Chicago, IL and Foxboro, MA—A strategy for vendor-neutral wireless communications that uses a comprehensive managed network approach was announced and demonstrated by Invensys Process Systems at ISA Expo 2005 in Chicago in late October. 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: Invensys or 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.