Schneider Electric boosts systems integrator partnerships

With significant deskilling in so many areas of UK industry, the role of the systems integrator has risen dramatically in importance. It was therefore fitting that Schneider Electric's System Integrator Alliance conference, held over two days in Coventry, attracted a full house of delegates from the company's established SI Alliance network.

The overarching theme of the event was the provision of more customer-focussed products and systems from Schneider Electric, delivered through the SI Alliance's expertise. This will be achieved through greater levels of collaboration and a better understanding of the customers' applications. Since every business in the SI Alliance has had to fulfil stringent criterion for membership, the network represents some of the best integrators in the UK.

One Schneider Electric initiative to aid this partnership has been to take today's integrated architecture and develop it towards a collaborative control system, combining common data structures from visualisation (SCADA reporting) through to complete machine and plant control.

Several new products were also demonstrated to the audience, focusing on creating opportunities and added value for customers. New software for PLC, machine control, SCADA and MES systems attracted great interest; other areas covered included variable-speed drives, safety and sensing devices and radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems.

Stephen Coop, managing director of Schneider Electric UK, emphasised the commitment the company has to system integrators and the service they provide to UK industry.

Steve Davenport of Boulting Integrated Systems said of the event: "Particularly pleasing, as the relationship with SIs is seen as critical to the process. A well-balanced event."