I have noted ABB’s update to its automation systems—Automation Extended and the first product incorporating it, the 800xA. ABB’s challenge for the past 25 years has been modernizing the installed base it acquired. This new platform incorporates many of the latest technologies and standards.
The news in brief:
- Latest version of Symphony Plus distributed control system (DCS) release is built to help industries accelerate modernization without disruption
- Enables secure, standardized and interoperable connectivity with system-wide OPC UA, enhanced field device integration, and ethernet backbone
- Includes Automation Extended functionality, separating control and digital environments to empower innovation while maintaining core system reliability
This is the new product:
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus distributed control system (DCS) package release to enable modernization and efficient performance for the process and power industries. This release supports upgrades for both existing installations and new deployments.
SPR2025 helps modernize industrial operations quickly and efficiently, whether upgrading existing Harmony Rack-based systems without disruption, or deploying the latest automation innovations for new projects. Online upgrades, enhanced OS and virtualization support, powerful conversion tools, and a clear evolution path allow customers in industries such as power, water, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals and pulp & paper to implement improvements at their own pace, ensuring continual reliability and minimal risk.
ABB had explained in its earlier release that this can be described as “open” due to use of OPC UA.
Symphony Plus delivers stronger communications performance and strengthens data integration across distributed operations. With system-wide OPC UA, ethernet backbone, and support for smart field devices using the latest FDI technology, operators benefit from secure, standardized, and interoperable connectivity, enabling connection of different devices and platforms.
The benefit to users.
The inclusion of Automation Extended functionality utilizing separation of concerns architecture enables Symphony Plus customers to adopt advanced automation and digital technologies without disruption. By separating control and digital environments, customers can deploy system performance monitoring, advanced analytics, and AI-based decision support applications, while maintaining the reliability and security of core control processes.
Major updates include:
- Version synchronization and online upgrades for a more streamlined and predictable system-wide upgrade experience, reducing engineering effort and minimizing operational disruption.
- Support for latest Microsoft operating systems and multiple virtualization platforms enables multi‑OS deployment, simplifying lifecycle management across modern IT/OT environments and enhancing long-term sustainability.
- Enhanced OPC UA connectivity provides secure, standards‑based interoperability, ensuring seamless data exchange and readiness for evolving digital architectures.
- Advanced device management with Field Information Manager (FIM) accelerates device onboarding, improves diagnostics, and streamlines maintenance of instruments.
- Expanded system-wide connectivity enables the use of additional Virtual Plant Network Interfaces to optimize communications and reduce system footprint.
- Seamless evolution from Harmony Rack to SDe Series, supported by powerful automated conversion tools allow customers to preserve prior intellectual investment.
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