Businessweek

Rockwell Automation, Inc. provides industrial automation power, control, and information solutions. Segments The company operates in two segments, Architecture & Software and Control Products & Solutions. Architecture & Software The Architecture & Software segment contains all of the hardware, software, and communication components of its integrated control and information architecture capable of controlling the customer’s industrial processes and connecting with their manufacturing enterprise. This segment has a portfolio of products, such as: Control platforms that perform multiple control disciplines and monitoring of applications, including discrete, batch and continuous process, drives control, motion control, and machine safety control. Products include controllers, electronic operator interface devices, electronic input/output devices, communication and networking products, and industrial computers. The information-enabled Logix controllers provide integrated multi-discipline control that is modular and scalable. Software products that include configuration and visualization software used to operate and supervise control platforms, advanced process control software and manufacturing execution software (MES) that enables customers to improve manufacturing productivity and meet regulatory requirements. Other products, including rotary and linear motion control products, sensors and machine safety components. Control Products & Solutions The Control Products & Solutions segment combines a portfolio of intelligent motor control and industrial control products, application expertise and project management capabilities. This portfolio consists of: Low and medium voltage electro-mechanical and electronic motor starters, motor and circuit protection devices, AC/DC variable frequency drives, push buttons, signaling devices, termination and protection devices, relays, timers, and condition sensors. Value-added solutions ranging from packaged solutions, such as configured drives and motor control centers to automation and information solutions where the company provides design, integration, and start-up services for custom-engineered hardware and software systems primarily for manufacturing applications. Services designed to help improve a customer’s automation investment and provide total life-cycle support, including technical support and repair, asset management, training and predictive and preventative maintenance. Geographic Information The company operates in the United States, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and Brazil. Distribution In the United States, Canada, and certain other countries, the company sells primarily through the independent distributors in conjunction with its direct sales force. In the remaining countries, the company sells through a combination of its direct sales force and through independent distributors. Research and Development The company’s research and development spending for the year ended September 30, 2012, was $259.1 million. Patents, Licenses, and Trademarks The company’s name and its registered trademark ‘Rockwell Automation’ and other trademarks, such as Allen-Bradley, A-B, and PlantPAx Process Automation System are important to both of its business segments. In addition, the company owns other important trademarks that the company uses, such as ICS Triplex for its control products and systems for industrial automation, and Rockwell Software and FactoryTalk for its software offerings. Competition The company’s major competitors of both segments include Siemens AG, ABB Ltd; Honeywell International Inc.; Schneider Electric SA; and Emerson Electric Co. Significant Events In October 2012, the company and Panduit Corp. expanded encompass product-referencing relationship and have formed a strategic alliance. Together, they are driving integrated solutions that help companies reduce risk, improve reliability, and successfully implement EtherNet/IP solutions and architectures. The two companies are focused on providing optimized physical network infrastructure solutions, effective collaboration between automation and IT, and integrated solutions and services for customers globally. In January 2013, Wood Group GTS and Rockwell Automation have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate the joint development of a fully integrated, open architecture controls platform for power generation applications. History Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1928.