What’s new with process control solutions?
The way information is exchanged between all of the plant component systems and the process control system has changed a lot recently. Wireless automation is one example, but these are just accessories to the overall system. These are designed to improve efficiency or reduce installation cost, but really these just feed into the main control processor where all the calculations are done. Advanced applications and optimising algorithms are increasingly important, as is reducing waste for customers too. Customers have a very simple formula for selecting vendors. If you meet all of the specification criteria, then they go for the lowest bidder. There is no concept of spending money for added value. The key is being able to reach that level and optimise the solutions whilst keeping the cost down, so it’s a win-win for vendor and customer. Were you able to benefit from generally rising project prices and estimates? The companies who really benefited from the boom period were the EPC contrac
