IT collaboration announced

They say that this will come about through optimised network integration across the factory floor and throughout the enterprise, using standard Ethernet technology. Based on feedback from customers, the two are collaborating on their common technology view, building reference architectures using standard networking technologies such as EtherNet/IP, and providing market education to enable people and process optimization. “Manufacturers operate in an environment that requires a pervasive exchange of information across all domains of the manufacturing enterprise,” said Craig Resnick, research director, ARC Advisory Group. “As manufacturers move into a global business climate that demands the integration of manufacturing operations and business systems, collaboration must move beyond hype to become a commonplace reality. Rockwell Automation and Cisco will provide manufacturers with the guidance needed to facilitate plant floor and IT network integration in a manner that achieves secure connectivity through the use of EtherNet/IP technology." “Customers are telling us they want linked reference architectures supporting both the office network environment and the factory floor,” said Paul McNab, vice president of Enterprise Marketing for Cisco. “Both plant and IT managers need secure, real-time visibility between the production floor and enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management and supply chain management systems. This network architecture will allow manufacturers to achieve real-time visibility with a secure control network using Ethernet.” Pictured are Dan Knight (L) of Cisco and Paul Brooks of Rockwell Automation.