The Automation Network [powered by OpenPCS] is a new synergistic, com-mon business model that matches component suppliers with service providers from all over the world
Globalisation and a larger demand of global customers force small and middle sized companies to act global. The global recession since the turn of the century has accelerated the structural change in automation technology predicted by market researchers. Simply going global by mergers and ac-quisitions usually means to lose the advantages of being agile and fast. In this context, the different economic growth rates in the various application areas and regional markets are less surprising than the establishment of a new, cooperative business model that promises users greater flexibility than the traditional approaches of today’s market leaders.Encouraged by requests from its worldwide customers, infoteam Software took the lead to establish a global Automation Network with local presence!
The more than twenty “Automation Network” member companies are convinced that the future is up to a new, synergistic business model, which matches typical component suppliers with service pro-viders in a network of independent companies offering a broader global spectrum of solutions and products to their local customers. Members are from Italy, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, USA, Canada, China and Taiwan.The Automation Network is a business-to-business platform for all members to complement their range of products with compatible products from others. This allows the products of every member to be offered on markets that were previously not accessible to an individual company.
In addition, eve-ryone has access to the complete range of products of the Automation Network in his local market which, in turn, allows for successful competition with the products of a full-line supplier.The common attribute of all products is the IEC 61131 3 standard of programming with the OpenPCS Automation Suite, which is a royalty-free software tool, used by hundreds of developers. This ensures the compatibility of all devices demanded by users and allows the reuse of knowledge and programs. The standardized call interface of the OpenPCS framework allows the simple integra-tion of manufacturer-specific tools to implement special functions.
This global tool is available in many languages, like German, English, Russian, Spanish, French and even in simplified as well as in traditional Chinese, what makes it quite easy to use it in any global-acting company as the stan-dard programming tool.According to the members of Automation Network, there are four factors that make up the success of a company:
- At least one innovative proprietary product that can be developed quickly and manufactured cost-effectively.
- Add-on products that provide additional value to own products and make it more attractive for a larger group of potential customers coming from the supply of the other partners of the Automation Network.
- Standardized, jointly harmonized open interfaces to guarantee the customer complete com-patibility.
- Global and also local presence is arranged by the partners of Automation Network who take up the requirements of the customers in their local market and thereby providing them with proximity and customer orientation.This strategy of complementing products that offer open and fully compatible interfaces is, of course, not free of competition.
Support of constant improvements and adaptations to maintain technology leadership.
The OpenPCS Automation Suite by infoteam Software is the common denominator that combines these products under a uniform engineering environment.
But this is exactly what maximizes the benefit for the user.
Which full-line supplier can make this claim?
Here, the marketing task consists of avoiding possible overlapping products, whereas cooperative marketing intentionally leaves the selection to the user.
The global business relationships of the 21st century force companies to face these challenges with new business models if they want to continue to take profits and growth.
The Automation Network promoted by infoteam Software creates a new momentum for the participating companies to chal-lenge the global competition which is not a member.
Watch out!
Visit www.automation-network.com/ .
