Sensia
Assembly Line
The impact of new technologies on automation and digitalization system architectures
Regardless of the advances in telecom and computing technologies, automation architectures have not changed much. While many components have advanced, their underlying architectures have largely remained the same. New system architectures for automation should be adopted that better fit with new industry operational and business challenges.
Even when new automation systems are currently using updated technology, their architectures are too vertical. Field devices, connected through a telecom infrastructure to SCADA/DCS, then tied to a historian, then connected to applications and business intelligence systems, in a sort of a totem fashion, raise problems by having diverse user interfaces, many interfaces among layers and the use of multiple databases. New architectures must be flatter, with fewer database layers and less interfaces among levels. The entire system should be based on a unified digital platform that includes most of the functionality in fewer levels. This digital platform must also be flexible enough to leverage on existing instruments, automation devices, and systems as much as possible.
Rockwell Automation and Schlumberger Announce Closing of Sensia JV
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) and Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB) today announced the closing of their previously-announced joint venture, Sensia, the oil and gas industry’s first digitally enabled, integrated automation solutions provider. The joint venture leverages Schlumberger’s deep oil and gas domain knowledge and Rockwell Automation’s rich automation and information expertise to address this fast-growing market.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Sensia is projected to generate initial annual revenue of $400 million and employ approximately 1,000 employees. Sensia will operate as an independent entity, with Rockwell Automation owning 53% and Schlumberger owning 47% of the joint venture. Rockwell Automation made a $250 million cash payment to Schlumberger at closing.