Yes. Universal automation and open industrial standards are fundamentally necessary to fulfil the promise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The pressure to adopt open automation is mounting for stakeholders across all corners of industry.

End users are beginning to see proprietary automation systems as a barrier to growth and an unnecessary cost, rather than an enabler and source of profit. Many organizations recognize that next-generation industrial automation must be interoperable and break free from the proprietary closed model we have now.

A few examples are: Open Process Automation Forum, NAMUR, and OPC Foundation.

Moving from a proprietary world to universal automation not only benefits end users but it also gives those willing to innovate an edge in the race for new value built on software innovation.

Universal automation will create a market for proven-in-use software components that bring unique values to users and new revenues for vendors.

The industry realizes that working to the same, open standards is fundamental to progress. Our ecosystem, from supply chain through manufacturing and production to the end customer, recognizes the need to fully embrace interoperable implementations.