Abstract
M.Comm.
The potential information available to managers through the management
information system is considerably greater than a decade ago. Managers
can through web portals view exactly where a product is in the
manufacturing process anywhere in the world.
The significant difference lies in how the information is passed from the
control engineering layer to the business information layer. Substantial
leaps forward have been achieved in the transparency of the various
networks. In a manufacturing plant, information, right down to a pulse from
the simplest sensor, can now immediately be shown to a user on the
internet a thousand kilometres away.
Making information from the factory floor available in real-time into the
management system in the correct format, is not as simple as might
appear. Over the past decade plant automation systems and business
information systems have become more integrated than ever before. The
organization’s management must make the correct, informed choice of
networks for each application. Management must be aware of the various
automation networks and their limitations. Management must also take
cognisance of the possible compatibility issues associated with choices of
networks and the associated automation equipment.
Management needs to consider from whom and how to source the plant
control networks. Supply chain management techniques have lead the
trend in many industries to move to fewer, more strategic suppliers. The
possibility of a single source strategic supplier relationship is investigated.
The first part of research aims to determine whether a single supplier is a
technically-sound solution. A number of automation networks are
researched, their usability, industry support and future potential evaluated.
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These included various fieldbus networks and the newer reputedly more
universal industrial Ethernets. The literature suggested that the solutions
proposed by some of the major suppliers should be comprehensive. The
research concurred that the offerings of two major worldwide automation
suppliers were sufficiently all-inclusive.
The second part of the research investigated whether strategic partnering
is sound business practice. The customer to supplier relationship is
examined. The advantage to both parties of pursuing a closer relationship
is explored. The literature reported benefit and an increase in closer
supplier partnering in other industries. The research confirmed that there
was indeed benefit in a closer customer supplier relationship in the
automation industry.
The results of the literature study and the research conducted conclude
that a single-vendor plant control network is feasible. Moreover entering a
strategic partnership with a single automation supplier is best business
practice.