Open Source in Industrial Control Systems: A Cultural Challenge

Hello, my name is David Berman. I am an electrician by trade, not a programmer by profession, but I have ventured into the world of programming out of necessity and conviction. My journey into this realm has been fueled by a desire to challenge the prevailing norms of an industry heavily skewed toward proprietary, enterprise-oriented solutions. Specifically, I have worked to advocate for open-source, cost-effective methods to control city streetlights and other industrial control systems traditionally dominated by expensive and exclusive technologies.

During my talk I would like to share my newest project, Gungnir: https://github.com/davidjrb/gungnir

This journey has been far from easy. The resistance to change in this space is significant, and the challenges are both technical and cultural. One of the key barriers is the entrenched power of profit-driven opponents, including corporate lobbyists and those with vested interests in maintaining the status quo. These forces often stifle innovation and prevent the adoption of solutions that could benefit society as a whole by reducing costs and fostering collaboration.

Another challenge comes from within the very community I advocate for. Despite the immense potential of open-source solutions, there is a tendency among many non-programmers—particularly those in traditional trades or management roles—to dismiss these solutions out of hand. This is often due to a lack of familiarity with the technology or misconceptions about its reliability and scalability. Bridging this gap requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to communicate the value and viability of open-source approaches in terms that resonate with a broader audience.

In my talk, I aim to explore these challenges in depth, sharing insights from my own experience as a non-programmer navigating a highly technical field. I will discuss the hurdles faced by the open-source community when advocating for transparency, collaboration, and cost-efficiency in an industry often resistant to such ideals. I will also highlight strategies to foster greater acceptance and collaboration between open-source advocates and those unfamiliar with or skeptical of these technologies.

Ultimately, my goal is to spark a dialogue about how we, as a community, can better advocate for open-source solutions in industrial and civic systems, ensuring that they are not only adopted but also embraced as a viable and beneficial alternative to proprietary models. By sharing stories, challenges, and strategies, I hope to inspire others—whether programmers, non-programmers, or industry professionals—to join this important movement.

Thank you for considering my submission, and I look forward to contributing to this vital conversation.