I often follow the forums on Globalspec.com, and this latest thread that asks the question “Where is the Critical Thinking in Engineering” caught my eye.  One of the posters follows up with several good questions to ponder…

·         Where is the critical thinking?

·         What is the role of critical thinking in Engineering as a profession?

·         Where does it come from in the development of a competent engineer or technical specialist? Is it taught? Demonstrated, or merely stumbled upon?

This particular topic is referring to Engineering as a whole, and sprouted from the originating topic of a dubious perpetual motion machine patent.  (Let’s not talk patents, shall we).  The subject matter got me thinking about the role of ‘critical thinking’ in OPC architectures.  There has been a lot of news lately focusing on OPC certification, the independent test labs and interoperability testing.  That’s all great stuff, since you can’t build a good OPC network without robust building blocks, but a good network also demands good thinking.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; a solid, interoperable OPC network requires informed input from those that know and work with OPC.  With more OPC UA products hitting the market everyday, this is becoming even more important.    Regardless of what OPC flavor you are using, you need to be working with a trusted vendor who understands your requirements and has the products and services to meet your needs.   OPC has done amazing things with leveling the playing field for system interoperability.  However, no protocol, technology or product can remove the planning and understanding needed in creating industrial strength connections between different systems. 

The OPC Foundation and its members know this to be true, and are working on things to make it easier for end users find these knowledgeable vendors.  On the OPC Foundation front, the creation of the ‘SI&D (System Integrators and Distributors) category is a first step.   On the vendor, initiatives like the MatrikonOPC Integrator Program are designed to ensure system integrators have access to the necessary OPC architecture and design experts, products, training and supported for successful project implementation.  It’s all about education and communication on what works and how OPC fits best in your system.  (Without this, you have people getting the wrong impression like those Carl recently posted on.)

Where is the critical thinking in terms of OPC?  It’s with those that know and work with OPC every day.  Where does it come from?  Is it taught?  Demonstrated or stumbled upon?  In a word…  Yes.