It is a trend to make switchgear and motor control "smart" and why not? They are the pieces of equipment that make everything in your facility run. It is important to be aware of the condition and state of this vital equipment. In the past, the switchgear, just sat there. It was largely prehistoric and generally limited in its application. This "simplicity" in itself was reassuring but, in the drive to differentiate and maximize efficency, we want to make sure we stay out of the confusion of proprietary software designs. The solution is a Universal field bus that allows interconnectivity between breakers and other system bus protocols. Modular Power Systems is a leader in these systems.