Rockwell Automation kicked off its big week at Chicago’s McCormick Place on Nov. 16 welcoming over 900 attendees to its annual Process Systems Users Group (PSUG) conference. Its speakers left no doubt that the Connected Manufacturing Enterprise is still the core strategy.
The significant point is probably less the message than the fact that Rockwell has attracted that many people to Chicago at a time when many companies–especially in the oil & gas sector–are not sending people to conferences and that Rockwell itself is a relatively new player in process.
John Genovesi, VP Information Software and Process Business, gave the Rockwell “Connected Enterprise” talk for his keynote.
The point of the Connected Enterprise lies in leveraging today’s technology to connect people closer to process to drive more efficient business. We can now get into data in your control system–driving IT/OT convergence driving productivity improvement.
Benefits of the Connected Enterprise include decreased time to market, lower total cost of ownership, improved asset utilization, enterprise risk management.
Rockwell’s three strategies to achieve this include integrated architecture; intelligent motor control (Ethernet connection), solutions & services.
Genovesi continued on to argue for customers to consider taking a “modern DCS approach”–Rockwell’s of course. The modern approach includes:
- Flexible architecture
- Contemporary infrastructure
- Robust security
- Productive workforce
Rockwell Automation has espoused Connected Manufacturing Enterprise as a consistent strategy and focus for years. It is obviously working for the company as it has continued to grow–especially in the process business.
Gary,
I laughed out loud when I read this line:
“Benefits of the Connected Enterprise include decreased time to market, lower total cost of ownership, improved asset utilization, enterprise risk management”
Pretty much they roll that out every time they announce anything. A new drive, a new PLC, a new service; it all decreases time to market, lowers total ownership cost and all the rest. Have they ever announced anything and not claimed that?
Can’t believe they are still using that.
John
Well, John, marketing people have been taught to always talk benefits rather than features. There are only so many benefits, I guess. I bet you use similar benefits for all your products (I was going to research, but ran out of time).
Rockwell Automation has had some consistent areas of focus ever since Keith Nosbusch became CEO. The phrases, like the ones you site adding “connected enterprise” guide all the efforts of the company from product development to marketing to sales. There are many things to pick on (which I sometimes do, or you can read my more cynical colleagues), but the consistent messaging is a sign of strength. (Although I detest Jack Welsh, read his books where he talks about leadership as devising a theme and repeating it everywhere you go.)
The real question is, do its products actually deliver? I have talked with old acquaintances who sell and service and use the products. And for the most part, they do.
And, most things I clean up or verify before I write. And, anyway, thanks for writing. I appreciate any comments that make me think a little deeper about the subject.