Global Actuator Sensor Interface Systems Market 2016-2020

Overview of the global actuator sensor interface (AS-i) systems market

Technavio’s market research analyst predicts the global actuator sensor interface (AS-i) systems market to grow at a CAGR of more than 8% during the forecast period. AS-i is an industrial communication networking solution used in programmable logic controller (PLC), distributed control system (DCS), and PC-based automation systems. AS-i cables are rapidly replacing electrical hard wire cables in the automation industry to connect several I/O field devices such as actuators, proximity switches, process valves, and sensors. It is a standardized bit-oriented Fieldbus, designed for ideal communication between actuators and sensors, and occupies huge preference among automation equipment vendors. The AS-i network offers low-cost remote I/O solution for higher level Fieldbus networks such as DeviceNet, Industrial Ethernet, Interbus, and Profibus and speeds up communication between actuators, controllers, and sensors. The interoperability, flexibility, simplicity and low cost features of the AS-i network makes it preferable among manufacturers in the automation industry, which will be a major driving force for the growth of this market in the coming years.

One of the latest trends that this market is witnessing is the growing inclination towards process automation. Several industries across the globe are adopting Industry 4.0 and IIoT to optimize material flow and detect errors at very early stages of the life cycle of a product. The integration of physical systems and cyber systems in the industrial manufacturing industries results in greater efficiency, predictive maintenance of machines, better safety, and high profitability. Process automation uses communication networks such as Ethernet and Fieldbus technologies such as AS-i that connect PLCs to field I/O devices such as actuators, sensors, switches, and valves, leading to increased productivity at low costs.

Competitive landscape and key vendors

The majority of vendors in the AS-i systems market are from the global Fieldbus and Ethernet solutions market. Several vendors from manufacturing industries are joining AS-International Association to gain knowledge and potential benefits of AS-i technology. The operational expertise and high profitability by installing AS-i network has pushed several manufacturing companies to gain insights about the AS-i network. Several vendors in the global AS-i systems market are focusing more on the promotion and development of AS-i networks. With the growing implementation of AS-i networking solutions in the manufacturing industries, the competition in the market will intensify, resulting in an increased number of M&As among vendors for greater market shares.

Leading vendors in the market are -

• Bihl+Wiedemann
• Baumer
• Ifm Electronic
• Peperl+Fuchs
• StoneL
• Siemens

Segmentation by end-users and analysis of the AS-i systems market

• Discrete automation industry
• Process automation industry

In 2015, the process automation industry dominated the market and accounted for more than 61% of the total market share. The process manufacturing industry produces a continuous flow of products that cannot be broken down into parts such as food and beverages, chemicals, paper, and oil and gas. This industry demands less basic visibility into the manufacturing process, which necessitates the requirement for a higher degree of process automation for the better monitoring of the manufacturing processes. Many process industries contain hazardous areas where the deployment of Ethernet is complex. This has demanded the use of the AS-i network, which can be used as a partner network to the Ethernet to connect field devices such as actuators, sensors, and switches to controllers.

Geographical segmentation and analysis of the AS-i systems market

• Americas
• APAC
• EMEA

In terms of geography, EMEA led the global AS-i systems market in 2015 and will continue its dominance during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of more than 5% by 2020. The increased requirement for plant automation to maximize efficiency and output will drive the demand for AS-i in this region. The companies in Europe are implementing lower-level networking solutions as a partner network for higher-level networking solutions such as Ethernet and Fieldbus, to achieve operation excellence.

 Key questions answered in the report include

• What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2020?
• What are the key factors driving the global AS-i systems market?
• What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global AS-i systems market?
• What are the challenges to market growth?
• Who are the key vendors in the global AS-i systems market?
• What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global AS-i systems market?
• Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.
• What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global AS-i systems market?

Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirement.

Related reports:

• Global Actuator Market 2016-2020
• Global Pneumatic Actuators Market 2016-2020
• Global Industrial Valves and Actuators Market 2015-2019