Market leadership strengthened through a consistent innovation strategy.
A recent market analysis by the renowned market research firm Omdia once again confirms PROFINET’s leading position in the field of industrial Ethernet protocols. PROFINET thus impressively maintains its top position in a dynamic market environment. This continued market leadership is the result of consistent technological advancement and a high pace of innovation within the PI Community (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International). The latest PROFINET V2.5 specification specifically integrates key future technologies—security, Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), and extensions for Ethernet-APL and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). These developments strengthen PROFINET as a seamless communication foundation from the field to the cloud.
Another key success factor is the close integration with complementary technologies. Particularly noteworthy is the leading integration of IO-Link, which enables efficient and end-to-end sensor-actuator communication and contributes significantly to joint market success. PROFINET also plays a central role in the implementation of Ethernet-APL: the first real-world process plants are already successfully in operation with PROFINET over APL. In parallel, PI is actively driving the use of SPE and is also playing a key role in shaping technological development in this area.
PROFINET also sets standards in the field of vertical integration. Extensive mappings to OPC UA enable standardized and semantically enriched data provision across the entire automation pyramid. In addition, the integration of robot interfaces via SRCI (Standard Robot Command Interface) opens up new possibilities in a rapidly growing market segment.
PROFINET already supports specific use cases along the entire data value chain—from simple data acquisition to use in AI-based analyses. The ability to provide real-time communication in parallel with standard Ethernet (TCP/IP) is becoming increasingly important. It allows direct and straightforward access to plant data without placing additional strain on controllers or having to intervene during operation. Typical use cases range from asset tracking and condition monitoring to the secure and structured provision of data for reporting, optimization, and future AI applications.
This openness and flexibility are further supported by scalable network structures, such as the targeted use of Gigabit communication at particularly data-intensive points. At the same time, PROFINET remains true to its core strength: consistent compatibility across generations.
“Omdia’s reaffirmation of our market leadership is clear evidence of PROFINET’s sustainable innovative strength and future viability,” says Xaver Schmidt. “It is precisely the combination of openness, integration, and technological depth that makes PROFINET the ideal platform for the automation of today and tomorrow.”
Looking to the future, the demands on industrial communication - especially in the context of digitization, security, and artificial intelligence - will continue to rise. PROFINET is excellently positioned to actively shape these developments and further expand its leading role.