Emerson and Cisco partner on process sector wireless standard

The pair says they are combining their expertise and technology to deliver a complete solution that improves productivity, safety and operational efficiency for manufacturing users. Emerson’s wireless process applications use self-organising field networks for robust monitoring of live plant data for control and asset optimisation. The company also has mobile operator and maintenance worker applications. Cisco wireless plant networks offer applications including those for worker mobility, voice over IP communications, tracking of personnel and assets and video applications. Emerson is to project-manage and deliver the wireless solution to customers. Emerson and Cisco have developed a services plan to design, specify, install and support wireless solutions worldwide. These will provide end users with a complete network platform that ensures they can start with any application and easily expand as the technology evolves. Says John Berra, president of Emerson Process Management: “We are pleased to be working with Cisco to extend our offering to include wireless plant network solutions with the security and reliability required in the process environment. The combined field and plant communications platform supports current and future applications that help enable faster and more effective business management over the life of the plant.” “Networks and mobility are dramatically transforming our customers’ businesses and in-plant processes,” says Maciej Kranz, vice president of product marketing for the Wireless Business Unit at Cisco. “By delivering a combined wireless architecture we are enabling our manufacturing process customers to deploy flexible, scaleable and safe wireless solutions and mobility in rugged plant environments.”