Ethernet-APL: Experiences and Open Challenges

Evaluating feedback from real-world rollouts

Abstract

Ethernet-APL is promising to transform process automation by delivering digitalization, speed, and simplicity. By evaluating the first feedback from rollout in real-world projects, the analysis compares expected benefits to actual experiences. Furthermore, light is shed on the still open topics of value-add from data and potential drivers for Ethernet-APL in the brownfield. Yet, despite the ongoing rollout, the issues of Ethernet-APL for safety as well as upcoming security regulation are critical open challenges for the acceptance of Ethernet-APL that require holistic ecosystem solutions instead of individual technical solutions.