In an era of rapid technological advancement, the integration of software-defined automation (SDA) is transforming how controls engineers design and manage machinery in factories and plants, Machine Design reported.
SDA allows for the decoupling of hardware and software, enabling engineers to select the best-performing platform for their applications without being constrained by proprietary systems.
This shift supports the adoption of virtualization, where automation functions, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), can now run on various platforms, leading to cost savings, reduced downtime and greater operational flexibility. Engineers can streamline processes by consolidating PLCs, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and industrial PCs (IPCs) onto a single hardware platform, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
The adoption of digital twins further revolutionizes the design and optimization of industrial processes by allowing engineers to create virtual models of machines and processes. These models can be tested and validated in a virtual environment before physical implementation, reducing errors, time, and costs associated with traditional methods.
To learn more about the benefits to industrial automation solutions through SDA, read the full article from Machine Design, a Control Design partner publication.
