INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SOLUTIONS
IN RESEARCH LABORATORIES

Michel Rabany, CERN / AT Division, Geneva



During the 1970's,. whilst computer technology was developing under the thrust of the ever increasing need for data processing, large projects in astronomy and physics were launched. They provided an incentive to the development of advanced architecture in control engineering. More than twenty years later, industry is producing very efficient generic control solutions, in response to the present competitive productivity. Our machines are supplied with electricity, water, air, helium, vacuum,... of which the production and/or distribution are industrial processes. Let us use industrial solutions to bring savings in terms of both money and human resources.

There is a natural tendency to be conservative and the progress towards the "don't make but buy" approach is slowed down by arguments ranging from misunderstanding in the best of cases, to unwillingness in the worst. Let us explain to those who are confused.

Today's economical situation forces those who work in fundamental research laboratories to concentrate on their own specific activity. This restricts their possible leading role to the development of necessary new technologies, whereas they should adjust their needs to existing industrial products for more general equipment. Let us face the new situation.