by Brianna Crandall — May 20, 2016 — Technavio recently released a market research report on the global nano programmable logic controller (PLC) market. Nano PLCs are specifically designed for small automated systems used in industrial and commercial applications. Also, these PLCs are embedded with text display to show operating instructions, process parameters, and error messages, eliminating the need to install additional operating panels.
A major factor impelling the prospects for growth in this market is the growing home and building automation market. The ability of these nano PLCs to improve a building’s indoor environment while optimizing overall operational costs will lead to its increased utilization over the next few years, predicts Technavio.
The report segments the global nano PLC market by products (hardware, software, and services); by end users (home and building automation, food and beverage, water and wastewater, and others); and by geography (the Americas, APAC, and EMEA). The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region dominates the global nano PLC market, owing to the rising need for security and convenience for manufacturers.
Technavio’s market research analysts estimate the global nano PLC market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 8% between 2016 and 2020.
“Vendors are increasingly offering high-performance nano PLCs that can communicate as part of IoT [the Internet of Things]. These nano PLCs allow integrators and OEMs to connect their devices via the Internet without adding additional modules. For instance, in 2014, Crouzet Automation launched em4 nano PLC that can send alerts through SMS and emails. Also, this nano PLC can be remotely controlled, and is equipped with a set of innovative features,” says Bharath Kanniappan, lead analyst, Industrial Automation, Technavio Research.
Home and building automation
The home and building automation segment currently dominates this market and is anticipated to surpass revenues of more than U.S. $2 billion by the end of 2020. In homes and buildings, nano PLCs are used for lighting controls, door and gate controls, heating / ventilation / air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, shutter, sunblind and awning controls, alarm and safety systems, and parking lot monitoring.
In addition, since many buildings are being built based on the mandatory green building and energy conservation policies of certain areas, the adoption of home automation systems and solutions will become necessary to meet the stringent energy conservation policies of those areas.
Key vendors
According to the report, the key vendors in the global nano PLC market include Mitsubishi, Rockwell Automation, Schneider, and Siemens. The market is fragmented due to the presence of numerous established vendors. The primary success factors in the market include the availability of a range of products equipped with appropriate external expansion units and software programs to address the unique market demand, functional reliability of products, competitive prices, high standard of service and support, and extensive distribution infrastructure.
In addition, some vendors are also providing integrated and complete solutions across end-user industries that are looking for solutions to bring down engineering and other related expenses.
A more detailed analysis is available in the Technavio report, Global Nano Programmable Logic Controller Market 2016-2020. The company says it can customize reports by other regions and specific segments upon request.
