INDUSTRY INITIATIVE

ei³ Leads OMAC's Initiative in Creating a Practical Guide
for Ethernet Deployments in Automation

While Ethernet networks are well-established, their implementation within industrial automation applications can be challenging due to the unique demands in manufacturing environments. OMAC’s latest initiative, led by ei3, aims to examine different architectural approaches and their associated benefits in order to make Ethernet deployment more efficient and secure.

OMAC invites end users, OEMs, system integrators, and technology providers to join the workgroup to examine a wide range of architectures, including lower-level I/O networks, enterprise connectivity, common IP addressing, monitoring and diagnostics, VLANs, wireless and 5G applications.

TASK FORCE LEADERS

The workgroup is led by industrial Ethernet expert Mark Fondl, co-author of a recent EtherNet/IP book, along with Gary Workman, a key contributor to General Motors’ EtherNet/IP strategy, and David Gutshall, an expert in end-user networks currently at Cisco working on Industrial Ethernet. Collectively, they bring over 50 years of experience in industrial Ethernet networks, making them the ideal leaders for this project.

About the Workgroup

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

This collaborative workgroup draws upon a diverse spectrum of automation expertise, offering comprehensive insights from end users, machine builders, system integrators, and technology vendors. Participating organizations include:

Leading Manufacturing Companies such as Cargill, Pepsico, Corning, Frito Lay, Proctor & Gamble, Tyson, Tesla, ACG PAM PHARMA, Fameccanica, Sonoco, General Motors, Honda, and Toyoya
Global OEMs including Milacron, Barry-Wehmiller, Nordson, Markem, Bobst, Ilumin, Rychiger, and Harro Höfliger
System Integrators like Rovisys, Martin CSI, Cognizant, ACC, Malisko, Wave Technologies, Grantek, Omnicon, Reynolds Company, Kirby Risk, E Tech Group, and SAGE, and
Groundbreaking Technology Companies like ei3 Corporation, Siemens, Rockwell, Cisco, Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., Opto22, Fox IV, and Copa Data

UPCOMING MEETINGS

November 15th: Wireless and RF Technologies in Industrial Environments
December 6th: Network Management Essentials

TOPICS

Bridging IT and OT

Reasons for Network Segmentation

IP Addressing Challenges

Real-time Communication and Determinism

Converged Networks and VLANs

Securing IT and OT Networks

Wireless and RF Technologies in Industrial Environments

Network Management Essentials

Member Experiences

“Too often industrial networks are segmented too far or in ways that cause harm only because of irrational fears or lack of understanding how the network should be architected. We need better training and education for OT engineers and we need to enable and empower them to collaborate with their IT peers.”

“Customer and end-user data requirements will persistently drive the demand for increased external access to plant floor equipment. Users must transition from a "fear of outside connections" mindset to realizing that technology is in place to safeguard their data comprehensively. OEMs are proactively preparing for the imminent need for external connections, providing 24-hour support in anticipation of this cultural shift.”

"IP address planning and management is crucial in the initial steps to implement well organized, efficient, and scalable Ethernet networks. IP address ranges can be structured logically by department, devices, or plant sections for segmentation and easy troubleshooting through instant identification. As manufacturing plant networks expand, scalable IP address ranges are essential to accommodate new devices and equipment.”