Industrial Operations Facing Multiple Challenges

In the current industrial landscape, operations are confronted with a host of challenges. Market volatility has intensified, making it difficult for businesses to predict and adapt to changing demands. Cybersecurity risks are on the rise, posing a significant threat to the integrity and safety of industrial systems. Regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, demanding higher levels of compliance and transparency. Additionally, the labor structure is undergoing rapid changes, with a growing need for a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

Against this backdrop, the demand for modernizing industrial systems without disrupting ongoing production has become more urgent than ever. Industries operating large and complex infrastructure, which play a crucial role in supplying key resources, are particularly in need of solutions that can enable seamless upgrades while maintaining existing operations.

ABB Officially Rolls Out Automation Extended Plan

In response to these pressing needs, ABB has officially launched its Automation Extended plan. This strategic upgrade of its Distributed Control Systems (DCS) is designed to assist industries across various sectors in achieving uninterrupted system modernization.

Leveraging ABB's long - standing expertise and in - depth experience in the field of process automation, as well as its forward - looking vision for the industry's future, Automation Extended clearly outlines a step - by - step path for the gradual implementation of future automation capabilities. It provides strong support for the flexibility, scalability, and efficiency improvements required in the new era of industrial operations, all while ensuring the integrity of the system.

Key Features and Benefits of Automation Extended

1. Seamless Modernization with Existing Investments

Automation Extended is built on ABB's proven and reliable platforms. It safeguards the value of existing investments while facilitating the uninterrupted modernization of DCS in different industries. This means that enterprises can upgrade their systems without having to scrap their previous investments, reducing costs and minimizing disruption.

2. Open and Modular Automation Ecosystem

The plan offers a modern, open, and modular automation ecosystem that supports the integrated application of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Customers have the flexibility to adopt new technologies at their own pace without incurring operational risks. This allows businesses to gradually integrate cutting - edge technologies into their operations, enhancing their capabilities step by step.

3. "Separation of Concerns" Architecture

Based on the "separation of concerns" architectural design, Automation Extended ensures the stability of the core control system while enabling the large - scale deployment of new digital functions. This is achieved without touching critical production and operation links throughout the process. The automation ecosystem consists of two independent yet securely interconnected environments:

• Control Environment: A software - defined domain that provides robust, reliable, and deterministic control capabilities for key processes. This ensures that the fundamental operations of the industrial system remain stable and efficient.
• Digital Environment: Securely connected to the control layer, this environment supports the deployment of advanced applications, edge intelligence, and real - time analytics functions. Leveraging AI and machine learning technologies, it offers decision - making support without interfering with the well - established and stable control architecture.

4. Unified Automation Service Solution

ABB adopts a unified and comprehensive automation service solution for the management and maintenance of these two different technical environments. This solution covers the entire life cycle of the ecosystem, from initial management to continuous optimization, ensuring its smooth operation and long - term viability.

5. Multi - Dimensional Capability Enhancement

By integrating multiple new technologies, including the OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) core network and a cloud - native architecture for managing the dual environments (utilizing containerization, orchestration technologies, and modular services), the ecosystem achieves multi - dimensional capability enhancements. It can proactively detect and correct process anomalies, optimize maintenance strategies through continuous condition monitoring of key assets, and improve engineering capabilities with efficient modular solutions that support deployment on various hardware platforms. This architecture combines robust performance with excellent scalability and agility.

6. Future Access and Industry Adaptability

In the future, through subsequent version updates of ABB Ability™ 800xA® system, ABB Ability™ Symphony® Plus system, and ABB Freelance process automation systems, customers will be able to officially access the functions related to Automation Extended. This ensures that industries can continuously benefit from the latest technological advancements and adapt to the ever - changing industrial landscape.

Enterprise operators can continue to rely on ABB's trusted systems, such as the ABB Ability™ 800xA® system, ABB Ability™ Symphony® Plus system, and ABB Freelance system, while gradually introducing new technologies without interrupting operations. This model provides a structured and low - risk path for system modernization, enabling innovation while ensuring business continuity. As ABB's Automation Extended takes center stage, it is set to redefine the future of industrial automation, offering a powerful solution for industries to overcome current challenges and embrace the digital age.