Strengthen LTSA Contracts for Safety and OT Cyber Requirements

What happened

Process Online published 'Muting in practice' highlighting how muting (safety systems that allow objects to pass through barriers) can create new vulnerabilities when implemented poorly. The article focuses on real-world failure modes and recommends recorded FAT/SAT as acceptance evidence. Watch whether suppliers begin to offer commissioning and compliance as separate paid services or shorten quote validity windows

Why the category manager should care

Treat muting coverage as a contract-acceptance condition requiring evidence, not a vendor convenience; do not accept verbal assurances

Key facts

• Feature article on muting and safety implementation
• Practical examples of implementation vulnerabilities
• Calls for recorded FAT/SAT as acceptance evidence

What happened

Process Online's industrial networks content highlights IEC 62443-3-3 compliance guidance and notes EtherCAT meeting IEC 62443 requirements, signalling that vendor-level cyber evidence is now available to buyers. The operational detail to act on is requesting product- or vendor-level certification during pre-qualification. Watch whether certified vendors start to command premium pricing or de facto shortlist status for OT-critical work

Why the category manager should care

Require IEC 62443 evidence or equivalent as a qualification filter for suppliers providing OT-connected equipment or remote access

Key facts

• Coverage of IEC 62443-3-3 compliance
• Mention of EtherCAT certification to IEC 62443 requirements
• Multiple vendor gateway and switch listings showing market availability

What happened

Process Technology magazine aggregates technical and safety topics, including muting and OT security, providing practical how-to pieces and white papers that procurement can reuse for RFx language. This is background material useful for checklist building but not a substitute for supplier-supplied FAT/SAT or certification documents. Watch for deeper case studies that include concrete acceptance criteria you can copy into contracts

Why the category manager should care

Use magazine guidance to build contract and acceptance checklists, but always require supplier-supplied evidence

Key facts

• Magazine and digital content across safety, OT security and automation
• White papers and how-to guides available for procurement and engineering use
• Regular features on OT risk and safety practice

What happened

Process Online's industry directory and event listings increase supplier visibility and the number of demos procurement will see at expos. Operationally, this means planned verification: treat event demos as marketing and require recorded FAT/SAT before awarding LTSA work. Watch vendor promotion cycles around events where they may accelerate capability claims

Why the category manager should care

Treat event demos as marketing; require formal FAT/SAT and documented acceptance before adjusting LTSA scope

Key facts

• Industry directory listing hundreds of suppliers
• Event calendar with upcoming automation and safety expos
• Access to white papers and vendor-supplied materials