Open Standards for Automation and Control Intel Drives Innovation

By Thomas B. Cross - CEO TECHtionary.com

As a process nut or rather business process optimization fan and sometimes expert depending on the industry nothing can be done right or often all at without some kind of process albeit a good one. When you get out of bed do you brush your teeth first or show or brush your teeth in the shower. This is an example of habits that work for you but when you take the concept of manufacturing, engineering and coordinating efforts on a global basis you need processes to make sure everything is really done right otherwise people can be hurt or worse. Applying processes is hard work as it's really about knowing what really needs to be done at the right time and place with the right people. Then confirming and auditing so that the next person does it the same way. Business process automation optimization takes process efforts to the next level to respond to rapidly changing business needs. Adding in a standards approach such as from the Open Process Forum you can bring in others who can really zero-in on what needs to be done. For example, the focus of the Open Process Forum focuses on "delivering a standards-based, open, secure, and interoperable process control architecture through the collaboration of global leaders in process industries, system integrators, suppliers, integrated DCS vendors, academia, and other standards organizations." 

Bringing both process, standards and automation facilitates a deeper understanding of the task at hand, needs to be considered and ultimately goals to be accomplished. In this interesting webinar from Intel with one of their customers ExxonMobil executives discuss how they focus on data and open standards to help drive a new era of innovation and growth. They also describe the company’s collaboration with Intel and the benefits of using open industry standards-based technologies that have been a major driver in helping other industries transition from closed proprietary systems. What makes this effort even more useful is the fact of gaining insights from outsiders who you would not normally have any idea of the problems faced by a specific company. 

Actually, from my experience in developing and building business process optimization outsiders can often look at your problems like no one can. All too often the "forest from the trees" and "stuck in the weeds" happens as groups get so stuck in their own processes, they can't see beyond the issues immediately facing them. Accounting, operations, service delivery, product, support and others each have their own goals which are not always in the best interests of the customer. Moreover, customers are good "outsiders" who may only interface with the company weekly or monthly and have their own needs. For example, one customer redesigned their own internal services delivery based on how the vendor did their own order processing. This may sound a bit ridiculous but they knew the vendor was not going to adapt to their needs. The concept of open processes can bring about change both for the vendor, suppliers and ideally customers. Adding-in automation is a complex but necessary effort to further add standards that can be applied to all elements through the entire system. 

Summary -- I would like to thank Intel for the opportunity to share my insights on process standards automation. By working with companies like Intel you will find that key elements of your business are optimized and maximized.

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