Control system integrators have to know the A to Z of industrial applications and have to be the architects to zookeepers for the range of projects they manage. Because of this, it is important for system integrators to be able to rely on an association like CSIA to inform and advocate for their specific needs. In addition, they need to know where to turn for the specialized technical knowledge they need for their projects. In conjunction with CSIA, ODVA is another association that can be a key resource for the system integrator community.
Founded in 1995, ODVA is a trade and standards development organization whose members comprise the world’s leading automation companies. ODVA’s mission is to advance open, interoperable information and communication technologies in industrial automation. ODVA recognizes its media independent network protocol, the Common Industrial Protocol or “CIP™” — and the network adaptations of CIP — EtherNet/IP™, DeviceNet™, CompoNet™ and ControlNet™ — as its core technology and the primary common interest of its membership. ODVA embraces the adoption of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and standard, unmodified Internet and Ethernet technologies as a guiding principle wherever possible. This principle is exemplified by EtherNet/IP — the world’s number one industrial Ethernet network.
EtherNet/IP is a proven, non-proprietary industrial automation communications technology based on standard 802.3 Ethernet and Internet technologies. EtherNet/IP’s peer-to-peer architecture and standards-based approach reduce risk and ensure end users can realize the full potential of industrial automation. As all integrators know, users don't want to be locked into proprietary technologies, but they do need to manage network integration costs: installing technology based on open standards helps to lower commissioning and support costs, plus ensures multi-vendor support and interoperability. Furthermore, ODVA’s certification of EtherNet/IP devices protects the integrity of the networks and helps ensure interoperability today and in the future.
ODVA welcomes the system integrator community to visit www.odva.org to learn more about ODVA technologies. In addition, join ODVA at the next EtherNet/IP educational event on October 19 in Novi, Michigan. This one day event describes how EtherNet/IP's network services, peer-to-peer architecture and standards-based approach ease integration of data between the plant floor to enterprise. The use of EtherNet/IP in motion, safety, and energy management applications will also be discussed. Full details can be found on www.odva.org/novi.