What's the value of open architecture?

I recently posed the following question to the LinkedIn group known as Packaging Machinery: Considering how often we hear that an open-architecture approach in controls platforms is a desirable thing when it comes to building packaging machines, do you agree or disagree; and if open architecture is such a good idea, who benefits from it-- machine builder or machine buyer?

Among the thoughtful responses were these:

• From Jens Agerskov, CEO at Dencore Packaging Systems APS in the Copenhagen, Denmark, area: "Machine buyer—they are not held hostage to the mfg."

• Replying to Agerskov was John Kowal, market development manager in the greater Chicago area for B&R Industrial Automation: "Machine builders and buyers both are not held hostage by us controls suppliers! If you are interested in open architecture and how it benefits you, come to Pack Expo Las Vegas and attend the OMAC (Organization for Machine Automation and Control) meetings on September 27."

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