Strengthening the CC-Link open network partnership

The CLPA was established to develop and support the global installed base of CC-Link networks, both technically and from a marketing point of view. CC-Link is a family of communications networks for handling data and information within an automation system. Critically, it is an "open' protocol, so any manufacturer can incorporate it into their products. Originally developed in Japan by Mitsubishi Electric, it was transferred into the public domain and quickly became established as the default standard throughout Asia and has since spread around the world.

The CLPA works with partner companies to implement CC-Link in their products. The support provided includes direct advice as well as assistance with conformance testing. Once products have passed conformance testing, the CLPA provides a wide range of marketing opportunities, including advertising, literature, fairs and virtual fairs; websites, seminars, webinars and press releases; opportunities for customised promotional activities, and the groundbreaking Gateway to China programme (G2C).

John Browett, General Manager of CLPA Europe, explains: "The CLPA has grown into a large and sophisticated worldwide organisation that offers a number of different services to different types of organisations. Many of our 1700-plus members are actual manufacturers of automation equipment, so chose to join our organisation as Regular Members in order to gain the necessary marketing benefits on offer."

For many members, such as Weidmller, the CLPA's international reach is imperative. Simon Seereiner says: "We see a big growth of CC-Link both in Europe and Asia. Weidmller is a global company and we specifically support moves into the Asian markets with network solutions for CC-Link."

Gateway to China programme

For others, the focus is on a specific region, with many highly appreciative of the Gateway to China programme. Marlies Postels of 3M, for instance, says: "A lot of our customers are focussing on China and the G2C programme is something 3M is involved in to support this." Similarly, Balluff's Stephan Langer says: "China is very important for us. We plan to grow more and more in this market and see CC-Link as one of the keys to be successful in China."

Based in Germany, Regular Member Bihl+Wiedemann is a leader in the complementary AS-i network technology. A leading product line is a series of gateways between CC-Link and AS-i. Bihl+Wiedemann have opened a subsidiary in China and Team Leader Thomas Rnitzsch says: "CLPA has proved very helpful to us in both developing the products and starting business in China."

Jrgen Palmhager of Sweden's HMS Industrial Networks commends CLPA's global reach: "Our products are mainly used by device manufacturers who need to access networks on the global market. The CC-Link technology is a major door-opener into China, and the rest of Asia."

As well as the G2C programme, there are 10 key benefits from which CLPA Regular Members can profit:

1. Advertising - Extensive, multilingual print and web advertising initiatives help to highlight and promote partner companies' products and services
2. Fairs - CLPA increases its own profile, as well as the profile of its Regular members, by exhibiting at trade and industry fairs across the world on a regular basis
3. Literature - Regular Members often feature in multilingual brochures and promotional material developed and published globally by the CLPA
4. Newsletters - CLPA produces and publishes a variety of multilingual newsletters to promote the family of CC-Link open network technologies
5. Press activities - press releases, case studies and news announcements are produced and issued by the CLPA throughout the year
6. Industry events - The CLPA is frequently invited to make presentations at leading industry events around the world
7. Virtual exhibition - The CLPA maintains a virtual exhibition, complete with areas for Regular Members
8. Webinars - Promotional webinars provide a platform to promote Regular Members, their products, services and capabilities
9. Website - The global network of multilingual websites is useful channel for communicating news about CC-Link, the association and about member organisations
10. White papers - The CLPA regularly commissions independently researched white papers which focus on industrial open networks, industrial and manufacturing development

Browett concludes: "This level of support and promotional activity is unprecedented in the open networks market arena. The CLPA is providing a cost-effective package of promotional activities to "open doors' for members which increases their exposure in target markets."

The White Paper Strengthening the CC-Link open network partnership is available by contacting the CLPA at [email protected].