omlox, a fascinating new open technology, will enable a significant portion of Industry 4.0: The real-time location-based service. Smart location-based services in the industry can revolutionize factory design.

In a future-proof network, existing and new technologies function smoothly alongside one another. A good example is the combination of OPC UA and PROFINET. With OPC UA as middleware, data and information models can become object-oriented (the 'how'). PROFINET, takes over the supply of the data (the 'what').

PI has published the first OPC UA companion specification for PROFINET. This standardized model enables PROFINET devices from a wide variety of different manufacturers to transfer device data vertically. This specification is an exciting step, yet, it is just the beginning of PI’s strategy for vertical integration.

What does digital transformation mean for industrial networks? How can a future-proof networking strategy help companies go digital? What are the trends in automation networks that are shaping digitalization?

The question of how Ethernet should be handled in potentially explosive atmospheres has been keeping users in the process industry busy for many years. Now, after successful testing of APL technology by BASF, we are closer to a solution.

How can data from the field be introduced into an IT system, and how can information which benefits the user be gained from it? Teamwork between PI and the OPC Foundation is illustrating our response to the sensible interaction between different technologies.

In an ordinary year, PI would already – and once again – have presented its progress on Industry 4.0 work at the Hanover Fair – but this is no ordinary year...

Functional safety is not only in the interest of the affected persons, but it also makes sense from a business point of view. When the risk of accidents is correctly accounted for, systems equipped with modern safety technology have a much lower total cost of ownership than unprotected ones.