Process safety systems market growth has rebounded after the world economic downturn, especially in the developed economies of North America and Western Europe, according to ARC Advisory Group's global market research study.
"Process safety systems suppliers continue to cost reduce their hardware offerings and integrate their safety solutions with basic process control systems, said Barry Young, principal author of the "Process Safety Systems Global Market Research Study." Suppliers offering a truly integrated offering of process and safety are saving end users substantial project costs in engineering and lifecycle expense."
New technology trends include smart configurable I/O and distributed safety system architectures. New software tools are increasingly making the systems easier to implement. The past emphasis on controller architecture (Dual, TMR, QMR) has diminished with more emphasis now placed on the overall process safety system solution and certification.
Cyber security's importance cannot be underestimated, particularly for safety and security of industrial processes. Closer integration of safety and security in process safety systems is required.
The main automation contractor (MAC) business model for executing projects is finding a growing acceptance with integrated process safety systems. The lack of process safety experts requires creative project team sourcing with end users, suppliers, and specialty safety engineering firms.
