Better control: Rockwell Automation gets advanced modeling technology

Rockwell Automation will add predictive modeling capabilities to its line of process automation solutions through the acquisition of Pavilion Technologies .
The deal was announced Oct. 25. Rockwell will not say how much it is paying for Pavilion, whose software products will be integrated into the Rockwell FactoryTalk production and performance suite, as well as the Logix Control Platform.
The Pavilion modeling technology allows users to predict how production processes will be affected as certain conditions—temperature, pressure, etc.—change. Having ready access to this information enables companies to wring more value from existing production assets.
Numerous companies in process-oriented manufacturing industries—e.g.,
ion Technologies’ predictive modeling capabilities with our integrated architecture’s robust ability to control process applications will help our customers create a more agile, efficient, and consistent production environment. That translates into faster response to market demands at lower cost, with better quality.”
Colin Masson, AMR Research , calls Pavilion the leader in process modeling technology. “They have a stellar list of customers,” he says. “They also have succeeded in building a partnership with [ERP software market leader] SAP , an area in which many others have struggled.”
Despite its apparent strengths, the privately held Pavilion apparently needed to join forces with a company like Rockwell to remain financially viable. “We are delighted to combine our companies at a time when manufacturers are making unprecedented investments in improving their production operations,” Pavilion CEO Ralph Carter said when the deal was announced. “Pavilion Technologies’ leadership in model-based advanced process control software, along with Rockwell Automation’s global resources and financial strength, will accelerate our innovation efforts and help us solidify our market leadership position.”

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