Co-operation in improving OT cybersecurity.

A collaboration to help strengthen OT cybersecurity across critical infrastructure has been announced between the International Society of Automation (ISA) and the Operational Technology Cybersecurity Coalition (OTCC).

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on initiatives that raise awareness of OT cybersecurity risks and solutions, explore strategic issues of shared interest and facilitate technical engagement between members of each organisation. The goal is to encourage better implementation and recognition of foundational cybersecurity standards like ISA/IEC 62443, the globally recognised consensus-based series of OT cybersecurity standards developed by ISA.

ISA's CEO, Claire Fallon

“Protecting critical infrastructure requires sustained collaboration, practical guidance and a shared commitment to standards-based cybersecurity,” said Claire Fallon, CEO of ISA. “This partnership creates an important framework for ISA and OTCC to help advance key OT cybersecurity practices.”

"ISA and OTCC come at OT cybersecurity from different angles — ISA through the standards that define good practice, OTCC through the companies putting them to work," said Tatyana Bolton, executive director of OTCC. "Bringing those perspectives together is how standards move from paper into practice, and we look forward to working with ISA to make that happen.”

OTCC recently published a position paper advocating for a single, horizontal standard for OT cybersecurity rather than a patchwork of sector-specific mandates. The paper recommends that ISA/IEC 62443 be recognized as the global OT security standard. It names ISA/IEC 62443 as an established framework uniquely situated to harmonize around, as this standard has been specifically tailored to meet the requirements of OT. With one interoperable OT cybersecurity standard such as ISA/IEC 62443, the OTCC paper argues, the burden of adhering to duplicative standards can be reduced, helping to ensure critical infrastructure and industrial operations stay resilient everywhere.

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@ISA_Automation  @automation_com @OT_Coalition #Cybersecurity #PAuto

Shaping the Future of managing electrical assets.

Two of the most respected brands in the electrical industry, Doble Engineering and Megger, have announced their strategic merger under the umbrella of ESCO Technologies Inc.

Together, these brands bring an unrivalled reputation of innovation, expertise, and trust by their customers to deliver a unified platform for holistic electrical asset management on a global scale. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close within the next six to nine months.

This merger represents the integration of extensive and complementary portfolios and capabilities combining advanced offline test equipment and data, continuous online monitoring, and engineering analytics. The new entity creates a cohesive ecosystem that offers a single source of truth for predictive, condition-based maintenance, setting new benchmarks for operational resilience.

By uniting their diverse strengths, the merged organisation delivers true end-to-end asset lifecycle visibility. Megger’s long-standing focus on portable offline test equipment and multi-asset field instrumentation, supporting everything from factory acceptance testing to periodic maintenance as well as its acclaimed Asset Lifecycle Management Software Platform, opens up opportunities to connect with Doble’s leading offerings in substation testing, condition monitoring, diagnostics, laboratory analytics, and engineering services.

Customers will benefit from this unified approach, gaining access to a comprehensive suite that transforms fragmented data points into actionable insights. Asset owners will realise both enhanced investment planning and significant risk reduction as improved asset health indicators drive more reliable, efficient operations and mitigate unplanned outages across their networks.

The combined company’s monitoring and analytics solutions are engineered to go beyond current industry standards. A heightened focus on safety and operational excellence ensures teams and infrastructure remain protected through early warning systems and proactive strategies.

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@MeggerUK @doble #PAuto #TandM

Expanded provision of device data agreed.

CADENAS is now the newest member of the Eplan Partner Network. CADENAS Managing Director Terry Jonen and Eplan Managing Director Haluk Menderes signed the new technology partnership agreement in November 2025. The stated goal of the cooperation is the expanded provision of technical device data via the Eplan Data Portal, which will be implemented using a direct interface between the Data Portal and the CADENAS platform 3Dfindit.

Haluk Menderes, Eplan and
CADENAS MD Terry Jonen at SPS 2025.

This technology partnership will make it easier for Eplan users to find the right device data. “CADENAS is a strong partner who will help us considerably extend the range of device data available on the Eplan Data Portal with additional, validated content,” said Eplan Managing Director Haluk Menderes. “For our customers, this cooperation is significant. The connectivity to the CADENAS device database expands our quite comprehensive selection of device data with completely new, sometimes very complex configuration data – for instance for the energy sector.” 

Speaking about the newly sealed deal, CADENAS Managing Director Terry Jonen says, “With the planned connection of 3Dfindit to the Eplan Data Portal, we’re making it easier for engineers to access precise, up-to-date product data and are thereby increasing the added value for our common customers.”

Comprehensive digital device data is indispensable for design engineers. It accelerates project planning and increases efficiency in engineering, making invaluable contributions to greater data consistency. To achieve this, the companies will be developing an interface to the CADENAS portal that users will be able to access via the Eplan Data Portal, meaning directly via the Eplan cloud. Eplan and CADENAS will be working closely together to design the interface, and both companies will be engaging in continued dialogue with component manufacturers.

The advantages for users at a glance:

• Eplan users benefit from a significantly expanded range of data on offer, for instance for complex designs
• Design engineers will have additional options when selecting device data
• Data consistency throughout the entire engineering process also increases

Now that the agreement has been signed, the technical implementation is getting started. In the coming months, both partners will set up technical working groups to define the specific measures with a view to gradually expanding the cooperation. The goal is to validate added value for common customers along the value chain. This involves various topics and industries for instance the energy sector. For Eplan users, this will mean increased depth of data and data consistency.

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@EPLAN_global  @mepaxIntPR #Cadanas #PAuto 

Accessably Secure and high-performance security solutions.

A collaboration to combine Xiphera’s advanced cryptographic solutions with iWave’s extensive portfolio of Altera FPGA-based boards and solutions has been announced. Through this partnership, Xiphera will leverage iWave’s modules, development kits, SmartNIC solutions, and COTS modules to implement hardware-based cryptographic security solutions for scenarios such as secure network connectivity. This enables customers to build secure, high-performance hardware solutions on Altera FPGAs, powered by Xiphera’s optimized IP cores and iWave’s FPGA platforms.

Xiphera specializes in hardware-based security solutions implemented as pure digital logic for FPGAs and ASICs. The company provides standardized and quantum-resistant security solutions designed for industries where reliability, high performance, and minimized attack surface are critical. Xiphera solutions include implementations of security protocols such as MACsec and IPsec, as well as the latest Post-Quantum Cryptography standards.

iWave is a global leader in high-performance FPGA System on Modules (SoMs), COTS modules such as 3U VPX and PCIe cards, and a growing portfolio of SmartNIC solutions. Our products are built around cutting-edge FPGAs including Agilex™ 3, Agilex™ 5, Agilex™ 7, Agilex™ 9, Arria® 10, and Stratix® 10—enabling innovation across a wide range of applications. This includes technical support during evaluation, ODM design services such as system design, carrier card development, thermal simulation and certifications.

“Xiphera’s cryptographic IP, combined with iWave’s boards and solutions on the extensive portfolio of Altera FPGAs, enables developers to build and accelerate secure, high-performance solutions on Altera FPGAs. This collaboration highlights the strength of our ecosystem and demonstrates how Altera technology can accelerate innovation in these applications,” says Mark Moran, Director of Dev Kits and Partners at Altera.

Both Xiphera and iWave serve industries such as industrial, automotive, aerospace and IoT, where security, performance, and long product lifecycles are essential. This shared industry focus creates clear synergies: Xiphera’s advanced cryptographic IP cores complement iWave’s boards and solutions, offering customers integrated solutions that are both secure and practical to implement.

“Working with iWave supports our mission to deliver secure and high-performance security solutions in an accessible format. iWave’s extensive experience in FPGA platforms perfectly complements our expertise in security,” says Tommi Lampila, CRO of Xiphera Ltd. He continues, “By leveraging Altera technology alongside iWave’s platforms, we are able to offer even more robust and secure solutions. We are excited to deliver high-value solutions based on this collaboration to our customers.”

“This partnership between iWave and Xiphera enables our customers to adopt advanced security solutions with confidence,” says Tawfeeq Ahmad, Director of Marketing at iWave. “Xiphera’s extensive expertise in security and cryptography adds strong value to iWave’s Altera FPGA–based boards and solutions, especially with the growing need for robust edge security.”

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@xiphera @iwave_systems @AlteraFPGA_ #PAuto #Cybersecurity #TandM

Simulator-based training for nuclear sector.

Policies in both the US and Canada aim to enable the deployment of next-generation nuclear technology as part of a diversified energy mix.

ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SimGenics, an advanced plant simulator company, to support the development and provision of engineering, training and distributed control system (DCS) simulators for the nuclear energy industry, primarily in North America. The collaboration comes at an important time, with both US and Canadian governments implementing policy frameworks to stimulate the deployment of nuclear energy to generate electricity.

Drawing on their collective expertise, the MoU will allow ABB and SimGenics to explore how they can support the greenfield power generation industry predominantly. This will include complete plant process model and simulation across conventional large nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR) and advanced modular reactor (AMR) facilities. As well as being installed at offsite R&D centers for testing and validation purposes during the design stage, the simulators can also be used onsite at operational nuclear power plants as engineering and training systems.

Nuclear power generation is expected to play a key role in US domestic policy, with the country’s Department of Energy looking to secure a reliable and affordable energy supply by enabling the rapid deployment of next-generation nuclear technology. In Canada the federal government views nuclear power as an important component of a diversified energy mix, having created the Canada SMR Action Plan to drive development, demonstration and deployment of SMRs.

“Against the backdrop of growing energy demand, nuclear power offers a reliable, low-carbon solution as part of the future energy mix,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “Partnerships are instrumental for advancing modern, advanced nuclear technologies, and comprehensive simulation and training capabilities will be crucial to enable capacity growth in nuclear power as part of the future energy ecosystem.”

As part of the MoU and in order to optimize productivity, safety and operational efficiency, ABB will be able to supply automation, electrification and digitalization solutions to non-critical areas of nuclear facilities, as well as long-term service support through ABB Care to end users and reactor technology providers. SimGenics will be able to provide critical solutions, including engineering, training and DCS check-out simulators – to develop dynamic process models that mimic the behavior of various types of nuclear power plants. The ABB Ability™ System 800xA Simulator can then integrate these process models within control system infrastructures, to create a realistic simulator.

“Simulators have a crucial role to play in advancing nuclear energy,” said Francois Laubscher, Chief Operating Officer of SimGenics. “We look forward to collaborating with ABB to harness its automation, electrification and digital expertise to support the safe and productive operations that are required within the nuclear and power generation industries.”

Engineering and training simulators serve as virtual environments where solutions can be tested and refined in safe and developmental scenarios, enabling the nuclear energy workforce to develop operational skillsets using collaborative technology. Simulators can help reduce risk, prevent equipment failure and unplanned plant shutdowns and identify potential operational issues early*.

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* Development, Use and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plant Simulators for the Training and Authorization of Personnel (IAEA TECDOC pdf)

@ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation @NRCan @ENERGY #PAuto #Energy #NorthAmerica

Robotic collaboration.

Regal Rexnord Corporation has joined forces with ABB Robotics to simplify integration of its GoFa™ cobots into 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Units (CTUs) from Thomson, one of Regal Rexnord’s leading linear motion brands. This collaboration makes the Thomson Movotrak™ CTU the first cobot 7th axis technology that ABB Robotics has certified for use in its partner ecosystem.

“Until now, anyone wanting to use a single, plug-and-play ABB cobot on multiple workstations faced what could be days of programming and communications challenges. As part of the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we have preconfigured our Movotrak CTU, ensuring rapid deployment with ABB cobots right out of the box. Integrators, distributors, and end-users can now invest more time using the 7th axis to solve productivity problems than dealing with complex integration details,” said Kevin Zaba, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord.

The Thomson Movotrak CTU 7th Axis offers:

• Extended Operating Range: The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative 7th axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters.
• Flexible Mounting Options: Ability to move from one workstation to another along a rail that is secured either to the floor, wall, or ceiling.
• Collision Detection: First 7th axis solution with collision detection, stopping the cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
• Increased Productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring 7th axis Freedrive mode.
• Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord components, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.

“This collaboration with ABB Robotics is a great example of how our differentiated Regal Rexnord technologies can be integrated into high-impact, customer-ready solutions,” said Louis Pinkham, CEO of Regal Rexnord. “By combining the technical expertise of our Thomson, Kollmorgen, Boston Gear, and Huco brands into a seamless, 7th axis system available for the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we’re making it easier for customers to unlock greater productivity and flexibility in their automation strategies. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering value through system-level thinking.”

ABB partners develop and provide packages consisting of pre-engineered accessories and software that are compatible and easily integrated with ABB’s complete portfolio of robotic solutions. As fully integrated, ready-to-use solutions, the packages enable both end users and systems integrators to reduce time and effort in setting up robots for new applications.

Regal Rexnord’s participation in the ABB partner ecosystem involves changes to mounting hardware, development of a specialised plug-and-play wiring harness, and programming to interface with the ABB software platform and engineering environment, including an ABB Web App, Wizard and RAPID™ Module Code programming tools. Through the integration, certified ABB robotic application developers will be able to access the Thomson configuration tools directly on the ABB FlexPendant user interface.

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@Thomson_Ind @RegalRexnord @ABBRobotics @bcm_pr #Pauto #Robotics #Cobot

Co-operation in temperature.

Krohne and WIKA have agreed on a strategic partnership in the field of temperature, which expands Krohne's offering to include WIKA's entire temperature portfolio.

This strengthens Krohne's position as a full-scope supplier (MIV) for process measurement technology, particularly in project business.

WIKA's temperature measurement portfolio complements Krohne's existing offerings, providing customers with access to a wider selection of products and alternatives, more application experience, as well as additional approvals, certifications, and services for temperature products.

For customers, the partnership also provides the assurance that Krohne can consistently rely on a recognised and dependable temperature partner for large-scale projects.

Both companies have successfully collaborated on projects of various sizes multiple times, including a mega-project in China.

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@WIKANews @KROHNE_USA #PAuto

Ai-driven sensor technology co-operation.

Sensirion has announced a collaboration with Sintropy.ai, a dynamic start-up focused on automation and Ai-driven solutions. Facilitated by Repcom, a leading distributor in Italy, this partnership is set to redefine data collection and automation capabilities across various industries.

Born of the R&D engineering expertise at Centri Medici Santagostino in Milan (I), Sintropy.ai is dedicated to leveraging high-quality data for advanced automation and AI applications. In an era dominated by SaaS solutions, Sintropy.ai stands out by emphasising that the true foundation of robust AI ecosystems lies not just in software, but in the quality of the data itself. To produce such high-value data, the company recognizes the importance of using reliable, versatile, and precise sensors making them essential components in building effective, scalable, and intelligent automation solutions.

After extensive research and testing of various sensor brands and chips, Sintropy.ai identified Sensirion as the optimal choice for its innovative solutions. The decision was driven by Sensirion’s exceptional quality, data stability, and reliability. It was through Repcom, an Italian distributor that Sintropy.ai discovered Sensirion and it was an instant match.

At Sintropy.ai, hardware is more than just a component; it’s the gateway to enabling innovative technology. Many companies face barriers to adopting smart solutions due to high costs and complexity. By integrating high-quality Sensirion sensors into competitively priced devices, Sintropy.ai delivers powerful tools that connect effortlessly to cloud and on-premises systems. Backed by a robust multinodal backend and the EOS platform, these solutions enable real-time data collection, automation, and enhanced operational efficiency, making advanced technology more accessible and practical for businesses of all sizes.

"At Sintropy.ai, we believe that high-quality data is the foundation for automation and AI-driven ecosystems. Sensirion's sensors offer the accuracy and reliability we need to power our innovative solutions," said Andrea Codini, CEO and Co-Founder at Sintropy.ai

During the design phase, Sintropy.ai benefited from the interchangeability of Sensirion's chips, allowing easy transitions between different humidity and temperature sensors while maintaining board compatibility. Notably, Sensirion's SCD41 (CO2 sensor), SEN55 (environmental sensor node for PM, RH/T, VOC, NOx measurements), and SPS30 (PM 2.5 sensor) sensors played a crucial role in enabling new levels of precision and efficiency in Sintropy.ai’s products.

Key product IR Blaster.
Designed to combine data collection and automation, the IR Blaster integrates Sensirion's SHT4X sensor for temperature and humidity measurement, the SCD41 for CO2 monitoring, and a lux sensor. Additionally, it features an IR control that enables seamless management of fan coils or HVAC units without requiring wiring modifications. When mounted on a wall, it measures environmental conditions, transmits data, and automates air quality adjustments, optimizing indoor environments for comfort and efficiency.

Key product Quark Tag.
Bringing Sensirion's SHT4X sensor to a portable format, the Quark Tag is a BLE device powered by the INPLAY IN100 chip. Engineered for ultra-low power consumption, it ensures years of reliable operation while providing accurate temperature and humidity data. Enhanced with an IMU and lux sensor, the Quark Tag offers advanced environmental monitoring in a compact, energy-efficient design making it ideal for real-time environmental monitoring.

The collaboration between Sensirion, Sintropy.ai, and Repcom represents a significant step forward in making AI-powered automation more accessible and efficient. By integrating Sensirion’s cutting-edge components into innovative products, Sintropy.ai enables businesses to access smart solutions that are affordable, scalable, and easy to implement. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and the transformative power of data-driven automation.

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@sensirion #PAuto #sintropy_ai #repcom  #PAuto #Environment

Strategic process automation partnership launched.

SICK and Endress+Hauser are bringing their strategic partnership* in process automation to life: SICK’s advanced gas analysis and flow measurement technology is now an integral part of Endress+Hauser’s comprehensive instrumentation portfolio. The collaboration is designed to offer customers in the process industry enhanced support in increasing plant efficiency, protecting the environment and reducing carbon footprint.

Peter Selders (E+H) and Mats Gökstorp (SICK)

Expanded offering and expertise.
As a result of the strategic partnership, around 800 sales and service employees from SICK will transfer to Endress+Hauser across 42 countries. The collaboration in process automation will allow customers to access a broader range of products from a single source and benefit from enhanced expertise in gas measurement technology. With its global sales network, Endress+Hauser will access new customers, reach additional industries and tap into further application areas.

Joint venture for development and manufacturing.
The production and further development of the gas analyzers and flowmeters were brought together under the umbrella of Endress+Hauser SICK GmbH+Co. KG. SICK and Endress+Hauser will each hold 50 percent of the joint venture as of 1 March 2025. The company employs around 730 people at several German sites and will collaborate closely with Endress+Hauser’s product centers to drive product innovation and meet evolving market demands.

Seamless business transition.
Hundreds of employees from both companies have been preparing for the smooth transition of the business in recent months. Now the gas measurement sales and service teams at Endress+Hauser are ready to provide support, and endress.com reflects the expanded range of products, solutions and services. Since 1 January 2025, Endress+Hauser has been exclusively marketing SICK’s gas analysis and flow measurement technology worldwide. In China, the transition will not take place until 1 March 2025 for technical reasons. In Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, sales and service will be transferred to Endress+Hauser in the first quarter.

“This partnership is a perfect match,” said Dr Peter Selders, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group. “It creates new opportunities for growth and development, particularly in the sustainable transformation of the process industry. By joining forces, we offer added value to our customers. Our combined efforts will make us faster and ultimately more successful than if we acted alone. In this case, one and one equals more than two.”

“We are pleased that the strategic partnership for process automation is now starting. Together, we can better support customers worldwide and guide them into a sustainable future with leading technological solutions. We are convinced that the transformation of the process industry offers enormous opportunities for growth and development, which we will optimally leverage as strong partners,” said Dr Mats Gökstorp, chairman of the executive board of SICK AG.

The CEOs expressed their gratitude to employees on both sides who contributed to establish this partnership. “Above all, we thank all the employees who have made the process automation business strong with their expertise and commitment and will continue this success story with the strategic partnership,” said Mats Gökstorp.  Peter Selders added: “We look forward to working with the people joining us and the joint venture to build something new and make this partnership a success.”

Factory and logistics automation not covered by the partnership.
SICK is one of the world’s leading solution providers for sensor-based applications in the industrial sector. With 60 subsidiaries and shareholdings as well as numerous agencies, SICK maintains a presence around the globe. The company has over 12,000 employees worldwide and generated consolidated sales of 2.3 billion euros in the 2023 financial year. The core business of factory and logistics automation, which accounts for more than 80 percent of sales, will not be affected by this partnership.

Family-owned companies with strong values.
As family-owned companies, SICK and Endress+Hauser share similar values and corporate cultures. The German sensor manufacturer and the Swiss measurement and automation technology specialist signed a memorandum of understanding in fall 2023 and a cooperation agreement in summer 2024.

SICK and Endress+Hauser have a history of successful collaboration on an order, project and customer basis. The gas analyzers and flowmeters are used primarily in waste incineration and power plants, steelworks and cement works, in the oil & gas industry, in chemical and petrochemical plants, and in maritime applications. These technologies are crucial for tasks such as emissions monitoring in flue gas cleaning and the measurement of natural gas and hydrogen flows.

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*See: Strategic partnership in process automation. (27 October 2023)

@Endress_Hauser @Endress_IN @Endress_UK @Endress_US @SICK_de #PAuto

Turbomachinery controls.

Solution allows customers to bring industrial plants and assets online quickly and cost-effectively using single interface

ABB has signed a joint development agreement with US company Energy Control Technologies (ECT) to co-design and deliver an integrated turbomachinery controls solution which can be configured, operated and maintained within the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS).

Pic: ECT

The ABB-ECT Integrated Compressor Controls (ICC) with Integrated Control Safety System (ICSS) offers customers a flexible solution that aims to reduce the footprint and complexity of their plant control system and will have the potential to contribute to automation and electrical CAPEX reductions of up to 20 percent for integrated projects, according to ABB estimates.

Turbomachinery, which is widely employed in industries including hydrogen, biofuels, carbon capture and storage, power generation and oil and gas, consumes large amounts of energy. Having integrated controls provides greater visibility to better manage the performance of the equipment and in turn increase energy efficiency, while reducing risk and cost.

The ABB-ECT ICC is achieved by eliminating traditional black box controls from the system architecture and having controls unified within the same 800xA ICSS System. The need for a separate operator workstation, I/O network, servers, networks, switches and other auxiliary systems is removed. This provides faster startup and greater machine protection, safety and stability.

Until now, installing turbomachinery controls has involved multiple systems, often from different suppliers, that need to be interfaced. Now, operators can benefit from one common platform, for both compressor and DCS controls, from which they can monitor the most critical and expensive assets of their plants – turbines, compressors, pumps and generators.

“We are pleased to collaborate with ABB on this innovative solution which will further help customers solve their most complex control issues across many sectors relying on turbomachinery,” said Paul Fisher, President at ECT. “ECT’s superior compressor control algorithms and technology integrated into the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® DCS will allow customers to run their turbomachinery control system in automatic all the time, providing users with increased production, energy efficiency, and machine protection.”

“This collaboration marks a significant development within the integrated turbomachinery control solutions market and we’re excited to already see uptake from some major US customers, with plans to roll out worldwide,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries. “Turbomachinery is essential to industry but ongoing innovation is necessary to enhance energy efficiency. Leveraging ABB’s technology presents an immediate opportunity to achieve our goal of helping customers to reduce energy demand by optimizing industrial processes.”

Under the agreement, ABB is providing the hardware, software and technical support for ECT to develop the turbomachinery solution for the 800xA platform, while ECT is providing the turbomachinery control algorithm and engineering design, among other assets.

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@ABB_Energy @abb_automation @ABBgroupnews #PAuto #Power #Singapore

Strategic process technology partnership.

Companies plan to combine their process automation offerings.

A joint memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership was signed by SICK and Endress+Hauser last October*. Since then, the project has been examined and plans for implementing the cooperation have been drawn up. Following approval by the respective supervisory bodies, representatives of both companies have now signed a corresponding agreement. The closing of the transaction is planned for the turn of the year 2024/2025 and is subject to approval by antitrust authorities.

Endress+Hauser takes over worldwide sales and service.
As a key aspect of the strategic partnership, Endress+Hauser will take over sales and service for process analysis and gas flow measurement technology completely. Around 800 specialized sales and service employees in 42 countries will transfer from SICK to Endress+Hauser. Customers will benefit by receiving more products from a single source. The global Endress+Hauser sales network will enable additional customers to be acquired, more industries to be reached and new applications to be developed.

From 2025, the production and further development of process analysers and gas flowmeters will be the responsibility of a joint venture in which each partner will hold a 50 percent stake. It will employ about 730 people at several locations in Germany. The joint venture will work closely with Endress+Hauser’s competence centers to drive product innovations forward efficiently.

Complementary offerings for process automation.
The two companies’ offerings in process technology complement each other perfectly. SICK’s products are currently used in particular in waste incineration plants, power, steel and cement plants, in the oil and gas industry, in chemical and petrochemical plants and in shipbuilding, for example for analyzing emissions in flue gas cleaning or for measuring the flow of natural gas and hydrogen. Focus on mutual benefit

Dr Mats Gökstorp  (SICK AG), and Dr Peter Selders (Endress+Hauser Group)

“This strategic partnership opens up opportunities for growth and development for SICK and Endress+Hauser. We are taking this path because by collaborating and networking we can achieve more together in a reasonable amount of time than either side could on its own – all this for the benefit of our customers, employees and both companies,” says Dr Peter Selders, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group.

“Our aspiration is to drive the sustainable transformation of the process industry and to support our customers in leveraging the opportunities presented by decarbonization. That is why SICK and Endress+Hauser are combining their technological and market expertise. In the interest of our customers and employees, we look forward to the strategic partnership and to shape the future of process automation together,” says Dr. Mats Gökstorp, Chairman of the Executive Board at SICK AG.

Strategic partners with many things in common.

Both companies see the sustainable transformation as a business opportunity. Together, they want to provide even better support to customers in important areas such as energy and resource efficiency and climate and environmental protection as well as assisting with the decarbonization of their production processes. SICK and Endress+Hauser have worked together frequently on an order, project and customer basis. The two family-owned companies also share a long-term corporate approach.

Endress+Hauser and SICK are committed to maintaining attractive working conditions for all employees. “We look forward to welcoming the new colleagues with their valuable expertise to the Endress+Hauser team. The planned transition will be carefully prepared so that we can continue to grow together from day one,” says Peter Selders.

Both sides are currently working with high priority to ensure a seamless transition of the business at the turn of the year. Until the closing, SICK and Endress+Hauser will continue to support their process automation customers independently.

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* See Strategic partnership in process automation. (October 20923)

@Endress_Hauser @Endress_IN @Endress_UK @Endress_US @SICK_de #PAuto

Value provider program.

Bonner have announced the extension of their partnership with B&R Industrial Automation by joining their Value Provider Program.

Patrick Bonner (L) & Jason Johnson (B&R)

This program gives access to the latest automation solutions, allowing further support for their clients with the newest software & hardware.

Speaking at the launch, Jason Johnson said, “As a B&R Value Provider, you'll gain privileged access to cutting-edge automation solutions, a diverse range of products, and exceptional services. Partnering with B&R is the way to go to grow your business.”

Patrick Bonner, MD at Bonner said “We’re delighted to continue to work with B&R and look forward to continuing to build our joint success in Ireland, delivering our solutions for digitally integrated factories using B&R hardware and software.”

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@bonner_IRL @BR_Automation @abb_automation #PAuto #Ireland

Digital transformation in factory automation.

Moxa is now an official partner in the Mitsubishi Electric e-Factory Alliance Program, an ecosystem of best-in-class digital leaders committed to transforming the factory automation space. By serving as a third-party reference program for its members' products, the e-Factory Alliance Program enables customers to choose the best options for handling their automation-related challenges. The Alliance tests the hardware and software of its more than 450 members with Mitsubishi Electric FA equipment to guarantee compatibility.

Jack Lin, Global Project Lead of Moxa’s TSN initiative, said: “By working together with other e-Factory Alliance Program members, Moxa aims to promote innovation and excellence in application areas including time-sensitive networking, cybersecurity, and industrial computing that will bring unprecedented levels of efficiency to industrial automation.”

The e-Factory Alliance Program offers complementary products from member companies to increase productivity from the device to the business system level. For Mitsubishi customers, that means ready access to Moxa’s broad range of compatible network infrastructure solutions including switches, routers, x86 and ARM-based computers, IIoT gateways, servers, and automation-friendly software for the secure, high visibility management of industrial networks.

One of the key areas of automation where Moxa has proven itself a leader is Time-sensitive Networking (TSN). This deterministic technology synchronizes critical data to enable real-time communication and network convergence in sectors as diverse as utilities, machine OEM, automotive manufacturing, and semiconductor fabrication. Moxa TSN solutions are CC-Link IE (Control and Communications Link Industrial Ethernet) certified, meaning they comply with this fast-growing open network protocol. Moxa CC-Link IE certified solutions provide data transmission rates of 1 Gbit/s via Industrial Ethernet as the transport medium.

Tom Burke, global director of industry standards at Mitsubishi Electric Automation and global strategic advisor for the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) Americas, commented: "Mitsubishi is excited to have a technology innovator of Moxa's caliber become a member of the e-Factory Alliance, as well as for its ongoing support of CLPA and MELCO Factory Automation. By joining the alliance, Moxa has united with our other partners in forging a new age of industry that transforms traditional manufacturing processes into smarter models of operation."

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@Moxa_Europe  @Mitsubishi_FA @OConnellPR #PAuto

Maximize production and enhance efficiency with AI.

Seeq and Equinor, an international energy company, have announced a multi-year commercial agreement for the Seeq Industrial Analytics and AI platform to be leveraged across Equinor’s global assets to further accelerate digital transformation outcomes.

Through the agreement, Equinor will implement Seeq to empower its engineering teams to optimize production and improve energy performance across a variety of assets. Initially, the company plans to leverage Seeq to monitor well and process behavior, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of daily operations to maximize production, enhance workforce collaboration and increase efficiency.

“Innovative energy organizations like Equinor want to leverage interoperable systems that utilise collective knowledge to accelerate value,” said Dr. Lisa Graham, CEO at Seeq. “Seeq is honoured to provide our open, industrial analytics and AI SaaS platform to Equinor to drive rapid, enterprise-wide digital transformation outcomes.”

Seeq delivers a self-service, industrial analytics and AI platform that accesses and leverages vast amounts of historically underused data. By incorporating leading-edge technologies, including AI, machine learning and other capabilities, into its platform and leveraging its global partner network, Seeq powers a range of use cases for employees across the enterprise to accelerate digital transformation outcomes such as operational excellence and profitability, workforce upskilling, and sustainability.

Amitec, a Norway-based, Seeq-certified partner with deep expertise in the energy industry, will support the Seeq implementation for Equinor.

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@SeeqCorporation @Equinor #PAuto #Manufacturing #AI

Significant co-operation announcement by standards-based entities.

After years of close collaboration, FieldComm Group® and FDT Group™ the leading global standards-based non-profit entities have executed a term sheet to combine resources into a single business focused on creating device integration technology standards and products serving the user and vendor communities of industrial process, hybrid, and factory automation.

This term sheet outlines a plan to create a single business aimed at advancing integration technology and harmonizing control system applications across multiple protocol topologies supporting both process and factory automation. Subject to the completion of a definitive agreement, the new business will continue to support all existing FieldComm Group and FDT Group technologies, including Field Device Integration™ (FDI™), Field Device Tool / Device Type Manager™ (FDT/DTM™), Process Automation Device Information Model (PA-DIM®), HART®, and FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus. FieldComm Group will acquire all FDT® technology and resources, and an independent Strategic Integration Committee will be formed to guide future directions for protocol-independent device integration technologies.

This strengthened relationship represents a significant step forward in streamlining process automation and factory manufacturing device management, enhancing interoperability throughout the industry. The unified organization is pioneering a transformative vision where industrial device management seamlessly bridges the present and future, ensuring support for the current installed base while facilitating evolution towards harmonized technologies.

The new Strategic Integration Committee focused on a protocol-agnostic device integration approach will foster alliances with major field protocol organizations, including CC-Link Partner Association, EtherCAT Technology Group, FieldComm Group, ODVA, OPC Foundation, Modbus, Profibus/Profinet International, and others, spearheading innovations to improve engineering efficiency, plant uptime, and user satisfaction across various industrial automation fields. Within this strategic committee, cutting-edge technologies, tools, and certifications will streamline cost-effective adoption for members while providing a single device package compatible with any operating system that will enable effortless data access from field devices to cloud, edge, and mobile applications. This initiative promotes comprehensive integration between Information Technology and Operational Technology (IT/OT) systems.

“This collaboration is a strategic move aimed at providing the best service to our members and the industry at large,” emphasized Ted Masters, President and Chief Executive Officer of FieldComm Group. 

Steve Biegacki, Managing Director of FDT Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that “the enhanced harmonization of standards and technologies will significantly empower end users and manufacturers in their quest to achieve out-of-the-box Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities across their systems.”

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@FieldCommGroup @FDTGroup #PAuto #Standards

Strategic partnership in process automation.

German sensor company SICK and Swiss measurement and automation technology specialist Endress+Hauser want to intensify their cooperation. 

Mattias Altendorf (E+H) & Dr Mats Gökstorp (SICK)

Both companies are aiming for a strategic partnership for SICK’s process automation business segment and have signed a joint memorandum of understanding. By bundling their strengths, the companies are striving to provide even better support for their customers in important areas such as energy and resource efficiency and protection of the climate and environment.

The goal of the partnership is to expand the Endress+Hauser product portfolio with process analysis and gas flow measurement engineering from SICK. The two companies intend to establish a joint venture for the production and further development of SICK process technology. The sales and service teams of SICK’s process automation business segment will become part of Endress+Hauser’s global sales network. In total, this segment currently employs more than 1,400 people in 28 countries and generates more than 350 million euros in sales annually.

Complementary offerings in process automation.
The process technology offerings from both companies complement each other. The process analysis and gas flow measurement engineering from SICK – for emissions monitoring in flue gas cleaning processes or for gas flow measurements, for example – are employed particularly in waste incineration facilities, at power, steel and cement plants, in the oil & gas industry, in chemical and petrochemical production and in the marine sector. In the past, the companies have frequently worked together on an order, project and customer basis.

Both shareholder families, as well as the respective supervisory bodies of SICK and Endress+Hauser, are backing the planned strategic partnership. Using the memorandum of understanding as a foundation, experts from both companies are now conducting due diligence to determine how the collaboration can be accomplished and brought to fruition. The contract is expected to be signed before the end of the first quarter of 2024, while closing of the transaction is scheduled for the middle of next year.

Partners see shared opportunities and mutual benefits.
“Our strategic partnership is about mutual benefits at many levels. We want to seize shared opportunities by bundling our strengths. Because SICK and Endress+Hauser are already highly successful companies on their own, we are acting from a position of strength. We are convinced that together we will be even more successful. And by working cooperatively, we can support our customers even better and accompany them in the sustainable transformation of the process industry,” explained Matthias Altendorf, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group.

Dr Mats Gökstorp, chairman of the Executive Board at SICK, said: “Through this strategic partnership, Endress+Hauser and SICK will break new ground. The impulse and source of momentum for this undertaking is the dynamic market environment for process automation, produced by the progressive decarbonization of industry. By working together, we can better capitalize on these excellent opportunities, while also developing the best solutions for and with our customers. Our years of collaboration in the past, similarities in the corporate cultures of our family-owned businesses, and our shared affinity for technology and people are key motivators. And successful joint projects with Endress+Hauser in the past show that we work well together.”

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@Endress_Hauser @Endress_IN @Endress_UK @Endress_US @SICK_de #PAuto

A new dawn in the automation industry!

Industrial leaders and pioneers have joined together to form UniversalAutomation.org (UAO) and advance the world of industrial automation. Vendors, end users, OEMs and academics will share a common automation software layer across their automation technology regardless of brand. This technological collaboration will drive the development of an ecosystem of portable, interoperable, “plug and produce” solutions, creating an entirely new category of industrial automation.

Current founding & intended members include: Aalto University, Advantech, Asus, Belden, Cargill, eaw Relaistechnik GmbH, ESA, ETP, Flexbridge, Georgia-Pacific, GR3N, Hirschmann, HTW Berlin, Intel, Jetter, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Kongsberg Maritime, Lawrence Technological University, Lumberg Automation, Phoenix Contact, ProSoft, R. Stahl, Schneider Electric, Shell, VP Process, Wilo, Wood and Yokogawa. Others are expected to join soon, with the organization actively recruiting new members.

Portability is already a reality in other market sectors. For example, mobile applications are developed to run across different smartphone vendors, enabling rapid advances through collective innovation. Until now, the industrial world has worked differently, with closed proprietary architectures and hardware-dependent software.  UAO will create a new era of openness and collaboration, decoupling software and hardware by sharing a reference runtime implementation of the IEC 61499 standard. 

“We are excited to be part of UniversalAutomation.org because it promises to be a complete gamechanger,” said Jac Opmeer, Principal Automation Engineer at Shell Global Solutions B.V. “It opens up a new world of possibilities for organisations like ours. Unlocking valuable data currently buried in proprietary systems, making the connectivity and deployment of new technologies like AI quick and simple. As part of UniversalAutomation.org we are actively collaborating with and supporting like-minded organisations to create an exciting new open era in operations and automation.”

UniversalAutomation.org will provide the basis for interoperable and portable automation software that can run with almost any Universal Automation-compliant hardware, creating an entirely vendor-agnostic ecosystem for automation software development. By merging both the information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) worlds, the organization seeks to unleash the full potential of Industry 4.0. 

“The creation of UniversalAutomation.org is the dawn of a new era within automation technology; over the course of the next five years, it will create a sea change for the future of automation software development,” said Dmitrii Drozdov, Chief Technology Officer at Flexbridge. “We are delighted to be a part of UniversalAutomation.org, driving the development of a “plug and produce” system which will help the industry keep up with the increasing demands of flexible manufacturing. There is no doubt that as members continue to join the organization and reap the benefits of collaboration and openness, that industry-wide change will follow.” “UniversalAutomation.org brings together vendors and users of technology, opening up the opportunity for continuous dialogue between members to share their knowledge. We’re excited to work with other members to enhance and develop our research and help combat the challenges currently facing industry,” said Valeriy Vyatkin, Professor of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University. “The IEC 61499 standard will help industry have a common platform for different types of software functionalities in automation, allowing organisations to achieve a certain level of reliability and predictability, as well as increasing flexibility of production plants.” “Wood is excited to be part of defining the future of automation and transforming profitability and productivity for the customers in our industrial markets. UAO technology will enable business innovation, increased digital adoption and agility with its open, interoperable and portable solutions- building business resiliency and empowering our clients to be future-ready,” says German Carmona, President of Wood’s Applied Intelligence business.

Members are working together to develop and adopt the next generation of Universal Automation solutions by collectively incrementing a runtime following shared source principles. Members will have access and the ability to shape the next generation of automation. The new organisation is actively recruiting new members. All entities looking to help advance industrial automation are encouraged to join.

Time for Universal Automation “Industrial operations are undergoing a total transformation,” said John Conway, President of UniversalAutomation.org. “As the IT sector has proven, advances in machine learning, augmented reality, real-time analytics, and the IoT hold great promise for step change advancements in performance, agility, and sustainability. However, within industry this promise is being held back by closed and proprietary automation platforms that restrict widespread adoption, hamper innovation, are challenging to integrate with third-party components, and are expensive to upgrade and maintain. Using a shared runtime changes all that.” Greg Boucaud, Chief Marketing Officer of UniversalAutomation.Org commented: “With the formation of UniversalAutomation.org, we are hitting the reset button on automation technology.  Using the IEC 61499 standard for distributed systems, we can create a new, open industrial environment that will lead to a more sustainable, efficient future.  UniversalAutomation.org will remove the barriers to innovation in automation by decoupling hardware and software and providing end users with the freedom they have been asking for — to easily integrate different technologies regardless of where they came from and fully optimize their automation systems.”

Industry advancement with interoperable automation software
Adopting a common runtime, shared across vendors, will provide limitless opportunities for growth and modernization across industry. The ARC Advisory Group found this move  could save the industrial market $30 billion (ca €26b) each year, which is currently spent servicing and maintaining the installed base of proprietary systems alone.  

UniversalAutomation.org members anticipate the adoption of this reference implementation-based approach to industrial automation to deliver a range of benefits, including: 

• Portability and reuse of software components on different systems, improving return-on-investment for software intellectual property (IP)
• Greater Innovation through the faster integration of new technologies and systems, development of new business models, easier connectivity, and flexibility to deliver customer requirements at greater speed 
• Extending the lifespan of existing industrial tools, devices and systems, and easier upgrading of systems reaching their end of life 
• Simplified training and skills (with teams only needing to learn one common system), making automation industry OT entry more accessible to IT professionals and the new generation of automation professionals
• Development of AppStore-like platforms to share apps around automation applications 

@Join_UAO @arc_advisory @teamlewisglobal #PAuto #Automation #61499

IIoT platform enables uniform IT/OT data access to enterprises.

The FDT Group™ has announced that in cooperation with the OPC Foundation it has developed an update to the FDT OPC Unified Architecture (UA) companion specification merging the IT and OT domains within a new server-level Universal Device Information (DI) Model. The companion specification is now under member review with both associations for 90 days.

Since 2011, FDT Group and OPC Foundation have collaborated in support of a unified DI model to promote device- and network-level data access in a uniform way for higher-level enterprise applications. The two organizations first announced the release of their joint DI model companion specification in 2016 based on the FDT 2.0 Client/Server architecture. However, to meet the demands of next-generation, cloud-based computing applications, the companion specification has been updated to support digital transformation use cases matching the strengths of the FDT’s 3.0 IIoT Server platform, which unifies the availability, transport and visualization of data for business and operational stakeholders in the process, hybrid and discrete automation markets. It is a key technology development unifying data for both IT and OT while enabling the transmission of uniform, real-time process, network, and device information for any OPC UA Client in the enterprise.

“The new FDT OPC UA server-level universal DI model further unifies FDT’s strength as the standardized, data-centric IIoT platform serving uniform IT/OT device-data to the enterprise,” said Glenn Schulz, FDT Group managing director. “With the launch of the FDT 3.0 Server architecture natively integrated with an OPC UA Server, end users in the process, hybrid and discrete automation markets can freely mix and match any device with any device information model, from any vendor, and communicate on any network while the FDT Server transparently unifies all the device information and pushes the data to the enterprise for any OPC UA Client in real-time. This is an important win for the industry.”

Launching mid-year after approval by both FDT Group and OPC Foundation memberships, the new companion specification will provide the only protocol-agnostic, server-level device information model for both process and discrete applications. With the built-in, “pre-wired” OPC UA Server, the FDT Server environment seamlessly allows access to all device and network information and metadata via any authenticated OPC UA Client or application. Standard OPC UA browsing techniques are used to expose this information so that authorized OPC UA Clients can connect to the FDT Server to browse, collect and take action on the data as needed. Optional support for a Publish-Subscribe environment allows for efficient, real-time data monitoring and exchange.

Plant and factory operators require proven asset management monitoring solutions. Visualization capabilities with the Universal DI Model are closely aligned with the requirements of major end user associations and their recommendations for an open architecture to make production data easily and securely usable for plant and asset monitoring and optimization.

@FDTGroup @OPCFoundation #PAuto 

Network fosters integration in PLM, ERP and PLC as well as simulations.

At the turn of the year, Eplan started its Partner Network (EPN). It provides a framework for existing and new partnerships to jointly develop and market interfaces. The EPN partnership is based on common binding goals for enhancing and supporting interfaces. This commitment both increases customer benefits and enhances quality.

Sebastian Seitz

Eplan CEO Sebastian Seitz (right) explained: “Aside from using Eplan software, our customers also use a variety of other software applications from various manufacturers in the ERP, PLM, PLC and simulation environments to name just a few. The effective interaction of these various applications is especially important to them. As part of the EPN, we will therefore be focusing on joint development of integrations as well as quality assurance and support.”

Marco Litto

Asked about the motivation to found the new EPLAN Partner Network, the company’s Senior Vice President Strategy & Corporate Program Marco Litto replied: “The professionalisation of our network systematically increases the benefits for end users.” The goals are ambitious: “The connectors between our systems should be planned, developed, tested, supported and marketed with at least the same rigour and soundness that we are accustomed to with our own solutions. Together with our EPN partners, it will allow us to achieve a completely new level of customer focus.” Open interfaces and modern integrations will create a wide range of opportunities that users of the various software solutions will benefit from, not to mention the partner companies themselves.

Global key players of automation including Bosch Rexroth, B&R, Endress+Hauser, Festo, ifm electronic, Mitsubishi Electric, Phoenix Contact, Pilz, Rittal and Rockwell Automation are already taking part in the initiative. Software partners – for example configit, Contact Software, encoway, Gain, ISD, ISG, keytech, machineering, Procad, Quanos and SAE – are also participating in the new network. Both German and international companies are being approached to participate too, and Eplan is currently in talks with many of them. For instance, UDMTEK in Korea was the first Asian company to seal the membership deal – others are certain to follow.

Rockwell Automation/USA Vice President Global Business Development Tom O’Reilly said: "A digital thread of data within and across organizations is one of the key requirements to bringing the Connected Enter-prise to life. Together with Eplan, we support companies through their digital transformation by enabling data consistency, improving efficiency of engineering processes and shortening time-to-market."

Also Bosch Rexroth got involved right at the network’s start. The company’s Vice President of Sales Steffen Winkler explained, “Configuration of automation solutions and the dynamic provision of exact device data are essential with regards to Industry 4.0. The Bosch Rexroth ctrlX Configurator enables easy configuration of com-plete ctrlX AUTOMATION solutions. By directly integrat-ing our configurator into the Eplan Platform, users will receive all device data of the configured system topology including detailed product lists and CAD data at the touch of a button. This integration ensures full data consistency and reuse of product data throughout the entire digital design phase.”

In Korea, UDMTEK CEO Gi Nam Wang also has good reasons for joining: “We have decided to partner with Eplan through EPN to leverage our industry-leading offerings and combine them with Eplan’s best-in- class engineering platform. We are excited to partner with a world-class company as we embark on our next phase of growth and innovation."

Eplan is making it easy for users and companies alike. A partner area on the website provides particulars for companies involved in the Eplan Partner Network, information about integrations, contact persons and current news. 

In the era of the digital transformation, when cloud solutions are playing an increasingly crucial role, it’s becoming more and more important for providers to coordinate integrations across companies. As Seitz says, “With the EPN, we’re maximising the overall benefits of our own solutions and those of our partners in the ecosystem of industrial automation for shared customers. Together we’re creating a win-win situation for both customers and partners.”

@EPLAN_global #PAuto

MES partnership agreed.

Enlight Technology Co., Ltd. has partnered with Aegis to resell FactoryLogix® software in Taiwan, extending Enlight’s solution portfolio from its focus on design and PLM to manufacturing operations in both the factory office and the factory floor.

Dennis Su, General Manager of Enlight Technology Co. Ltd. stated, "We are very excited to include Aegis’ solution as part of our offering to our customers in Taiwan, with the leading-edge Industry 4.0 intelligent factory solutions they require to achieve higher productivity, quality, and faster time to value. With the PCBA design, DFM, and analysis solutions we presently offer, FactoryLogix serves as a natural complement to rapidly transform ECAD/CAD data into superior data preparation, intelligent documentation, and configurable build processes in the Digital Manufacturing Engineering (DME) solution module. Additionally, FactoryLogix MES further enables our customers to manage their manufacturing operations on a single platform and serves as an essential system alongside their ERP and PLM platforms.”   

Bob Miklosey, Managing Director Asia, of Aegis Software stated, “Aegis is fortunate to be working with Enlight, whose experienced team can introduce our powerful, best-in-class solution to manufacturers of all types throughout Taiwan. We look forward to making their customers’ factory operations more agile, responsive, smarter, and connected to humans and machines equally.” 

@FactoryLogix #ENLIGHT #Pauto #MES #Taiwan