Meeting the Demand for
More Complex Process
Control Systems
Process control systems in almost every
"The diversity of requirements and the
In practical terms this strategy can deliver
industry are becoming more complex; they
global appetite for these systems means
a number of improvements such as
are subject to greater scrutiny due in part
that manufacturers need to take a new
reducing supply chain management costs
to the demand for improved efficiency,
approach in order to meet demand.
while improving production agility and the
regulatory compliance and higher levels
Bürkert manufactures over 100,000
use of internal resources.
of automation and plant integration.
different products for example, typically
The need for bespoke or low volume
valves, actuators, sensors, controllers
Jens Fuhrmann, General Manager
system design is also growing as a result.
and combined devices. Applying these
at Bürkert's Dortmund Systemhaus,
Bürkert has addressed this challenge by
products to scenarios that require
comments: "Modern process control
developing the Systemhaus approach,
specialist assemblies requires skill and
systems can encompass a huge range
where regional technology solutions
experience as well as an imaginative
of parameters, deliver micron levels of
centres sit between the sales offices and
approach, but without the volume
accuracy and repeat millions of cycles, all
larger-scale manufacturing facilities,
constraints of large scale production runs.
the while recording data for standards
solving problems and building innovative
This is where we use our Systemhaus
compliance or historic analysis. However,
systems on-demand.
network."
designing, building and delivering a
Neil Saunders, UK General Manager for
Bürkert, explains: "The market for small
volume, specifically tasked control systems
is certainly growing and the operational
environments in which this equipment is
working are complex and governed by a
considerable amount of legislation such
as ATEX or food and pharmaceutical safety
and cleanliness standards for example.
End users realise that transferring the
responsibility of meeting these demands
to a trusted supplier can reduce costs and
increase operational efficiencies.
The definition of a bespoke control system
means that the designers have to start
from the ground up, working closely
with the client to establish what will be
new process control system requires
considerable expertise and flexibility, as
well as an in-depth knowledge of the
industry standards and specifications.
delivered by the new system and how best
“These teams can procure all the necessary
to achieve it. Often existing technology and
components, both from our own product
components will have to be integrated with
lines and from external suppliers in
unique parts and custom designs in order
order to achieve the most effective
to achieve the best solution.
solution for the client. At the same time
The principle of outsourcing this type
of project is considered by the vast
majority of OEMs as an essential part
of manufacturing strategy that allows
them to remain competitive in a rapidly
changing global market.
all the components must be seamlessly
integrated and work together to deliver
the required control structure and meet
the necessary industry standards.”