End users and vendors are making headway in open automation by releasing new standards, developing new products, and completing open process automation (OPA) initiatives. Given the current megatrends arising in the industry, it is necessary to see how open automation relates to them and how it can benefit manufacturers.

This analysis provides an overview of the current state of open automation and the standards organizations pushing it. We also identify key vendors offering products that can integrate into systems compliant with open process automation standards (O-PAS). 

• What is the impact of multiple technologies and methodologies on the growth of essential components in open automation such as data communication protocols?
  
• How will the influence of open-source software and the concept of a unified namespace (UNS) create new opportunities?
  
• Which growth prospects in open automation will transform the manufacturing landscape?