Electrical switching & drive systems & components


Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in

Second Quarter 2025 Electrical switching & drive systems & components


Kobus Vermeulen, direct sales executive, Process Automation at Schneider Electric.

Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities.

Like the segments it serves, turbomachinery must also keep pace with rapid industry advancements. Turbomachinery’s ability to adjust readily, integrate and adapt is extremely important, and vendor lock-in isn’t necessarily conducive to fostering this operational flexibility.

Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom. Without vendor lock-in, turbomachinery can seamlessly integrate with components from different manufacturers, reducing the risks associated with proprietary systems that may hinder operational flexibility and innovation. By decoupling control systems from specific OEMs, organisations can tailor their operations to their unique needs, enhancing both performance and cost-effectiveness.

Breaking free

There are multiple benefits, but the one that undoubtedly stands out is access to innovation. The world is fast paced, and turbomachinery operations should be the same.

The ability to integrate new and emerging technologies from multiple vendors gives organisations access to fantastic advancements in turbomachinery. This fosters continuous improvement and competitiveness in rapidly evolving marketplaces.

Additionally, independence and the subsequent innovation allow for collaboration. Multiple technology providers can develop innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and reliability in turbomachinery operations.

With vendor-independent systems, companies gain better negotiating power when purchasing equipment and services. This often leads to reduced capital expenditures and maintenance costs. Furthermore, independent control systems can work with a variety of equipment and software platforms, allowing for easier upgrades and future integrations. This eliminates the risk of technological obsolescence and gives way to modernisation efforts.

Schneider Electric’s contribution to vendor independence in turbomachinery

At Schneider Electric, our turbomachinery control solutions integrate with components from multiple manufacturers. This offers several advantages:

• Interoperability: Schneider Electric’s solutions are designed to function with various equipment and systems, eliminating the need for wholesale system replacements.

• Flexible components: These allow companies to choose best-in-class components from different vendors to optimise efficiency and performance.

• Reduced downtime: Rapid integration of upgrades and modifications ensures minimal disruptions during maintenance or system enhancements.

• Simplified management: User-friendly control interfaces allow for streamlined operations and easier staff training.

• Scalability and future-proofing: Our solutions adapt to evolving market demands and emerging technologies, ensuring long-term viability.

Schneider Electric offers a wide range of turbomachinery control solutions, including turbine, generator, compressor and drive solutions. This allows customers to choose the best fit for their specific needs- without being locked into a single vendor.

Our Triconex and Modicon platforms are designed to be modular and flexible. This means it can be easily integrated with other systems and technologies, providing customers with more options and reducing dependency on a single vendor.

Schneider Electric provides mechanical retrofit solutions that modernise and upgrade existing turbomachinery controls. This helps customers extend the life of their equipment and avoid the need to switch vendors for new installations.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Control without complexity
Axiom Hydraulics Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In an era where precision, performance and smart control define industrial success, the right driver can make all the difference. At Axiom Hydraulics, we’ve seen firsthand how the Sun Hydraulics XMD series transforms hydraulic systems, from mining and construction to agriculture and automation.

Read more...
Planetary gear units for high torque requirements
SEW-EURODRIVE Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Packing a compact design, along with high torque and low-speed outputs, the new SEW PPK and SEW P2.e planetary gear units from SEW-EURODRIVE offer new capabilities in continuous heavy-duty applications where space is at a premium.

Read more...
Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.

Read more...
Servicing the electric motor sector
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.

Read more...
Powerful high-precision hexapod
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.

Read more...
Industrial gear units for mixing and agitating processes
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Nord Drive Systems encompass modular drive configurations that ensure optimum performance of mechanical speed control for specific applications in almost every industry.

Read more...
PC-based control for a food capsule and pod packaging machine
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For TME, a machine builder specialising in the packaging of powdered foods, Beckhoff’s PC-based control technology offers unlimited opportunities when it comes to performance and innovative capacity in terms of flexibility, scalability and openness.

Read more...
New torque sensors for fastening applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.

Read more...
Miniature position sensor for precision motion control applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The ILPS-13Z Series miniature linear variable inductive transducer position sensor is designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability for a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications, including automotive R&D, motorsports, motion control, medical, military and aerospace.

Read more...
High-performance electric wire rope hoists
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Becker Mining South Africa’s Kito RX electric wire rope hoists, launched in Africa two years ago, play a critical role in many industries.

Read more...