Are Virtual PLCs and the Cloud Ready for the Shop Floor?

Are Open Digital Ecosystems the Key to Scalable Digital Transformation?

Digital twins are increasingly seen as a keyenabler of industrial digitalization - but many initiatives still struggle to scale or deliver their full value. Data silos, fragmented architectures, and limited interoperability often stand in the way. In this episode, Alexey Grechko and LucianoNarcisi discuss why ARC’s working group has evolved from the Open Digital Twin to the broader Open Digital Ecosystem. The shift reflects a growing recognitionthat openness is about more than the twin itself: it is about creating a connected environment where data, applications, and systems can work together more effectively. The conversation explores how owner-operatorsare shaping this vision by calling for solutions that are easier to integrate, maintain, and scale. Luciano explains how open standards and common data modelscan help separate data from applications, reduce lock-in, and make digital solutions more reusable across the enterprise. The episode also looks at developments inEurope, including collaboration with DEXPI, and how standardized engineering data from sources such as P&IDs can support digital twins, AI applications,and long-term lifecycle management. Another important theme is the role of the human in the loop - ensuring that as systems become more connected and intelligent, responsibility and decision-making remain clear. Key themes in this episode: ·  Why the conversation is shiftingfrom Open Digital Twin to Open Digital Ecosystem ·  How data silos limit the value ofdigital twins ·  Why open standards andinteroperability matter ·  The role of owner-operators indriving openness ·  How DEXPI supports betterengineering data exchange ·  Why digital twins can become afoundation for broader digital solutions ·  The importance of keeping the humanin the loop ·  How openness could improvescalability, maintainability, and long-term value The key question is no longer whether digitaltwins matter - but whether industry can unlock their full value without a more open and interoperable ecosystem. Want to get in touch? We welcome your topic suggestions, ideas,feedback and criticism. Feel free to leave us a comment on Spotify or write tous at: info@arcweb-europe.com [info@arcweb-europe.com]. You can also reach us on LinkedIn (@arcweb-europe [https://de.linkedin.com/showcase/arcweb-europe/]) orYouTube (@ARCadvisory). Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire IndustryNewsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters] Further readings We’ve linked relevant ARC reports and resourcesin the show notes or visit: www.arcweb.com [http://www.arcweb.com] ·  https://www.arcweb-europe.com/ [https://www.arcweb-europe.com/] ·  ARC Automation Survey [https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/QBCK2LD] Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a reviewand share it with your network! Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire Industry Newsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters]   Chapters: (00:00) Welcome to Industry Talks (00:26 Forum Highlights in Sitges (02:08) Resilience Theme Explained (03:07) Black Swans and Protection (04:21) Global Sponsors Spotlight (04:59) Siemens Lighthouse Factory (06:03) COPA-DATA Independent Software (07:10) Breakouts EdgeCloud and Machinery (10:25) Digital Twin and AI Takeaways (12:45) Next Forum Date and Location (14:38) Deep Dive Open Digital Ecosystem Hosts: David Humphrey,Florian Güldner Guests: Alexey Grechko, Luciano Narcisi Produced by: ikone productions More episodes at: ·  Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e [https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e]) ·   Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518 [https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518]) ·   Youtube (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE])

Is Open Automation a Game Changer?

Open automation is emerging as a major shift in industrial systems - promising greater flexibility, interoperability, and freedom from vendor lock-in. But with these benefits come new challenges and responsibilities. In this episode, Alexey and Luciano explore how the decoupling of software and hardware is changing the way automation systems are designed and implemented. Engineers are increasingly adopting IT-style practices such as Industrial DevOps, version control, and modular software development - marking a significant cultural shift in the industry. The conversation also dives into the implications of multi-vendor architectures, including the question of system responsibility and performance ownership. They discuss howconcepts like unified namespaces can eliminate data silos and enable seamless integration across systems, from control layers to digital twins and beyond. In addition, theepisode covers the evolving landscape of standards and technologies, including the role of organizations driving open automation, the progress of initiatives like OPAF and UAO.org, and enabling technologies such as APL and OPC UA for secure,interoperable communication. Key themes inthis episode: ·     Why open automation is gaining traction now ·    Decoupling hardware and software in industrial systems ·     The rise of Industrial DevOps and new engineering practices ·     Multi-vendor environments: benefits and challenges ·     Unified namespace as a foundation for data integration ·     The role of standards and industry collaboration ·     Security considerations in open systems The key question is no longer whether openness will impact automation - but how quickly organizations can adapt to stay competitive in an increasingly open ecosystem. Want to getin touch? We welcome your topic suggestions, ideas, feedback and criticism. Feel free to leave us a comment on Spotify or write to us at: info@arcweb-europe.com [info@arcweb-europe.com].You can also reach us on LinkedIn (@arcweb-europe [https://de.linkedin.com/showcase/arcweb-europe/]) orYouTube (@ARCadvisory). Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire IndustryNewsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters] Furtherreadings We’ve linked relevant ARC reports and resources in the show notes or visit: www.arcweb.com [http://www.arcweb.com] ·  https://www.arcweb-europe.com/ [https://www.arcweb-europe.com/] ·   ARC Automation Survey [https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/QBCK2LD] Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review and share it with your network! Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire Industry Newsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters] Chapters (00:00) Welcome to Industry Talks (00:22) Road Trip to Hannover (01:03) Hannover Fair Highlights (01:13) Power Is Back (02:07) Data Availability and Sovereignty (03:41) Software Defined Automation (05:50) Data Centers and DC Power (07:40) Physical AI and 5G Return (09:53) Whats New in Industrial AI (14:05) Deep Dive Open Automation (27:14) Closing Impressions from the Floor Hosts: David Humphrey, Florian Güldner Guests: Alexey Grechko, Luciano Narcisi Produced by: ikone productions More episodes at: ·    Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e [https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e]) ·    Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518 [https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518]) ·    Youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE])

What Is Holding Back Digital Twin Adoption in Industrial Operations?

Digital twins have long been seen as a key technology for industrial transformation—but many projects struggle to move beyond the initial hype. In this episode, Alexey and Luciano explore why digital twin adoption slowed despite strong interest across industries such as oil and gas. Industry surveys show that the biggest barriers are the high effort required to implement digital twins and the ongoing challenge of maintaining them over time. They discuss how technologies like reality capture and AI-powered equipment recognition can accelerate the creation of digital models—especially in brownfield plants where documentation is often incomplete. The conversationalso explores knowledge graphs and the growing importance of open standards and interoperable data for scalable digital twin architectures. Key themes in this episode: * Why digital twin market growth slowed despite strong interest * Implementation and long-term maintenance challenges * Reality capture and AI for faster digital twin creation * Knowledge graphs for understanding complex industrial systems * The role of open standards and data interoperability The key question is no longer whether digital twins matter—but how organizations can build them in a way that is scalable, open and sustainable. Want to get in touch? We welcome your topic suggestions, ideas, feedback and criticism. Feel free to leave us a comment on Spotify or write to us at: info@arcweb-europe.com [info@arcweb-europe.com].You can also reach us on LinkedIn (@arcweb-europe [https://de.linkedin.com/showcase/arcweb-europe/]) orYouTube (@ARCadvisory). Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire Industry Newsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters] Further readings: We’ve linked relevant ARC reports and resources in the show notes or visit: www.arcweb.com [http://www.arcweb.com] ·   https://www.arcweb-europe.com/ [https://www.arcweb-europe.com/] ·   ARC Automation Survey [https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/QBCK2LD] ·   https://www.arcweb.com/blog/ge-vernova-finalizes-600-million-sale-proficy-software-business-tpg [https://www.arcweb.com/blog/ge-vernova-finalizes-600-million-sale-proficy-software-business-tpg] ·   https://www.arcweb.com/blog/dual-scenario-prediction-us-iran-conflict-impact-differences-global-manufacturing-between-7 [https://www.arcweb.com/blog/dual-scenario-prediction-us-iran-conflict-impact-differences-global-manufacturing-between-7] ·   https://www.arcweb.com/blog/octave [https://www.arcweb.com/blog/octave] ·   https://www.woodmac.com/reports/upstream-oil-and-gas-global-oil-cost-curves-and-pre-fid-breakevens-updated-h2-2018-211878/ [https://www.woodmac.com/reports/upstream-oil-and-gas-global-oil-cost-curves-and-pre-fid-breakevens-updated-h2-2018-211878/] Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review and share it with your network! Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire Industry Newsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters] Chapters: (00:00) Welcome to Industry Talks (00:45) Top Articles and Trends (01:29) GE Vernova Prophecy Update (02:20) Prophecy Portfolio and Outlook (03:19) Iran War Market Impacts (05:42) Resilience Electrification and Shipping (07:26) Hexagon Octave Spinoff (08:21) Event Roundup Edge AI and 5G (12:10) Data Centers as Next Growth (15:46) Sentiment Index and Next Segments (16:27) Digital Twins Deep Dive and Closing Hosts: David Humphrey, Florian Güldner Guests: Alexey Grechko, Luciano Narcisi, Michel Teughels Produced by: ikone productions More episodes at: ·   Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e [https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e]) ·   Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518 [https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518]) ·   Youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE])

From Use Cases to Growth: Is AI the New Oil for Digital Services?

AI is everywhere - from trade shows to boardrooms. But where is it really creating value in industrial digital services? In this episode, Luciano and Alexey move beyond the hype and break AI down into two practical streams: machine learning and Generative AI. Machine learning is already proving its impact in predictive maintenance, helping companies analyze sensor and process data to prevent failures and reduce downtime. Generative AI adds a new layer: industrial voice assistants trained on machine documentation and operational data. Instead of digging through manuals, operators can simply ask questions in natural language - and receive clear, contextual instructions in seconds. But here’s the reality check: without high-quality, structured and accessible data, AI initiatives stall. Many industrial sites still struggle with fragmented documentation and legacy systems. The real competitive advantage lies not just in algorithms, but in building the right data foundation. Key themes in this episode: * Practical AI use cases in digital services * Predictive maintenance and actionable insights * Generative AI as an operator interface * Why data quality determines success or failure The key question is not whether AI matters - but whether organizations are prepared with the right data foundation to unlock its potential. Want to get in touch? We welcome your topic suggestions, ideas, feedback and criticism. Feel free to leave us a comment on Spotify or write to us at: info@arcweb-europe.com [info@arcweb-europe.com]. You can also reach us on LinkedIn (@arcweb-europe [https://de.linkedin.com/showcase/arcweb-europe/]) or YouTube (@ARCadvisory). Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire Industry Newsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters]  Further readings We’ve linked relevant ARC reports and resources in the show notes or visit: www.arcweb.com [http://www.arcweb.com]  * https://www.arcweb-europe.com/ [https://www.arcweb-europe.com/] * ARC Automation Survey [https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/QBCK2LD] * ABB’s Automation Extended: Flexible, Open, Sustainable | ARC Advisory Group [https://www.arcweb.com/industry-best-practices/abbs-automation-extended-flexible-open-sustainable] * Software-Defined Automation: Foxboro SDA and the Shift Toward Open Control Architectures | ARC Advisory Group [https://www.arcweb.com/blog/software-defined-automation-foxboro-sda-shift-toward-open-control-architectures#:~:text=Foxboro%2520SDA%2520supports%2520native%2520integration,cybersecurity%2520demands%252C%2520and%2520lifecycle%2520flexibility.] Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review and share it with your network! Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire Industry Newsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters]  Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Industry Talks (00:26) ARC Orlando Forum – Atmosphere & Attendance (01:25) AI, Data Fabrics & Digital Twin Developments (03:00) Human Digital Twins & AstraZeneca Insights (04:43) Digital Twins in Entertainment Engineering (06:16) AI as Dominant Theme Across All Sessions (08:06) PepsiCo & Jabil Keynotes – AI along the value chain (12:17) IT–OT Collaboration & NAMUR Learnings (15:31) Interoperability, O‑PAF & MTP (20:06) ABB Extended – Open DCS Modernization (24:53) Schneider Electric Open SDA – Software‑Defined Automation (30:24) Coffee Talk: Digital Services, ML & GenAI (33:00) Data Quality, Training Challenges & Market Outlook Hosts: David Humphrey, Florian Güldner Guests: Alexey Grechko, Luciano Narcisi Produced by: ikone productions More episodes at: * Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e [https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e]) * Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518 [https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518])  * Youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE])

Is China Still the Growth Engine of Global Manufacturing?

China has long been viewed as a predictable engine of global manufacturing growth. In this episode, ARC’s Florian Güldner and David Humphrey discuss why those assumptions are increasingly under pressure - and what that means for manufacturers and automation suppliers worldwide. They explore the shift from macroeconomics to shop-floor reality: slowing demographics, saturated consumer markets and persistent overcapacity across key industries are reshaping China’s industrial landscape and its role in global value chains. The discussion then turns to automation, where China has moved well beyond copycat products. Local suppliers are rapidly building competitive PLC, DCS, MES and software portfolios, changing the balance between global and domestic vendors. Key themes touched on include: * The end of China as an “easy” high-growth market * Overcapacity and price pressure in industries like automotive, steel and cement * The rise of innovative Chinese automation suppliers and business models * A growing split between export-oriented factories and China’s domestic market A concise, reality-based look at how China’s manufacturing and automation markets are evolving - and why understanding this shift is now critical for global industry. Want to get in touch? We welcome your topic suggestions, ideas, feedback and criticism. Feel free to leave us a comment on Spotify or write to us at: info@arcweb-europe.com [info@arcweb-europe.com]. You can also reach us on LinkedIn (@arcweb-europe [https://de.linkedin.com/showcase/arcweb-europe/]) or YouTube (@ARCadvisory). Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire Industry Newsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters]  Further readings We’ve linked relevant ARC reports and resources in the show notes or visit: www.arcweb.com [http://www.arcweb.com/]  ·       https://www.arcweb-europe.com/ [https://www.arcweb-europe.com/] ·       ARC Automation Survey [https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/QBCK2LD] ·       Siemens and NVIDIA Expand Partnership to Build the Industrial AI Operating System | ARC Advisory Group [https://www.arcweb.com/blog/siemens-nvidia-expand-partnership-build-industrial-ai-operating-system] ·       Siemens, NVIDIA, and the Industrial AI Revolution | ARC Advisory Group [https://www.arcweb.com/blog/siemens-nvidia-industrial-ai-revolution] ·       ARC Industry Leadership Forum Manufacturing Energy Execs | ARC Advisory Group [https://www.arcweb.com/events/arc-industry-leadership-forum-orlando] ·       ARC Industry Leadership Forum Europe | ARC Advisory Group [https://www.arcweb.com/events/arc-industry-leadership-forum-europe] ·       How Green Hydrogen Supports China’s Energy Transition and Deep Decarbonization | ARC Advisory Group [https://www.arcweb.com/blog/how-green-hydrogen-supports-chinas-energy-transition-deep-decarbonization] ·       US NIST Launches Centers for AI in Manufacturing and Critical Infrastructure | ARC Advisory Group [https://www.arcweb.com/blog/us-nist-launches-centers-ai-manufacturing-critical-infrastructure] Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review and share it with your network! Furthermore, you can subscribe to ARCwire Industry Newsletter at: https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters [https://www.arcweb.com/about/newsletters]  Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Industry Talks (00:26) ARCwire Analysis & January Market Trends (01:25) Siemens at CES and Industrial AI Developments (03:00) Siemens–Nvidia Partnership & Industrial AI Operating System (04:43) ARC Industry Forum Orlando – Registration & Highlights (06:16) Global Sponsors and Event Significance (08:06) Hydrogen, Renewables & China’s Energy Strategy (12:17) NIST, EU Cybersecurity & AI Threat Landscape (15:31) Coffee Talk: China’s Changing Economic Reality (20:06) Industry Overcapacity & Rise of Chinese Innovation (24:53) Chinese Automation Champions & Market Shift (30:24) From the Plantfloor: Rita Liu Hosts: David Humphrey, Florian Güldner Guests: David Humphrey, Florian Güldner, Rita Liu Produced by: ikone productions More episodes at: ·       Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e [https://open.spotify.com/show/37B9kNLc6MyH3oWQNN0wVL?si=a598076ac6a14b3e]) ·       Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518 [https://podcasts.apple.com/tt/podcast/industry-talks-by-arc-advisory-group/id1848323518])  ·       Youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvAuS1b455RfGRBtnQI_-ePTItfIfi3F&si=FMMlpaZiZrp1rssE])