ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (EMRE) has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to serve as the systems integrator for the early stage development of a next-generation open and secure automation system for process industries.
Lockheed Martin will be responsible for the advanced processing architecture working with EMRE in this pre-development phase.
As part of the research phase, Lockheed Martin will be conducting an “Industry Day” event on Jan. 26, 2016. The company will solicit Requests for Information (RFIs) from industry in support of the new system.
Automation providers, get your war paint on. This announcement effectively opens the door for automation system providers, both large and small, to bid their way into Lockheed Martin’s good graces.
For a company to claim ExxonMobil as a customer is no small feat, and to work with Lockheed Martin in that process is even more significant. Smaller automation providers can easily get into the big leagues if they employ a silver tongue and have the right cards to play at this big-boy table.
"This breakthrough initiative could help transform refining and chemical manufacturing through the use of high-speed computational components, modular software, open standards and the use of autonomous tools," said Vijay Swarup, VP of research and development at EMRE.
ExxonMobil's goal is to design a new architecture that will control and optimize refining and chemical manufacturing facilities while enabling equipment and information services such as preventative maintenance and fleet optimization.
The design and implementation is based on architecture standards that will ensure modularity, interoperability, extensibility, reuse, portability and scalability of the new system.
"The advantages of our secure commercial processing experience combined with the expertise in applying open architecture standards provides a low risk solution for the ExxonMobil process control requirements," said Paula Hartley, VP of advanced product solutions for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training.
The automation platform to be designed will include intrinsic cybersecurity protection adaptable to emerging threats.
“The architecture will also promote competition and innovation in the marketplace,” Lockheed Martin states. “Lastly, interoperability, modularity and adherence to industry standards will lower the cost of integrating new system components or replacing legacy platforms.”
This announcement is a great opportunity for small and medium sized automation providers to step into the big market. Big providers aren’t always the best – SMEs have a real chance.
Companies interested in additional information on the upcoming Industry Day and RFIs, can contact dennis.stevens@lmco.com. For more information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com.