I/O modules – better performance than control systems

The report identified The Americas as the  strongest regional market for I/O modules in 2013, driven by a relatively stable economic situation and strong growth in the process sectors.

The Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) I/O market grew in 2013 after a decrease in 2012, even though its PLC market dropped during the year. Growth in the process sectors was stable, and was especially strong in regions other than Western Europe.  

The market in the Asia-Pacific region grew little in 2013 and a slight growth in DCS I/Os failed to offset the fall in PLC I/Os.

The report also identifies that the PLC market performed poorly in 2013, which affected PLC I/Os. Although the control system market did not grow much, demands from expansions and replacements were able to drive some expansion in the market for I/O modules.

The DCS market recovered in 2013 after a downturn in 2012, which helped drive the growth in the market for DCS I/Os. Growth in DCS I/Os was mainly propelled by the installed base rather than by new installations. Strong growth in oil and gas and associated industries also helped propel the expansion.  However, the recent drop of oil prices, if sustained, is expected to harm investment in the oil sector.

Given the faster growth in industrial PC (IPC) markets, the PC-based I/O market grew faster than other segments. It was forecast to grow faster as well. However, its share will remain much smaller than those of PLC and DCS I/Os.