Key Insights
The Latin American Process Automation market, valued at approximately $X million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by increasing industrial automation across key sectors like oil and gas, chemicals, and power utilities. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.98% from 2025 to 2033 signifies a considerable expansion, fueled by the region's ongoing infrastructure development and the growing adoption of advanced process control (APC) solutions. The demand for improved operational efficiency, enhanced safety standards, and reduced production costs is pushing industries to adopt sophisticated automation technologies, including wired and wireless communication protocols and advanced software solutions. While the prevalence of legacy systems presents a challenge, the market's growth is further propelled by government initiatives promoting industrial modernization and digital transformation in Latin America. The segment encompassing advanced process control (APC), particularly multivariable model and inferential & sequential control systems, is anticipated to witness significant growth due to its ability to optimize processes, enhance product quality, and reduce waste. Within the regional breakdown, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are expected to remain the dominant markets, contributing a significant share to the overall growth, due to their established industrial base and investment in infrastructure projects.
Growth is expected to be uneven across segments. While the wired communication protocol currently dominates, wireless technologies are gaining traction due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, particularly in remote or challenging operational environments. The system hardware segment will maintain a substantial market share due to ongoing investments in new plant constructions and upgrades. However, the software segment, particularly advanced process control solutions, is projected to demonstrate the highest growth rate, reflecting the increasing focus on process optimization and data-driven decision-making. Leading players, including Rockwell Automation, Honeywell, ABB, and Siemens, are actively investing in expanding their presence and product offerings within the Latin American market to cater to the growing demand. The ongoing adoption of Industry 4.0 principles and digital transformation initiatives will further accelerate the growth of the process automation market in Latin America throughout the forecast period. Competition is expected to intensify, with both established international players and regional companies vying for market share.
This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the Latin America process automation industry, offering invaluable insights for stakeholders, investors, and industry professionals. The study period covers 2019-2033, with a base year of 2025 and a forecast period of 2025-2033. The report leverages extensive market research to provide a thorough understanding of market size, growth drivers, challenges, and future opportunities within this dynamic sector. Expect detailed segmentation analysis covering communication protocols, system types, software types, and end-user industries across key Latin American markets.

Latin America Process Automation Industry Market Structure & Competitive Landscape
The Latin American process automation market is characterized by a moderately concentrated landscape, with several multinational players holding significant market share. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) is estimated at xx, indicating a moderately concentrated market. Key players include Rockwell Automation, Honeywell International Inc, ABB Ltd, Yokogawa Electric, Emerson Electric Co, Siemens AG, General Electric Co, Fuji Electric, Schneider Electric, Delta Electronics Limited, Mitsubishi Electric, and Eaton Corporation. These companies compete based on technological innovation, product differentiation, and service capabilities.
Market concentration is influenced by factors including economies of scale, technological advancements, and regulatory frameworks. The market has witnessed several mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in recent years, with an estimated xx Million USD in deal value during the historical period (2019-2024). These M&A activities have primarily aimed at expanding product portfolios, gaining access to new markets, and enhancing technological capabilities. Innovation is a key driver, with continuous advancements in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) impacting the market. Regulatory changes, particularly related to safety and environmental standards, also influence industry practices and investment decisions. Product substitution is not a significant threat, as process automation solutions are often highly specialized. The end-user segmentation is diverse, encompassing various industries such as Oil & Gas, Chemicals, and Power Utilities.
- Market Concentration: Moderately Concentrated (HHI: xx)
- M&A Activity (2019-2024): xx Million USD
- Key Innovation Drivers: AI, ML, IoT
- Regulatory Impacts: Significant influence on safety and environmental standards.
Latin America Process Automation Industry Market Trends & Opportunities
The Latin American process automation market is projected to experience significant growth during the forecast period (2025-2033). The market size is estimated at xx Million USD in 2025 and is projected to reach xx Million USD by 2033, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx%. This growth is fueled by several factors, including increasing industrial automation adoption across various sectors, modernization of existing infrastructure, and growing demand for enhanced operational efficiency and productivity. Technological advancements, such as cloud-based solutions, predictive maintenance, and digital twins, are further driving market expansion.
Consumer preferences are shifting towards integrated and interconnected automation systems that offer enhanced data analytics and remote monitoring capabilities. Competitive dynamics are characterized by intense rivalry among established players and emerging technology providers. Market penetration rates vary across different end-user industries and geographical regions, with higher penetration observed in sectors such as oil and gas and manufacturing.
The increasing focus on Industry 4.0 initiatives is creating significant opportunities for process automation vendors. The demand for advanced process control systems, smart sensors, and predictive maintenance solutions is expected to drive growth. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting industrial development and infrastructure investments are further creating a positive market environment.

Dominant Markets & Segments in Latin America Process Automation Industry
The Brazilian and Mexican markets are currently the dominant players within Latin America, accounting for a significant share of the overall market. However, other countries like Colombia, Chile, and Argentina are exhibiting strong growth potential.
Leading Segments:
- Communication Protocol: Wired communication protocols dominate the market currently, due to established infrastructure and reliability. However, wireless technologies are gaining traction, particularly in remote locations and applications requiring increased flexibility.
- System Type: The system hardware segment is currently the largest, but sensors and transmitters are witnessing significant growth driven by the increasing adoption of IoT.
- Software Type: Advanced Process Control (APC) software solutions are exhibiting faster growth compared to basic process control systems, driven by the need for optimized production and cost reduction.
- APC (Standalone & Customized Solutions): The demand for customized solutions is high, particularly in specialized industries like pharmaceuticals and chemicals requiring tailor-made solutions. Advanced Regulatory Control systems hold a larger market share compared to other APC types due to their established presence and proven reliability.
- End-user Industry: The Oil & Gas, Chemical & Petrochemical, and Power & Utilities sectors currently represent the largest end-user segments, due to their inherent need for sophisticated automation systems and high capital expenditure.
Key Growth Drivers:
- Government Initiatives: Investments in infrastructure development and industrial modernization initiatives are stimulating the adoption of automation technologies.
- Increased Automation Adoption: Companies are increasingly prioritizing efficiency and productivity gains, thus driving the adoption of automation systems.
- Technological Advancements: The introduction of new technologies like AI and IoT is facilitating the adoption of more sophisticated and efficient automation solutions.
Latin America Process Automation Industry Product Analysis
The process automation market features a wide range of products, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, advanced process control software, and various sensors and actuators. Technological advancements are leading to the development of more intelligent, interconnected, and adaptable automation systems. These innovations aim to enhance efficiency, improve safety, and reduce operational costs. The market is witnessing a rise in cloud-based solutions, enabling remote monitoring and data analytics. Competitive advantages are driven by factors such as technological superiority, strong service capabilities, and robust partner ecosystems.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Latin America Process Automation Industry
Key Drivers:
- Rising demand for enhanced operational efficiency and productivity across industries.
- Government initiatives promoting industrialization and infrastructure development.
- Technological advancements in automation technologies such as AI, ML, and IoT.
- Growing adoption of Industry 4.0 principles.
Challenges:
- High initial investment costs can hinder adoption particularly for smaller enterprises.
- Lack of skilled workforce to implement and maintain sophisticated automation systems.
- Cybersecurity concerns are growing with increasing reliance on interconnected systems.
- Supply chain disruptions can lead to project delays and cost overruns. The impact is estimated to be a xx% delay in project completion in some cases.
Growth Drivers in the Latin America Process Automation Industry Market
The Latin American process automation market is propelled by several key factors. Increasing industrialization and infrastructure development initiatives across the region are stimulating demand for automation solutions. Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), are enabling the development of more sophisticated and efficient systems. The growing adoption of Industry 4.0 principles is further accelerating market expansion, as companies seek to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Government regulations and incentives promoting automation adoption also play a vital role in market growth.
Challenges Impacting Latin America Process Automation Industry Growth
Despite the significant growth potential, several challenges impede the Latin American process automation market's progress. High initial investment costs can pose a barrier, especially for smaller enterprises. The availability of skilled professionals to implement and maintain advanced automation systems remains a concern. Cybersecurity risks associated with interconnected systems require constant attention and investment. Moreover, supply chain disruptions and economic volatility can impact project timelines and costs, creating uncertainties in the market.
Key Players Shaping the Latin America Process Automation Industry Market
- Rockwell Automation
- Honeywell International Inc
- ABB Ltd
- Yokogawa Electric
- Emerson Electric Co
- Siemens AG
- General Electric Co
- Fuji Electric
- Schneider Electric
- Delta Electronics Limited
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Eaton Corporation
Significant Latin America Process Automation Industry Industry Milestones
- January 2020: Emerson Electronics Co. launched a new portfolio of RXi industrial display and panel PC products, enhancing production processes in various industries. This improved lifecycle cost and efficiency.
- May 2020: RoviSys collaborated with VANTIQ to develop applications for COVID-19 detection and containment in the food and beverage and life sciences sectors. This highlighted the adaptability of automation to address critical health concerns.
Future Outlook for Latin America Process Automation Industry Market
The Latin American process automation market is poised for sustained growth, driven by ongoing industrialization, technological innovation, and favorable government policies. Strategic opportunities exist for companies focusing on developing cost-effective solutions, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and providing comprehensive service packages. The market's potential is substantial, offering significant opportunities for both established players and new entrants who can capitalize on evolving industry needs and emerging technologies. The expanding adoption of digitalization and smart manufacturing strategies will further fuel market growth, creating a vibrant landscape for process automation solutions in the coming years.
Latin America Process Automation Industry Segmentation
-
1. Communication Protocol
- 1.1. Wired
- 1.2. Wireless
-
2. System Type
-
2.1. By System Hardware
- 2.1.1. Supervis
- 2.1.2. Distributed Control System (DCS)
- 2.1.3. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
- 2.1.4. Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
- 2.1.5. Valves & Actuators
- 2.1.6. Electric Motors
- 2.1.7. Human Machine Interface (HMI)
- 2.1.8. Process Safety Systems
- 2.1.9. Sensors and Transmitters
-
2.2. By Software Type
-
2.2.1. APC (Standalone & Customized Solutions)
- 2.2.1.1. Advanced Regulatory Control
- 2.2.1.2. Multivariable Model
- 2.2.1.3. Inferential & Sequential
- 2.2.2. Data Analytics and Reporting-based Software
- 2.2.3. Other Software and Services
-
2.2.1. APC (Standalone & Customized Solutions)
-
2.1. By System Hardware
-
3. End-user Industry
- 3.1. Oil and Gas
- 3.2. Chemical and Petrochemical
- 3.3. Power and Utilities
- 3.4. Water and Wastewater
- 3.5. Food and Beverage
- 3.6. Paper and Pulp
- 3.7. Pharmaceutical
- 3.8. Other End-user Industries
Latin America Process Automation Industry Segmentation By Geography
-
1. Latin America
- 1.1. Brazil
- 1.2. Argentina
- 1.3. Chile
- 1.4. Colombia
- 1.5. Mexico
- 1.6. Peru
- 1.7. Venezuela
- 1.8. Ecuador
- 1.9. Bolivia
- 1.10. Paraguay

Latin America Process Automation Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 5.98% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Diversification Strategies being Adopted by the Manufacturing Companies; Initiatives Undertaken by the Government to Increase Growth in Manufacturing Sector
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Relatively High Deployment Costs; Complex Design compared to Traditional Sensors
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Pharmaceutical Industry is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Latin America Process Automation Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Communication Protocol
- 5.1.1. Wired
- 5.1.2. Wireless
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by System Type
- 5.2.1. By System Hardware
- 5.2.1.1. Supervis
- 5.2.1.2. Distributed Control System (DCS)
- 5.2.1.3. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
- 5.2.1.4. Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
- 5.2.1.5. Valves & Actuators
- 5.2.1.6. Electric Motors
- 5.2.1.7. Human Machine Interface (HMI)
- 5.2.1.8. Process Safety Systems
- 5.2.1.9. Sensors and Transmitters
- 5.2.2. By Software Type
- 5.2.2.1. APC (Standalone & Customized Solutions)
- 5.2.2.1.1. Advanced Regulatory Control
- 5.2.2.1.2. Multivariable Model
- 5.2.2.1.3. Inferential & Sequential
- 5.2.2.2. Data Analytics and Reporting-based Software
- 5.2.2.3. Other Software and Services
- 5.2.2.1. APC (Standalone & Customized Solutions)
- 5.2.1. By System Hardware
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 5.3.1. Oil and Gas
- 5.3.2. Chemical and Petrochemical
- 5.3.3. Power and Utilities
- 5.3.4. Water and Wastewater
- 5.3.5. Food and Beverage
- 5.3.6. Paper and Pulp
- 5.3.7. Pharmaceutical
- 5.3.8. Other End-user Industries
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. Latin America
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Communication Protocol
- 6. Brazil Latin America Process Automation Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7. Argentina Latin America Process Automation Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8. Mexico Latin America Process Automation Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9. Peru Latin America Process Automation Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. Chile Latin America Process Automation Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Rest of Latin America Latin America Process Automation Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Competitive Analysis
- 12.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 12.2. Company Profiles
- 12.2.1 Rockwell Automation
- 12.2.1.1. Overview
- 12.2.1.2. Products
- 12.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.2 Honeywell International Inc
- 12.2.2.1. Overview
- 12.2.2.2. Products
- 12.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.3 ABB Ltd
- 12.2.3.1. Overview
- 12.2.3.2. Products
- 12.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.4 Yokogawa Electric
- 12.2.4.1. Overview
- 12.2.4.2. Products
- 12.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.5 Emerson Electric Co
- 12.2.5.1. Overview
- 12.2.5.2. Products
- 12.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.6 Siemens AG
- 12.2.6.1. Overview
- 12.2.6.2. Products
- 12.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.7 General Electric Co
- 12.2.7.1. Overview
- 12.2.7.2. Products
- 12.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.8 Fuji Electric
- 12.2.8.1. Overview
- 12.2.8.2. Products
- 12.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.9 Schneider Electric
- 12.2.9.1. Overview
- 12.2.9.2. Products
- 12.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.10 Delta Electronics Limited
- 12.2.10.1. Overview
- 12.2.10.2. Products
- 12.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.11 Mitsubishi Electric
- 12.2.11.1. Overview
- 12.2.11.2. Products
- 12.2.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.11.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.11.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.12 Eaton Corporation
- 12.2.12.1. Overview
- 12.2.12.2. Products
- 12.2.12.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.12.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.12.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.1 Rockwell Automation
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Latin America Process Automation Industry Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Communication Protocol 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by System Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Brazil Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Argentina Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Mexico Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Peru Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Chile Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Rest of Latin America Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Communication Protocol 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by System Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Brazil Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Argentina Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Chile Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Colombia Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Mexico Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Peru Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Venezuela Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Ecuador Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Bolivia Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Paraguay Latin America Process Automation Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Latin America Process Automation Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately 5.98%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Latin America Process Automation Industry?
Key companies in the market include Rockwell Automation, Honeywell International Inc, ABB Ltd, Yokogawa Electric, Emerson Electric Co, Siemens AG, General Electric Co, Fuji Electric, Schneider Electric, Delta Electronics Limited, Mitsubishi Electric, Eaton Corporation.
3. What are the main segments of the Latin America Process Automation Industry?
The market segments include Communication Protocol, System Type, End-user Industry.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Diversification Strategies being Adopted by the Manufacturing Companies; Initiatives Undertaken by the Government to Increase Growth in Manufacturing Sector.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Pharmaceutical Industry is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Relatively High Deployment Costs; Complex Design compared to Traditional Sensors.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
May 2020 - RoviSys announced its collaboration with VANTIQ, a developer of next-generation applications, to develop applications that can detect and contain COVID-19 in the food and beverage industry, apart from the critical life science sector.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 4950, and USD 6800 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Latin America Process Automation Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Latin America Process Automation Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Latin America Process Automation Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Latin America Process Automation Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence