Open systems are an important aspect of automation. It allows high accessibility in core protocols, it also facilitates the adoption and creation of solutions for the manufacturers. Open systems provide a greater degree of flexibility, and as a result, customers can choose from a variety of different suppliers, allowing them to install components that are completely suited to their specific preferences. It also implies that the existing open system can be removed and replaced with another vendor with minimum effort and without major interruption. Open systems/products are non-proprietary based, which allows programming and integration of control components from various manufacturers, irrespective of the protocols.
Other factors such as repairs and upgrades can be completed by any trained engineer, which allows customers to take advantage of an open market and choose a technician who offers the most value for money or expertise. An added advantage to an open system is that the cooperation between different companies almost guarantees that a component is well tested and reliable.
