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:

SEW-EURODRIVE drives innovation at automotive plant
SEW-EURODRIVE Motion Control & Drives
[Sponsored] A major automotive manufacturer in Gauteng has boosted its operational efficiency, safety and energy savings with the installation of SEW-EURODRIVE’s advanced MOVIGEAR mechatronic drive system in its newly expanded buffering zone.

Read more...
Energy audits pave the pathway to sustainability and savings
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Energy audits serve as essential tools for businesses looking to reduce costs and meet environmental targets. By analysing energy consumption across systems such as lighting, HVAC, ICT and water infrastructure, audits identify inefficiencies and quantify carbon footprints, enabling data-driven decisions for operational and financial optimisation.

Read more...
Reimagining rotation for a circular and sustainable future
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Through the design and manufacture of components with sustainability at their core, SKF is reimagining the future of rotation, rolling away from traditional, consumable-based thinking toward a smarter, more sustainable circular approach.”

Read more...
Optimising operational efficiencies through advanced filtration systems
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
Filtration is the only effective defense against wear and tear when contaminants are present. It is therefore critical that effective filter components are correctly used to ensure dependable performance, high efficiency and extended service life of machinery and vehicles.

Read more...
Schneider Electric unveils new range of circuit breakers
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new MasterPacT MTZ Active range of circuit breakers in South Africa. This is a revolutionary new circuit breaker designed to set new benchmarks for safety, efficiency and sustainability while ensuring business continuity.

Read more...
South Africa’s journey to smart, greener transport
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
The good news is that there are some truly feasible solutions that can assist in overcoming some of South Africa’s most pertinent transport electrification challenges.

Read more...
Protecting buildings’ embodied carbon with retrofitted systems
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The World Economic Forum has said that around 80% of the buildings in existence will still be around in 2050; it is therefore essential that in order to combat climate change we retrofit them for energy efficiency.

Read more...
Three decarbonisation myths and how organisations can debunk them
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
A UN Climate Change Report revealed that the world is on track to miss its 2050 net zero targets, with temperatures expected to increase by over 2,4°C by 2100. To help shift positive intent to concrete action, Schneider Electric outlined three of the most common myths surrounding decarbonisation and how organisations can get started on their decarbonisation journey.

Read more...
A world first in maintenance
Motion Control & Drives
Lutz Pumpen has therefore developed a filling tool called Lutz Lube Drive, which considerably simplifies the maintenance process. The idea is that a commercial cordless screwdriver becomes the motor of a pump tube.

Read more...
The future of robotics
Motion Control & Drives
Research into robotics and autonomy uncovers some of the up-and-coming industrial uses and applications within the sector, including for automotives and logistics, as well as for personal and commercial use.

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