Services offer ‘unprecedented’ opportunities in automation

10 June 2009

Services remain the fastest growing segment of the automation business, according to a recent ARC study. The advisory group described the opportunities for expansion as ‘unprecedented’ despite the current economic climate.

According to ARC, most major automation suppliers increased the scope of their automation services to cover all aspects of the plant operating lifecycle. ‘Some offered complete maintenance and operating outsourcing services in industries such as mining and power generation,’ an introduction to the report added.

A labour crisis, that ARC says has been ‘exacerbated by a wave of baby boomer retirements’, has hit the process industries and the report explains that we are on the verge of another era of transformation for the services business.

Companies appear to be cutting costs wherever they can, including operating costs and project costs, which continue to be quite high despite the bad market conditions.

Key strategic issues covered in report
 Automation suppliers as Main Automation Contractors
 Automation suppliers will train next-generation operators and technicians
 Is there a future for outsourcing?
 Consulting services can provide serious value
 Maintenance turnaround services target key cost areas