HARTING Industrial Ethernet Week 2025

Casey Spitz, VP Development & Innovation, HARTING Americas
McKenzie Reed, President, CLN of South Florida

In this Q&A, Casey and McKenzie discuss the factory of the future, emphasizing the evolution from operator-led to lights-out manufacturing using Ethernet.

KEY TOPICS

• Product Vision: Discussion on the need for continuous improvement and differentiation in CLN's product lines, particularly in the sign-making and CNC router table markets.

• Supply Chain Challenges: Disruptions in the supply chain and the importance of reshoring components to mitigate increased lead times.

• Diversified Sourcing: Emphasis on creating a diversified supply chain with second and third suppliers for critical components, enhancing reliability and partnership.

• Engineering Innovations: Transition to using high-quality, locally sourced products and incorporating advanced technologies like aerospace-grade 3D printing to improve manufacturing efficiency.

• Total Cost of Ownership: Discussion on the importance of modular and flexible designs that allow for easier updates and adaptations to new suppliers, balancing upfront costs with long-term savings.

• Modular Design Benefits: Introduction of the Han® Modular Flexbox to streamline wiring in new CNC router tables, saving significant installation time and reducing complexity.

• Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE): The integration of SPE in machines to facilitate more analytics and connectivity without requiring customers to adapt their existing Ethernet infrastructure.

• Customer-Driven Design: Focus on incorporating customer feedback to enhance the user interface and ensure machines are intuitive for new technicians.

• Workforce Dynamics: Awareness of shifts in the workforce necessitating more user-friendly machines and streamlined training processes.

• Adaptation to Market Changes: Acknowledgment of the impact of external factors (tariffs, supply chain disruptions) on design and manufacturing strategies, with a commitment to respond proactively to market conditions.

Al Beydoun, President, ODVA
McKenzie Reed, President, CLN of South Florida

KEY TOPICS

• Single-Pair Ethernet Development: Discussion on ongoing developments in single-pair Ethernet (SPE) by ODVA, including general-purpose SPE and its applications.

• Wireless Technology Discussion: The role of wireless technology in enhancing industrial automation, including applications for remote maintenance and logistics robotics.

• Importance of 5G: 5G is noted for its low latency, suitable for time-critical applications and its potential to connect machinery and devices in hard-to-reach locations.

• Market Share Insights: The growth of Ethernet connectivity in the industrial sector, noting that Ethernet's share is increasing while other field bus technologies are decreasing.

• Applications of Ethernet: Examples of applications utilizing Ethernet, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs), collaborative robots, and predictive maintenance.

• IPv6 Transition: Discussion on the necessity of transitioning to IPv6 due to the limitations of IPv4 in addressing capabilities, emphasizing the importance of supporting more devices.

• AI Integration Challenges: The need for security alongside the integration of AI technologies in industrial applications and the potential challenges this brings.

• Cyber Resilience Act: Overview of the upcoming European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) mandating security requirements for products with digital elements, impacting vendors globally.

• Standardization Efforts: Ongoing harmonization efforts between standard development organizations (SDOs) to address security challenges and ensure compliance with the CRA.

• In-Cabinet Ethernet Solutions: Introduction of in-cabinet solutions to connect up to 40 devices using flat cables with single-pair Ethernet, improving installation and troubleshooting efficiency.

• Call to Action: Encouragement for ODBA members to actively participate in standard development and contribute to educating the industry on new technologies and standards.

R.C. Crosby, Automation Solutions Provider, Pepperl+Fuchs
Kelly Passineau, Product Manager Single-Pair Ethernet, Rockwell Automation
Denise Rice Hall, CEO, Peak Performance, Inc.
Mark Arisman, Business Development, NORD

Hosted by: Amanda Marx, Sr. VP Marketing, Digital Strategy & IT, HARTING Americas

KEY TOPICS

• Adoption of Smart Manufacturing: The increasing use of IoT devices and data analytics to enhance operational efficiencies while addressing challenges such as cybersecurity, scalability, and interoperability with legacy systems.

• Transition from Hardwired to Connected Solutions: The importance of moving away from traditional hardwired components towards more adaptable, connected technologies was discussed.

• Focus Areas for Improvement:

  • Predictive maintenance

  • Energy management

  • Quality control

• Strategic Approaches: Starting with smaller-scale implementations and leveraging existing equipment to build towards a comprehensive smart factory environment.

• Automation Innovations: Initiatives to provide low-cost Ethernet connectivity to traditionally hardwired devices, enhancing data visibility and operational efficiency.

• Collaborative Approach: Emphasis on the need for collaboration to successfully transition manufacturing environments into smart, interconnected systems.

David Brandt, Engineering Fellow, Rockwell Automation

• Specific challenges of Ethernet within harsh industrial environments

• Solutions, products, and techniques to address these concerns

• How AI is accelerating engineering design

Raul Huerta, Industry Segment Manager - Railway, HARTING Americas
Internet connectivity in rolling stock applications

Emily Roth Kenny, Industry Segment Manager - Energy, HARTING Americas
Bringing reliable Ethernet to the wind energy industry and smart grids.

Brandon Ceaser, Product Manager, HARTING Americas
Rugged data connectivity solutions for above ground and underground mining applications.