Recalibrate LTSA Scope for Remote Diagnostics and OT Connectivity

What happened

An ABB-authored piece explains that variable speed drives (VSDs) improve efficiency but can introduce common-mode voltages that damage motor bearings. The article notes shaft grounding devices and insulated bearings as practical mitigations and recommends installing appropriate grounding or insulation before commissioning. Watch whether suppliers start shipping motors with these protections standard or require buyers to add them to purchase and LTSA scopes

Why the category manager should care

Treat drive-driven bearing failure as a spec and LTSA issue rather than a pure maintenance detail; require mitigation hardware or warranties up-front

Key facts

• VSDs change motor electrical stress and bearing failure modes
• Shaft grounding devices and insulated bearings cited as primary mitigations
• Recommendation to fit grounding prior to installation on larger motors

What happened

A case study describes Everest Metals’ Revere Gold project selecting Rockwell's PlantPAx DCS delivered by an integrator to enable plantwide control and remote fault-finding. The integrator emphasised remote diagnostics and the need to operate without full-time electricians on site, making remote support and fast technical responses operationally real. Watch whether other projects mirror the same delivery model and push remote SLAs into LTSA negotiations

Why the category manager should care

Assume DCS vendors will offer remote monitoring; contractually define what remote support includes and who owns incident response

Key facts

• PlantPAx chosen for a brownfield project to speed commissioning
• Requirement for remote fault-finding to avoid full-time on-site electricians
• Integrators reported faster technical response times as a delivery advantage

What happened

An opinion piece argues that valves, sensors and the 'last metre' instrumentation determine long-term plant efficiency and that lifecycle planning is often neglected. It stresses early involvement of operations and explicit lifecycle plans to keep year‑10 performance in line with year‑one. Watch for supplier offers that omit lifecycle documentation or spare-forecasting until late in procurement

Why the category manager should care

Make lifecycle deliverables a mandatory RFx attachment (spares, documentation, test records) to reduce later LTSA cost surprises

Key facts

• Argument that instrumentation decisions affect long-term energy and water performance
• Recommendation to involve ops and automation teams early in procurement
• Lifecycle from installation to replacement flagged as strategic

What happened

A roundup of industrial networking products and tests shows industry momentum behind Ethernet-APL, industrial 5G gateways, edge gateways and managed field switches in Australia. The article lists vendor products and interoperability tests that make connectivity a standard part of modern automation stacks. Watch whether suppliers begin contracting connectivity as an included service versus an explicit hardware-and‑LTSA line item

Why the category manager should care

Treat connectivity as a core contract element — define patch cadences, remote-access ownership and escalation paths in LTSA

Key facts

• Coverage of Ethernet-APL multi‑vendor testing and vendor product launches
• Examples of industrial 5G and edge gateway products marketed to Australian customers
• References to industrial remote‑access and secure gateway offerings