Based on the feedback I’ve heard, the IndConn sessions held at last month’s ConnectivityWeek were a success.  A lot of good presentations and discussions, as well as great opportunities for networking across multiple industries.  I guess that’s not hard to do when you have major players from the power generation, distribution, regulators, standards groups, end users and industrial automation experts all at the same event.

One theme that keeps coming to the top was more collaboration. Large-scale impacts on energy consumption at times of high demand can’t happen until even the most ingenious proprietary technology offers a standardized, collaborative pathway by which the utilities and the consuming systems can interact.  It’s not hard to understand why OPC was such a big part of this event.  Collaboration and connectivity to energy systems/building automation sources + connectivity to IT + access to higher level applications = energy savings and optimization.

Several OPC Foundation members where present, including Tom Burke.  Tom had this to say “One of the key things here is evolution versus revolution…the technology is changing so fast…in order to be successful not only do we have to bridge the gap back to the existing systems”.  Tom expands on that topic and more in conversation with MatrikonOPC’s, Sean Leonard in an interview with Ken Sinclair of AutomatedBuildings.com.  You can see the read the whole OPC and Building Automation interview here.   The site also has recaps of the panel sessions, including the Smart Energy Panel, Jim Luth sat on and the Connectivity Mega Panel that Tom Burke attended.  Open, interoperable and available standards like OPC UA are key to making better connected systems.

Did you attend the OPC sponsored IndConn?  Did you find it a worthwhile and informative opportunity?  Let’s hear from you.