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The Future of Process Automation, 2025

Publisher Frost & Sullivan
Published Oct 17, 2025
Length 36 Pages
SKU # MC20492592

Description

This study examines the future of the process automation market, analyzing the shift from traditional hardware-centric systems to software-defined, AI-driven autonomous operations within process and hybrid industries. The research employs ISA-95 technology layer segmentation to assess market evolution and competitive dynamics across oil & gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and continuous process sectors.

Through comprehensive vendor analysis, the study identifies competing strategic visions for next-generation automation architectures, revealing three critical growth opportunities: AI-driven autonomous optimization platforms, edge AI predictive maintenance ecosystems, and open automation integration platforms. Strategic imperatives, including disruptive technologies, innovative business models, and competitive intensity, fundamentally reshape traditional automation paradigms.

The analysis demonstrates process industries' architectural evolution toward symbiotic intelligence and autonomous operations, driven by workforce challenges, operational complexity, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory compliance demands. Key findings indicate that field-level enhanced control systems and cross-layer platform technologies represent the highest growth potential, while intelligent operations management faces significant implementation barriers.

This research provides insights into the technological and market forces transforming process automation toward software-defined, autonomous operational frameworks.

Table of Contents

36 Pages
Strategic Imperatives
Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow?
The Strategic Imperative 8™
The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Future of Process Automation Market
Growth Opportunity Analysis
The Need for Change in Process Automation
A Vision for Symbiotic Intelligence in Process Automation
Building Blocks of Process Automation
5 Levels of Process Plant Autonomy
Growth Drivers
Growth Restraints
Market Definition
Market Sizing and Forecast
The Pulse of the Market
Growth Opportunity Universe
Growth Opportunity 1: AI-Driven Autonomous Process Optimization Platforms
Growth Opportunity 2: Edge AI Predictive Maintenance Applications
Growth Opportunity 3: Process Industry Digital Twin Marketplaces
Appendix & Next Steps
Benefits and Impacts of Growth Opportunities
Next Steps
Legal Disclaimer

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