wireless technology in industrial process automation to exceed $1 billion by 2012 or earlier. Following more than three years of field trials, Emerson Process Management began shipment of its SMART Wireless products for automation monitoring and control applications in late 2006. SMART WIRELESS NETWORKS The self-organizing field network technology delivers data at greater than 99% network reliability, and installed costs are much lower than a wired equivalent. Field network solutions combine gateways with wireless-enabled transmitters and predictive maintenance software, all seamlessly integrated with automation systems or with legacy hosts. Remote Operations Controllers extend the self-organizing wireless networks for use in remote production and distribution facilities.

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