'Lean' Automation Architecture Will Change How OEMs Serve Packagers

As PC and PLC automation architectures begin to merge into a common box that can also host software and connectivity smarts, he sees "Lean automation' as a solution, or minset that will translate much more than control solutions with fewer components: "It's the idea that it's faster to develop, it's faster to build, and it's easier to administer," he said, as well as provides more value in the long-term, or the full lifecycle of a machine. He stresses the notion of communication over control and visualization, because communication is the "third leg of the automation stool."