Global industries are being urged to embrace automation in order to reduce their carbon footprint by a senior executive at Schneider Electric. Barbara Frei, Executive Vice President, Industrial Automation, emphasized the importance of automation and digitization for achieving efficiencies and improving throughput in industrial operations. She stated that modern processing involves real-time monitoring and decision-making, aided by technology, to create a more sustainable and efficient manufacturing environment.
Frei highlighted the significance of connecting process efficiencies with lowering carbon emissions in the manufacturing and industrial sector. She mentioned that the adoption of the open automation international standard IEC 61499 by Schneider Electric has allowed for hardware and software independence, enabling companies to upgrade and optimize specific aspects of their manufacturing infrastructure. This phased automation and digitization approach helps industries better control their processes and make informed decisions based on data.
Schneider Electric is actively marketing its hybrid plant distributed control system (DCS) and automation software under the EcoStruxure product suite in preparation for the low-carbon future. The company has also shifted from a perpetual to a subscription sales model for its energy management and automation software, following a trend seen in the IT industry. Frei acknowledged that the subscription model is being adopted by competitors as well, but believes that Schneider Electric’s open automation approach and diverse software brands give them a competitive edge in the market.
By working closely with customers and providing engineering, technological, and automation consulting services, Schneider Electric aims to develop solutions tailored to the unique needs of different industries. Frei emphasized the company’s ability to offer end-to-end solutions for designing, building, operating, and maintaining facilities across various sectors. She highlighted the exciting advancements in digitization and automation within the manufacturing and industrial space, noting the rapid evolution of these technologies over the past two decades.
Frei concluded the interview by expressing her excitement about the growing adoption of digitization and automation as a starting point for many industries. She believes that the current era presents numerous opportunities for engineers and professionals in the automation sector to innovate and create sustainable solutions for the future. Schneider Electric’s commitment to driving automation and digitization in global industries reflects a broader industry trend towards embracing technology to improve efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance overall performance.
