I would state "yes" to the end of I/O as a
valid size of system between the controllers (DCS, PLCs smart devices) and the supervisory
layer both operational control and information, historian.
No doubt some people are gasping when I say this, and
this is a normal reaction from the tradition industrial market, but take a deep
breath and step back and look at the modern world.
I/o is being commoditized by the fact that devices are
becoming smarter, which means a factor increase in information coming from
these devices to enable more effective operational management.
Examples:
·
Motor has gone from 5 to 10 I/O traditionally to
now 100 +
·
Gas wells were a 2 years look at 50 points, I
saw that same well logging 680 points
The list can go on, but in order to drive operational
excellence devices will get smarter and more real time in context information
is required. As we move into "Internet of things" in the industrial
world where smart devices, processes etc. and linking into the system, talking
to each other is key, again information is key.
So how can we say I/O is accurate or even a “ball park
" metric for sizing a system. In many cases, companies are not increasing
their assets that run their plants they are just increasing the amount
information coming from existing assets.
So where is the value it is in the delivery of content,
information, and enablement of effective decisions and actions to run the plant
in the optimum way? Empowering system, people and applications to take a
decision and action in a timely manner.
With the changing operational paradigm in from connected
desktops to workers using a number of devices at once in the execution of the
daily tasks where content can be displayed and interacted independently of the device.
There is also a transformation in client applications e.g. traditional HMI
(human man interface) to “Roles” and now the real shift to Operational Systems
designed around "activities".
Yes, the world is changing and so must the industries
metrics for licensing evolve to align with today's customer value indicators!
Interesting reaction to the end of I/O as a licensing metrics for size. Agreement and shock, debate and then the some constructive debate on if the size of the plant is equipment, people, production. But overwhelming there was a agreement that there needs to be change, and so the debat can continue.
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