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Mobile and wireless technology is rapidly reshaping the industrial world. Within the next ten years, almost every employee will have a mobile device which will be their all-in-one communication tool. It will provide voice communications, messaging, and access to corporate data anytime, anywhere. The handheld device will be able to "talk" directly to equipment and assets in the field. In effect, everything will have a wireless computer attached to it – either something as simple as an RFID tag or as complex as a wireless sensor. And many of these wireless sensors will relay information directly into your back-end systems. Last, but not least, employees will also have smart badges alerting them to hazardous environments and notifying emergency personnel when the employee is in danger. All of the technologies, and the infrastructure to support them, are available today.

But why make the investment? For the same reasons you replaced your analog control system with a Distributed Control System (DCS). Or the same reasons you replaced your paper maintenance work order system with a computer-based one. It's about better control, better decisions, improved safety and performance, and increased productivity. More accurate and timely information about your assets will increase the return you get from them as well as reduce the risks associated with unplanned failures. Improved visibility of your facility and the personnel working in it will improve safety. Better tracking of contract personnel and equipment will reduce your costs. And a multi-faceted communication system will provide access to information and the connectivity needed to reach anyone, anywhere for more timely decision making.