New version of software-centric industrial automation system drives “Industries of the Future”.
Schneider Electric has launched version 21.2 of EcoStruxure Automation Expert, further enhancing the capabilities of its software-centric universal automation system. Following previous success with its implementation across the consumer-packaged goods and logistics sectors, the new release will focus on helping futureproof water and wastewater plant operations.
Water and wastewater plants that implement EcoStruxure Automation Expert will now have complete lifecycle management, integration of IT/OT services and improved system diagnostics for their automation systems. The solution also enables close integration with the AVEVA portfolio, further extending capabilities and options to add or modify as future needs arise.
EcoStruxure Automation Expert v21.2 is the next in an ongoing series of updates and enhancements that Schneider Electric delivers to the market at least twice a year. The company has also showcased this and other innovations for the water and wastewater industries at the 2021 Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference in Chicago from 16-20 Oct 2021.
David Lee, water and wastewater segment leader for Schneider Electric, commented: “As the water and wastewater industry prepares for significant investments in modernisation and growth, they will need to incorporate new digital tools to properly manage their operations and gain the greatest efficiencies moving forward. By incorporating EcoStruxure Automation Expert, operators will gain greater control of their systems and reduce operating costs, while simplifying future maintenance needs.”
With US$2.25 trillion dedicated to infrastructure spending in the proposed American Jobs Plan, the water and wastewater industries expect to see an increase in investment in the coming years. Schneider Electric stressed this is the time to make significant enhancements and progress in the sector by embracing universal automation to drive the next level of sustainable water operations.
Futureproof flexibility
With a lifespan of 25-35 years, water and wastewater plants typically remain with one automation provider throughout their entire project lifecycle, leaving them with outdated and rigid operations. Introducing EcoStruxure Automation Expert allows the automation software to be separated from the hardware, providing freedom for water and wastewater enterprises to minimise their dependency on proprietary hardware suppliers.
EcoStruxure Automation provides a single platform that evolves with time for water and wastewater subsegments including treatment infrastructures, network infrastructures and water resources.
Technology transforming industries of the future
New enhancements in EcoStruxure Automation Expert v21.2 include:
- Enhanced lifecycle management: From designing and building water and wastewater plants to improving operation and maintenance, EcoStruxure Automation Expert offers connection to engineering software – including AVEVA – so new designs or changes to existing ones can be validated virtually prior to implementation, both reducing errors and saving time and money. This asset centric approach allows for automatic deployment of process elements, enabling process assets to be managed digitally across their entire lifecycle.
- Improved device integration and out-of-the-box application libraries: A continued drive for open, universal automation platforms had led to a streamlined licence model and the introduction of a native visualisation solution with EcoStruxure Automation Expert HMI now available on cost effective local panels.
- Complete digital solution from end point to the cloud: An integration of IT/OT systems improve security and longevity, while ensuring users have a solution that will evolve over time.
