Networking intelligent systems for cost-effective automation

The mechanical and plant engineering industry, power distribution sector and, more recently, environmental protection industry, are among the engineering branches in which intelligent components and systems are being used increasingly in the electrotechnical installations. With potential cost savings as high as 40 percent in the areas of engineering, control, system building, assembly and commissioning, the benefits for companies are considerable. A term which has already found its niche in the engineer's vocabulary is 'fractal factory', which describes a system of networked production 'islands'. A look at the state of the art highlights the pioneering trends and shows the means that are already available for leaner, more cost-effective production.