ABB has introduced its Automation Extended program, an update to its distributed control systems (DCS) approach intended to support modernization without interrupting operations. The program describes a phased path for adding new automation capabilities while maintaining existing system functionality and supporting flexibility, scalability and efficiency.

Industrial operators face market shifts, cyber security risks, regulatory requirements and workforce changes. ABB says the program is intended to help add advanced analytics and IoT integration while limiting disruption to production and supporting a range of user skill levels.

Operators can continue using ABB systems such as ABB Ability System 800xA, ABB Ability Symphony Plus and ABB Freelance while introducing new technologies in stages without interrupting operations. This approach supports a structured transition to updated capabilities while maintaining ongoing production.

The Automation Extended program is implemented through an open, modular environment designed to support interoperability, scalability and integration across industrial domains. Based on separation of concerns principles, the automation ecosystem includes two distinct yet securely interconnected environments:

• The control environment, a software-defined domain that delivers deterministic control for critical processes.
• The digital environment, securely connected to the control layer, that supports advanced applications, edge intelligence and real time analytics. This environment uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for decision support without changing established control structures.

A single automation service approach is applied for lifecycle management and ongoing maintenance across both environments.

By integrating technologies such as an OPC UA backbone and a cloud-native architecture for managing both environments using containerization, orchestration and modular services the ecosystem supports functions including detection of process anomalies, condition-based monitoring of critical assets and modular engineering methods that can be deployed across different hardware platforms. Access to Automation Extended will be enabled through the next releases of ABB Ability System 800xA, ABB Ability Symphony Plus and ABB Freelance process automation systems.

For more information, visit abb.com.

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