Schneider Electric has unveiled EcoStruxure Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA), described as the industry’s first open and software-defined distributed control system. The new platform is designed to help hybrid and process industries modernize operations while reducing risk and preserving existing investments.
Foxboro SDA separates software from hardware, allowing greater flexibility and vendor independence while maintaining the reliability expected from traditional DCS systems. This approach enables faster upgrades, simplified compliance and reduced downtime compared to closed control systems. According to Schneider Electric research with Omdia, closed systems can cost mid-sized industrial companies 7.5% of annual revenue due to inefficiencies and outages.
Built on secure-by-design principles, Foxboro SDA complies with IEC 62443-3-3 standards and supports IT and OT convergence. It is designed to integrate advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning while supporting real-time control and high availability. The system is powered by EcoStruxure Automation Expert and ensures digital continuity across the plant lifecycle from design to maintenance.
By enabling predictive maintenance, streamlined deployment and fit-for-purpose configurations, Foxboro SDA aims to lower both capital and operating costs while providing a future-ready path for industrial automation.
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