Jakarta, INTI - ABB has introduced a phased approach to industrial digital transformation that can be implemented without disrupting ongoing operations. Through its Automation Extended program and the launch of the latest ABB Ability™ System 800xA® 7.0 control system, the global electrification and automation technology company is providing a structured, low-risk modernization pathway for industrial players.
The approach is designed to help companies upgrade their distributed control systems (DCS) while maintaining production continuity. Industries can continue leveraging their existing installed systems while gradually adopting advanced technologies such as analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), depending on their level of readiness.
Industrial sectors today are facing increasingly complex pressures, ranging from market volatility and cybersecurity threats to regulatory demands and shifting workforce dynamics. Automation Extended was developed to address these challenges through innovations that can be rapidly deployed without halting production processes.
Peter Terwiesch, President of ABB’s Automation Business Area, said during a media gathering in Jakarta,Wednesday, February 25, 2026, “Across the industries we serve, many of which operate large-scale and complex infrastructure, industrial players require modernization that does not disrupt operations. Automation Extended brings future capabilities into systems they already know and trust, with security and interoperability as the core foundations.”
Separation Architecture and Open Ecosystem
Operators can continue using established platforms such as ABB Ability™ System 800xA®, ABB Ability™ Symphony® Plus, and ABB Freelance. The modernization process follows a structured roadmap that preserves core system integrity while unlocking improvements in efficiency, flexibility, and operational performance.
The approach is built on a separation-of-concerns architecture that distinguishes the control environment from the digital environment. The primary control system remains stable and precise, while the digital layer enables real-time analytics, edge intelligence, and the application of AI and machine learning to support decision-making without affecting mission-critical operations.
The automation ecosystem is developed using open and modular standards to ensure interoperability and scalability across industries, from power generation to oil and gas. Integration of technologies such as Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and cloud-native architecture enables proactive anomaly detection, continuous asset condition monitoring, and optimized maintenance strategies.
System 800xA 7.0 and Long-Term Support Strategy
As part of its long-term modernization roadmap, the company also launched ABB Ability™ System 800xA® version 7.0 under a Long Term Support (LTS) model. The system provides a stable upgrade pathway for both legacy installations and new projects, offering broad compatibility with the latest operating systems and enhanced virtualization support.
Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of ABB Automation Technology, stated,
“System 800xA 7.0 marks an important step in delivering innovation while maintaining continuity. This version provides a robust platform for today and opens the pathway to Automation Extended functionality, enabling customers to gradually adopt next-generation digital technologies without disruption.”
The latest release also introduces modular delivery through Extension Packs, strengthened cybersecurity aligned with IEC 62443 standards, and enhanced system connectivity and interoperability. These improvements help industrial players reduce operational risks while lowering total technology lifecycle costs.
Automation Extended and System 800xA 7.0 are designed to accelerate the transition toward smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable industrial operations. The flexible modernization pathway provides companies with the confidence to innovate without compromising operational reliability or readiness for increasingly autonomous systems.
Conclusion
ABB’s phased modernization strategy demonstrates that industrial digital transformation does not have to come with operational disruption. By combining system continuity, cybersecurity, and scalable digital integration, the company positions itself as a key enabler of resilient and future-ready industrial operations.
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