OACG: a framework for developing open control

There are many “open standards” for industrial automation. Unfortunately, these standards cover only small slices of automation and control, such as the various device networks and the OPC initiative for accessing device data with PC software. Despite the cumulative effect of these standards, several fundamental gaps remain between the operator interface, control engine, and controlled devices in a typical automation application, and between these control execution systems and the control design environment. What is needed is someone to establish and implement sound technical specifications that address the majority of the market, to publish these as open standards, and to encourage their rapid adoption and widespread use. This is the goal of the Open Architecture Control Group (OACG). Its work is outlined