ABB Enhances Factory Automation with AI & SaaS Software Solutions

ABB has launched a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) delivery model for its industrial energy optimization suite, including the latest versions of ABB Ability™ OPTIMAX® 7.0 and Advanced Process Control (APC) 7.0, according to a company announcement today.

The move represents a significant shift in how heavy industry manages power, providing operators with increased agility in volatile energy markets while maintaining production performance. The SaaS model allows companies to outsource software maintenance to ABB, eliminating the need for local installations and security patches. Deployment options include cloud, edge, or hybrid infrastructure, catering to facilities with limited on-site IT resources.

Version 7.0 of the APC software features strengthened real-time, closed-loop control capabilities, and integrates artificial intelligence to predict load demands and energy price fluctuations. These forecasts enable factories to adjust consumption based on market trends, improving grid compliance and lowering energy costs. ABB’s Genix™ Industrial IoT & AI Suite underpins these advancements, redefining industrial operations through AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics.

OPTIMAX and APC have been rebuilt on a Kubernetes foundation to ensure high availability and robust security. This containerized approach automates the scaling and management of applications across the enterprise, and facilitates secure integration with existing Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). ABB manages installation, deployment, system monitoring, and software updates with the new SaaS option.

The expanded digital portfolio, delivered via ABB Ability™ Marketplace, provides modernization and strategic benefits alongside immediate measurable improvements in energy efficiency. ABB’s Industrial SaaS offering delivers sophisticated analytics driven by advances in AI and increasing data points.