How the Top 50 automation companies lists are derived and assembled
Oct. 24, 2016
ARC Advisory Group analysts and Control editors discover new firms to add to the Top 50 lists each year. If you find one that should be listed but isn’t, let us know, so it can be evaluated for potential inclusion. Though companies with increased sales are added and those with decreased sales relative to the others or those that have been acquired are removed, the Top 50’s basic analysis methodology hasn’t changed for years. If anything, its scope and focus on revenue generated by process control and automation activities have grown tighter.
Process automation systems and related hardware software and services;
PLC and related hardware, software, services, I/O and bundled HMI;
Other control hardware components, such as third-party I/O, signal conditioners, intrinsic safety barriers, networking hardware, unit controllers, and single- and multi-loop controllers;
Process safety systems;
SCADA systems for oil and gas, water and wastewater, and power distribution;
AC drives;
Motion control systems;
Computer numerical control (CNC) systems;
Process field instrumentation, such as temperature and pressure transmitters, flowmeters, level transmitters and associated switches;
Analytical equipment, including process electrochemical, all types of infrared technology, gas chromatographs for industrial manufacturing and related products;
Control valves, actuators and positioners;
Discrete sensors and actuators;
All kinds of automation-related software from advanced process control, simulation and optimization to third-party HMI, plant asset management, production management (MES), ERP integration packages from the major automation suppliers and similar software Other automation-related services provided by automation suppliers;
Condition-monitoring equipment and systems;
Ancillary systems, such as burner management systems, quality control systems for pulp and paper, etc.
Technologies not included in the Top 50 definition:
Pumps and motors;
Robotics;
Material-handling systems;
Supply chain management software;
Building automation systems;
Fire and security systems;
Processing equipment such as mixers, vessels and heaters, as well as process design licenses from suppliers that have engineering divisions;
Electrical equipment, such as low-voltage switchgear, etc.
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