ISA 2005: Wireless strategy uses managed network approach

-- Control Engineering, 11/1/2005

Chicago, IL and Foxboro, MA —A strategy for wireless communications that uses a comprehensive managed network approach was announced by Invensys Process Systems at ISA Expo 2005 in Chicago last week. The approach centers on shared access point technology and common data and security models for all wireless devices, regardless of vendor or application. The technology reportedly ensures appropriate levels of integration, robustness, and security for all industrial and enterprise wireless applications.

“Wireless communications will provide a powerful new enabling technology for asset performance management,” said Chris Lyden, vice president of marketing at Invensys Process Systems. “Wireless technology makes it possible to incorporate new strategic measurements and other data within our solutions that simply were either not practical or even possible to implement in a wired communications environment. This includes solutions for process optimization, device management, real-time equipment condition monitoring, energy management, personnel tracking, asset tracking, security, and enterprise asset management that can all work in unison to address both industrial asset utilization and availability.”

The wireless network strategy is designed to overlay existing plant control and information infrastructures from Invensys or a third party. It includes hardware and software, as needed; site survey and analysis services; engineering and systems integration services; implementation services; and ongoing maintenance, support, and optimization services. Site surveys are presently in progress at several large North American chemical manufacturing complexes.

The strategy was demonstrated last week on the ISA Expo show floor. Read more coverage of ISA Expo 2005 on the Web at Control Engineering’s Online Daily News Desk.

—Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com