E06: What is OPA? Part 5

Open architecture process automation is no longer a theory - it's already running in real plants, real projects, and real product ecosystems. If you're wondering whether OPA is vaporware or a practical path forward for automation, cybersecurity, and future-ready control systems, this episode gives you the clearest answer yet.Jarie Bolander and David DeBari close out their five-part OPA series by showing what has actually been proven in the field and what comes next. They break down why OPA is moving from concept to commercial reality, how it has been deployed at scale, and why standards-based systems are changing the way teams think about control, interoperability, and technology insertion.You'll discover: How OPA moved from R&D into commercial reality through a lighthouse project Why ExxonMobil's conversion of a DCS system proved OPA can work at both large and small scales What the ACT project in Baton Rouge demonstrates about competitive bidding and standards-based procurement How Texas A&M is using COPA systems in small modular reactor research with AI-assisted operator support Why interoperability, cybersecurity, and component choice matter more than ever The three key questions to ask before adopting OPA: can you choose components, do you own the system, and can you grow it without ripping and replacing it? David shares firsthand experience from years of OPA R&D and explains why this is not slideware or a future promise - it's production technology that can replace PLC and DCS systems, support HMI, historian, alarming, and SCADA functions, and create a foundation for bringing advanced control and data analysis inside the system instead of bolting them on later.Jarie and David also tackle the practical realities of adoption: what it means to build a business case, why teams need systems that can evolve without waiting years for vendor roadmaps, and how open standards can finally make "the answer is always yes" possible when business needs change.If you want a real-world, no-hype look at where OPA stands today and how to evaluate it for your own operation, this is essential listening. Perfect for automation leaders, control engineers, integrators, and anyone trying to decide whether open process automation belongs in their future.