Based on soon to be published research VDC determined that the market for data acquisition products has not only grown faster than previous expectations, thanks in large part due to strong demand for modular data acquisition systems, but it continues to experience consolidation.
In 2008, back when the market was just over $920 million, VDC determined that the top 10 suppliers controlled just over 52% of the market for data acquisition solutions (external chassis and boards). New research indicates that the top 10 suppliers now control almost 55% of the $1.4 billion market in 2010.
The composition of the top 10 data accquisition solution (chassis, boards and software) suppliers themselves has also changed dramatically since 2008.
| 2010 Shipments | |
| 1 | National Instruments |
| 2 | HBM |
| 3 | Yokogawa |
| 4 | Agilent Technologies |
| 5 | Bruel & Kjaer |
| 6 | Campbell Scientific |
| 7 | Dewetron |
| 8 | Advantech |
| 9 | GE |
| 10 | VTI Instruments |
In 2008 National Instruments was still #1 but most of the other suppliers have either changed position (only Agilent remained at #4), dropped out of the top 10 (Dranetz-BMI and Fluke) or completely exited the market as Sony did over a year ago.
Companies such as VTI Instruments and Dewetron have made material gains in market share due to strong product offerings, strong technical support and savvier marketing. B & K was not covered in the 2008 research.
The size of the data acquisition market is materially larger than our 2008 research forecast due to expanded coverage which included modular data acquisition systems and standalone (non-bundled) data acquisition software as well as new coverage of VPX and XMC plug-in data acquisition analog I/O boards. Despite the expanded coverage the research indicates the core product markets have rebounded nicely since the global recession of 2009.
The modular systems category comprises the largest share among the external chassis & modules segment and is forecast to experience the strongest growth in demand through 2015. Clearly customers are demanding solutions which offer flexibility and agility in the ability to mix and match sensor inputs while also delivering required performance. Growth rates among VPX and XMC boards are also at well above average board market growth rates due to their enhanced performance, rugged design and growing popularity among military and aerospace applications.
Comments