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:

ABB supplies electromagnetic stirrer to world’s largest electric arc furnace
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has secured an order from Çolakoglu Metalurji. for an ArcSave electromagnetic stirrer to be installed on one of the world’s largest electric arc furnaces (EAF)

Read more...
Addressing the cooling needs of the modern data centre
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The rise in hardware density in data centres is gaining speed and is largely driven by the demands of artificial intelligence and machine learning, requiring more powerful servers and specialised hardware.

Read more...
Automation, is it 2049 already?
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
It would come as no surprise that AI and ML are at the forefront of the increased efficiency movement, and are vital cogs in this sophisticated automated machine. A development that is extremely exciting, is autonomous systems.

Read more...
Compact, powerful and green mini-picker
Motion Control & Drives
SkyJacks has introduced Jekko’s Mini Picker to the southern African market. This is a compact, highly versatile and environmentally friendly electric mini-picker that is set to redefine lifting capabilities across multiple industries.

Read more...
Doubling down on sustainability commitments: six practical solutions to meet the AI challenge
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
The best time to plant a tree, the old saying goes, was 20 years ago, and the second-best time is today. The same concept holds true to sustainability in the data centre industry.

Read more...
Redefining industrial lifting
Motion Control & Drives
The Konecranes S-series hoist redefines industrial lifting through its integration of a ground-breaking synthetic rope with smart features, a lifting capacity of 20 tons, and the ability to adapt to diverse girder configurations.

Read more...
Bühler drives innovation in agriculture and food processing
Motion Control & Drives
NAMPO 2025 is set to be one of the most significant agricultural events in southern Africa. It provides a unique platform for Bühler to showcase its advanced solutions that are designed to improve efficiency, sustainability and profitability in the agricultural sector.

Read more...
Condition-based maintenance can revolutionise business continuity
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
As businesses experience growing pressure to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime due to electrical failure, condition-based maintenance becomes essential for preventing unforeseen equipment breakdowns by assessing the real-time health of electrical systems.

Read more...
The lube kitchen part 1: Classification of lubricants
Wearcheck Motion Control & Drives
Condition monitoring specialist company, WearCheck has launched a lube kitchen series, created by Steven Lumley, technical manager at the company. In it, she explores the world of lubricant additives, detailing their function, how they work and their application.

Read more...
A space programme that never leaves Earth
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
While others race to the moon and back, the Faroe Islands space programme takes a bold new step in space exploration, without ever leaving Earth. SKF and ocean energy developer, Minesto are launching a space programme to harness the moon’s energy by leveraging the power of the tides.

Read more...