Business View Magazine | March 2018

181 Single Converged IP Ne work Separa e Building Sys em Ne works Single Converged IP Ne work for Building and IT Sys ems Ligh ing as a Firs S ep o Crea ing a Digi l Building Ligh Fix ure Becomes a Da a Source; Broken Silos Enables Analy ics innovative products and solutions to support the infra- structure.Electrical manufacturers have responded to this need byoffering solutions that span the electrical value chain—from the substation to the point of con- sumption.The industry’s digital and connected innova- tions include electricvehicle infrastructures,low-and medium-voltage products,solar inverters,switchgear, measuring and sensing devices,and control products— all of which enable safer,more efficient,and reliable power flowfor electrification needs. AUTOMATION Automation strengthens integration between digital devices on the plant floor to the rest of the enterprise to improve overall operational efficiency.The opportu- nities of connected solutions first made an appearance in the Industrial segment of the electrical industry. Often referred to as the“Industrial Internet of Things” (IIOT),many factories,today,are equippedwith sensors and actuators that connect various process controls to offer efficient operations of motors,pumps,fans, lighting,data networks,and other systems.This inte- gration allows the plant,facility,and people to have an end-to-end,fully integrated viewof all processes, allowing users to turn data from the plant floor into actionable sales,marketing,or operational information. With the introduction of robotics inmanufacturing and distribution facilities underway,industrial automation is set to experience an evenwider range of operational excellence. The benefits of integrated systems in the Industrial sector demonstrate the strong promise that home- owners and businesses can expect as theyadopt the next cycle of system interoperability to automate personal andworkplace processes. At home and in offices,one-touch control over light- ing,A/Vand telecommunications equipment,window coverings,temperature,and beyond,is well within