Software-Defined Distributed Control System for Process Industries

[Erkan Teskancan]

## Software-Defined Distributed Control System for Process Industries

Schneider Electric has announced EcoStruxure™ Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA), the industry's first open and software-defined distributed control system for process and hybrid industrial operations.

Distributed control systems have traditionally relied on tight integration of hardware and software. While this structure ensures high availability, it creates costs, limited compatibility, and the risk of outdated technology during upgrades. These limitations have become even more pronounced with digitalization, cybersecurity, and workforce challenges.

Schneider Electric, citing research conducted with Omdia, points out that closed automation systems cause medium-sized industrial enterprises to lose approximately 7.5% of their annual revenue due to disruptions, inefficiencies, and compliance costs. Consequently, the demand for open and modular automation architectures is rapidly increasing.

### Advantages of EcoStruxure Foxboro SDA

• The architecture, which separates software and hardware, allows for gradual functional improvements while preserving existing assets.
• Running on the EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform, based on the IEC 61499 standard, enables hardware-independent application deployment.
• The open architecture ensures full compatibility with third-party hardware and software, offering operational flexibility with vendor independence.
• The system facilitates integration with advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning applications.

### Cybersecurity and Compliance

Foxboro SDA has been developed with secure design principles in line with IEC 62443-3-3 standards. Cybersecurity is integrated as part of the system architecture, which supports the convergence of IT and OT while maintaining the integrity of the control system. It also simplifies compliance management from engineering to operations and maintenance phases.

### Operational and Lifecycle Impacts

SDA ensures data continuity in production and maintenance processes, supporting automated workflows, higher product quality, and real-time decision-making. It contributes to reducing capital and downtime costs by eliminating mandatory hardware refresh cycles. Furthermore, its predictive maintenance features lower operational costs and increase asset availability.

### Innovation for Hybrid and Process Industries

In chemical, energy, life sciences, and hybrid manufacturing sectors, Foxboro SDA represents a transition to control systems that can evolve in parallel with business and regulatory requirements. Its software-defined nature allows for gradual modernization, while preserving the reliable performance of Foxboro DCS.

In an era where industrial automation is evolving towards data-driven and open architectures, Foxboro SDA offers a solution that supports future digital strategies, delivering high performance and availability without compromise.