Our experience tells us there is a trend toward the commoditization of automation components and solutions due to downward price pressures brought on by increased competition and reduced product and technology life cycles as domestic and international companies navigate the uncertainties of the evolving global economy.

As a result, many small and mid-sized automation companies find themselves in a difficult situation. On one hand, there is increased competition in the market they have been working in, and because of technology advances, the life cycle of the products they market is decreasing. On the other, unlike larger companies, these small to mid-sized companies do not have extensive R&D / product development resources to keep ahead of technological advances, and they do not have the experience or resources to expand efficiently and effectively into new markets, especially in other parts of the world.