Motion Control & Drives


Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in

April 2025 Motion Control & Drives

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.


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

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:

New precision planetary gearboxes
Motion Control & Drives
Teknic offers precision planetary gearboxes with a wide selection of frame sizes, gear ratios, output flanges and body configurations to accommodate a range of motion control requirements.

Read more...
Septentrio starts mass production of mosaic-G5 positioning modules
Motion Control & Drives
Septentrio has started volume shipments of mosaic-G5 modules that enable reliable positioning without performance compromise for size and power-constrained industrial applications.

Read more...
Advanced process control for the IRP
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
One of the main challenges in implementing South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan is ensuring grid stability while integrating renewable energy sources and balancing fluctuating energy demands. Advanced process control can play an important role.

Read more...
The reimagined building of today and tomorrow
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Retrofitting a building is a truly practical way of achieving energy efficiency, compliance and long-term competitiveness.

Read more...
SKF and Sieb & Meyer announce strategic partnership for magnetic bearings
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF has announced a strategic partnership with Sieb & Meyer, a renowned expert in variable frequency drives and control electronics.

Read more...
Advanced tensioning solutions for industrial applications
Motion Control & Drives
OST-Africa has developed an advanced range of tensioning elements, designed to meet the demands of mechanical power transmission

Read more...
Siemens sets new standards in drive technology
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens is setting new standards in industrial drive technology with the launch of its new high-performance drive system, Sinamics S220.

Read more...
Bearings International enters South Africa’s pump market
Bearings International Motion Control & Drives
Bearings International has entered into the local pumps market through an exclusive distribution agreement with leading Italian pump manufacturer, SAER.

Read more...
Liquid cooling solutions for hyperscale data centre environments
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric has unveiled its world-leading portfolio of end-to-end liquid cooling solutions for hyperscale, colocation and high-density data centre environments, engineered to enable the AI factories of the future.

Read more...
Next-generation multisensor sets new standards in condition monitoring
Motion Control & Drives
The next-generation Sitrans MS200 multisensor from Siemens enables improved predictive maintenance that makes industrial operations smarter, safer and more efficient.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved