Step change on the cards

The findings of Process Engineering’s ’Attitudes to Wireless’ survey (PE, September/October 2010, p27) in many ways echo what we have heard previously from our own customers.

The survey results show that what is needed now is education on wireless technology for those within the process industry, so that people can make an informed decision about whether adopting it is right for their business.

It is not surprising that the number-one concern is security - it is important at this highly competitive time that companies operate securely so that data is protected and does not get into the wrong hands. Often people liken wireless technology to that which may be used in the home to provide internet access, and that may not seem very secure.

However, manufacturers of wireless technologies for process environments use the latest encryption methods to ensure that the networks are highly secure and cannot be infiltrated by anyone who should not have access.

Although companies are right to ask questions of the security, it is important that they ask them to the manufacturers of the technology, who can address these concerns and provide the solutions.

Network security
End-users need to plan and enforce a network security policy that is proportionate to the potential outcome of unauthorised access. This will ensure they have a consistent security implementation as each new wireless network is added.

Let’s not forget that in many cases it would be easier for an attacker to cause disruption by inflicting mechanical damage to the system than by gaining unauthorised access to a network.

Likewise, with cost. The past two years have seen many companies tightening their belts as the economic climate in the UK has remained uncertain, so it makes sense that those working in process industries are concerned about whether a technology is financially viable to install.

It is important that processing companies look beyond the initial capital expenditure and remember the savings that can be made in the long run through increased operational efficiency, as staff time is reduced on the plant or factory floor.

From my experience, many of the projects I quote for often have paid for themselves within one year, thanks to the financial savings on labour and the reduced maintenance costs that result from removing the mechanical parts often present in a wired system. This clearly demonstrates that wireless can be a worthwhile investment for the future.

The difficulty in changing the attitudes of management was also highlighted as a key concern. Change often brings resistance, but it comes back to education. Indeed, whether it is management level, senior engineers or junior engineers who have doubts about the technology, it is important that they are all well informed and understand the benefits of the technology. And it is the job of manufacturers, such as Siemens, to do this.

At Siemens we can carry out a full site survey for any processing application where wireless technology is being considered. This means that the site can be assessed for suitability for wireless equipment before it is installed. With services such as this, we aim to put the minds at rest of those who doubt the technology and prove that it will work for their processing application.

It is clear from the survey that the use of wireless technology within processing environments is growing, and, from feedback we have had from our customers, we are reassured to hear that the benefits have had a positive impact upon their businesses.

It is important now that manufacturers within the industry work to educate people about the benefits of wireless technology, so that we see a step change in attitudes when we read the next survey in 2012.

It is important that processing companies look beyond the initial capital expenditure and remember the savings that can be made in the long run through increased operational efficiency, as staff time is reduced on the plant or factory floor