As I get ready to travel to Vegas for one of my favorite shows,POWER-GEN International, I am excited about the opportunities to learn more about how we can address the growing concern around Power Consumption as it relates to pumping system.

There are many ways we can control this, but we must first understand the products available and how they can affect the total cost of ownership.

Last month at Schneider Electric’s Machines NOW conference, I learned that Intelligent Systems can help reduce the overall Energy Consumption of the Pumping System.  Mainly, this is done by controlling the motor with flow and pressure products.

It is clear the OEM marketplace is working together to become solutions providers for their customers.  There will be a continued need for OEMs to partner with service companies and/or providing in-house or onsite maintenance services.

One challenge our industry is facing is the limited about of trained professionals to run these types of control systems.

As I read through our LinkedIn discussion about “What is a “Smart” Pump?”  I can see two sides: the pump guy and the controls guy.  Both have many years experience and knowledge in their fields, but I wonder… How will these fields continue to change? What’s next for our industry?

New facilities are implementing these Intelligent Systems because it is easy to prove how it will reduce their total life cycle costs… BUT… who will run the system?  And what happens if that skilled employee leaves?  This is the challenge…

So… I ask you, what are you doing to help your customers and employees get “Smart”?