Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Component (Hardware, Software), By Product Type (Integrated Type, Distributed Type, Input/Output (I/O) Type), By Industry (Oil & Gas, Machine Manufacturing, Electrical & Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Chemical, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive & Transportation, Others) And Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

A programmable automation controller (PAC) is a PC combined with a programmable logic controller (PLC) with multitasking capabilities for automating the control of more than one piece of equipment. PACs provide combined features of traditional automation technologies such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), personal computers (PCs), distributed control systems (DCSs), and remote terminal units (RTUs). This unique multi-discipline development platform handles numerous functions across multiple domains and delivers accurate and well-timed data. PACs are highly demandable in industrial applications as they provide multifunction, modular, multi-domain, standards-based, multitasking, and effective control, networking, and communication. PAC software provides a comprehensive range of data of entire manufacturing assets. Also, data accessibility of all connected devices and automated machines help to control assets. Thus, numerous industries have started implementing PAC software to achieve efficient process control. PAC solutions increase productivity and operational efficiency and so gaining much traction across the industry.

The increasing need for automation has coupled with the technology advancements to drive the adoption of PAC portfolio. Higher industrial competition leads to a growing demand for increased productivity and quality, further enhancing the demand for PACs. The growing demand for the automated manufacturing process is another key factor in driving the significant market growth. Programmable automation controllers also offer users more control over the control systems, which is further supportive of the adoption. The increasing need for system performance, demands for greater machine agility, energy savings, and efficient process control are further escalating the demand for programmable automation controller system. PAC software's capability to connect with any business systems or any device has made it favorable across the industry. The ongoing technological advancements and smart sensor developments are likely to boost the market growth in the coming years.

PAC software provides efficient processing and I/O scanning. They can connect to almost any device or business system present today.  

With the rapidly rising need for automation and the increasing technological advancements in sensors, machine size (emergence of smaller automated machines), software, the market is witnessing high growth. PAC usage will shift firms’ focus on open communication standards and software integration with less focus on the hardware. As users focus more on the total system performance rather than just the hardware selection, PAC’s will become more demanding by customers who are not satisfied by traditional PLC’s. Rise in industrialization and increase in the number of manufacturing units across several developed and developing regions

Key Players Covered:

The competition in the global programmable automation controller (PAC) market is intense. Prominent players are taking active measures to provide a diversified product portfolio that can meet the best of industry-specific needs. Most vendors invest their efforts into the research and development activities to introduce innovations in programmable automation controllers. New product launches and enhancements in the existing product portfolio help vendors to uplift their market position. Apart from this, strategic partnerships and collaborations are ultimate strategies key players adopt to develop their existing products or business. Vendors are also adopting ultimate business strategies such as mergers and acquisitions to expand their product portfolio and business portfolio.

Prominent companies in the global market include ARC Advisory Group, National Instruments, ASCON Corporation, Rockwell Automation, Honeywell International Inc, Schneider Electric, Siemens AG, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Opto 22, Eaton Corporation, ABB Ltd, Omron Corporation, Emerson, GE, Yokogawa Electric, Mitsubishi Electric,  Johnson Controls, FANUC Corporation, and among others.

Regional Analysis:

North America is likely to showcase significant demand for PAC systems owing to rapid technological and sensor developments. The developed industrial and manufacturing sector already drives automation across North America and Europe. Thus, ongoing rapid industrialization is responsible for the significant adoption of PACs across the region.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to exhibit high growth, benefiting from significant investments in automation, policy changes,  and merchandise availability at lower prices. The initiation of numerous power generation and Greenfield projects in the Asia-Pacific have driven the demand for PACs. The global manufacturing hub, China, is showcasing significant adoption of the PAC. With the growing labor cost, China is rapidly transforming its manufacturing hub from a medium to a high-tech, which is further likely to propel the PAC market growth. Other developing countries like India, South Korea, and Japan are also looking to renovate their manufacturing industries, which would escalate the PAC market growth across the Asia-Pacific.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• September 2020: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. announced the launch of an advanced Input/Output controller that allows users to expand access control system functionality. The advanced controller aimed to make security and building management functions easy and cost-effective.