Q: What is the current state of wireless interoperability within industrial settings?
A: Wireless interoperability within industrial settings is still in a nascent phase. There is a reasonable level of concern that end users have with respect to interoperability of wireless in industrial settings. The lack of common standards and the prevalence of proprietary protocols have not really helped the penetration of wireless in industrial settings. Moreover, the potential integration points for wireless are numerous.
Q: What are the top three business drivers behind the need for more wireless interoperability on the factory floor?
A: The top three business drivers would be: (1) potential for great cost reduction — if interoperability is addressed, wireless can reduce cabling cost and can be used as plug-and-play devices; (2) extending measurements to numerous previously inaccessible areas within the plant — wireless solutions can reach certain areas in industrial settings that wired solutions can’t; (3) real-time data availability.