Here is the bubble chart with the usual technology suspects shown.Bang. The ones marked here are the ultra high volume technolgoies High volume is Driven by mobile telephones (2G, 3G, BT) and IT Differences between process and discrete:Process is big into sensing (15.4) not found in discrete.And discrete wireless sensing ABB WISA sensing for discrete uses BT (sort of)WLAN is a better fit for most discrete manufacturing sitesNOT to say that it is easy, but discrete mfgrs have more experience with it
Support for mobility would seem to have a lot in common, especially rugged handheld computing which is found in both discrete and processIndeed there are a lot of common factors hereEvolution from cradles to WLANSame lines of equipment with different certificationsMany of the same suppliersBut there are some important differences that I want to point out. So I’ll use my 3rd and final slide to do thatHere they are:
Here are some of the differences I think are importantLow hanging Fruit:In process wireless sensing is a big gainerIn discrete it is not…mobility and tracking through AutoID are the low-hanging fruit.Scale up issue:Discrete looking to unify a hodge-podge of earlier WLAN applications Anecdote for example: Add coverage with support for AGVs and in-plant forklifts with RFID and laptops…and maybe VOIPProcess by and large has no coverage, and need to build a infrastructure that can provide common services from nothingVoice communications is important but what convergence has different targets:In discrete convergence means with carrier’s cellular (not Boeing)In process convergence means a private network that supports their ubiquitous voice network or walkie talkies Finally both domains are very interested in RTLS, but for what applications?Asset tracking and SC visibility are the drivers in discretePersonnel safety is a big driver for process related is better ability to track material after it leaves the warehouseReally I have only 1 very simple point here, and that is that these 2 domains have some differences that truly affect the way the perceive wireless. So the terms “ahead” or behind re not as appropriate as “Different” With that I ask you to welcome Craig Dupler, Boeing Technical Fellow