ABB’s latest distributed control system release helps accelerate digital transformation in process automation
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, FEBRUARY 7, 2023 (ABB release) — ABB has launched its latest release of ABB Ability Symphony Plus distributed control system (DCS) to further support digital transformation for power generation and water industries. With more than 40 years’ experience of total plant automation, the latest version of Symphony Plus will further support customers’ digital journey through a simplified and secure OPC UA1 connection to the Edge and Cloud, without interfering with core control and automation functionalities.
The new Symphony Plus delivers customers access to digital solutions, such as fleet asset management enabled by ABB Ability Genix Asset Performance Management. It also enables users to access process and alarm data from mobile devices through the ABB Mobile Operations application, allowing them to stay updated to react faster, reduce downtime, and save costs.
Critical data can now be viewed anywhere, anytime, thanks to HTML5 web-based operation and engineering tools, promoting collaboration, improving plant uptime and performance. Flexible field device management has also been enabled with ABB’s Field Information Manager (FIM)[2], making the configuration, commissioning, diagnostics, and maintenance of fieldbus instruments quicker and easier.
“In developing the latest release of Symphony Plus, our focus has been on creating innovative technology that gives customers access to an extended range of digital applications,” said Joerg Schubert, Head of Product & Portfolio Management, Process Automation Systems, ABB. “Our ultimate goal is to help society and industry achieve a more productive, sustainable future through safe, secure and seamless operations.”
A newly added SD Series e-Class process controller offers a low-risk, low-disruption retrofit solution for traditional Harmony Rack (HR) installations. It brings increased speed, higher capacity, and more functionality to HR systems. In doing so it delivers innovation with continuity, enabling plant-wide digitalization while minimizing impact on process operations and system infrastructure.
1 The OPC Unified Architecture (UA), is a cross-platform, open-source, IEC62541 standard for data exchange from sensors to cloud applications developed by the OPC Foundation.
2 ABB Field Information Manager is a device management tool that fully embraces the Field Device Integration (FDI) Common Host Components.
ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, and marine offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations.
