ABB launches Automation Sentinel for control system software management

ABB’s new Automation Sentinel software management service is designed to help companies actively manage and extend the lifecycle of their ABB automation system by keeping existing control systems updated with the latest software technology as well as providing an affordable evolution path to ABB’s next generation control system, Extended Automation (System 800xA).

Automation Sentinel is a key part of ABB’s ‘Evolution for life’ programme. It provides software lifecycle maintenance, service and upgrading support for process automation systems extending their lifetimes and introducing the latest software technologies.

Sentinel enables customers to take advantage of extended support for their existing ABB control system software – helping to control operating costs and maintain the value of their current investment – while establishing a flexible forward path so that they can apply the latest system software technology at a pace that suits their needs and their budgets.

Automation Sentinel subscribers will have access to all the latest software and firmware updates and enhancements to their current control system software. In addition, they have a choice on how long they stay with a particular version – upgrading or not – giving them greater flexibility to apply newer technologies when it is most suitable for their business and applications. This degree of choice and length of support is unprecedented in the automation industry.

ABB also provides optional Software Management Services to select and install software changes, virus proptection updates and Microsoft hot fixes for those who do not want to undertake these tasks themselves.

Customers subscribing to Automation Sentinel in 2007 will be offered software license upgrades to ABB’s latest control system solution, System 800xA. This offer means that older control systems can be upgraded to include all the latest features in one, or several, low risk steps and for a much lower cost than would be otherwise possible. It also avoids old systems becoming obsolete as well as the need for major new software investment.

System 800xA Extended Automation is the next generation offering for all ABB control systems. It scores over traditional control systems by including all automation functions in a single operating and engineering environment so that platforms and other plants/mills can run smarter and better at substantial cost savings.

Upgrade when ready or necessary

Feedback from the market shows that while software lifecycle-support is important to companies, many are not in a position to upgrade every time a new release is made available. For this reason ABB has designed Automation Sentinel so customers can choose the level of support and the upgrade schedule that best suits their immediate business needs and long-term production targets.

“We have introduced our new software management services and extended our software lifecycle support policy in response to customers’ requests for more flexible and focused software lifecycle support,” says Mike Crawford, Managing Director of ABB Automation Service in the UK.

“Our goal is to help companies improve their operational performance while getting as much from their existing investment as possible,” he adds.
Within the Automation Sentinel scheme customers can obtain comprehensive technical and online support. They can also create a planned evolution path to give earlier versions of control system software the functionality of the vary latest generation. This enables customers to choose the route and speed of their upgrading in line with their capital budget and long-term growth plans.

The most customer-friendly solution

“Automation Sentinel Program is evidence of our continuing commitment to help our customers get the most value out of their current ABB control system investment. It protects their past, present, and future automation investments,” says Mike Crawford. “It is the most affordable way for ABB customers to evolve current software to enjoy the productivity benefits of the latest System 800xA operating environment.”

Automation Sentinel is the latest step in ABB’s ‘Evolution’ philosophy designed to help customers get the most value from their current ABB control system investment by introducing new technology in a way that allows step-wise incorporation into previous generation systems, providing a considerably more cost-effective upgrade approach than a migration or ‘rip and replace’ strategy.

Comprehensive control system

System 800xA extends well beyond traditional process control to include areas such as production management, safety, smart instrumentation, smart drives and motor control, information management, asset optimization, simulation, and documentation. System 800xA’s unique engineering environment manages one set of consistent data, for single-point entry, single-point change, and re-use across the plant.

Contact for further information:
Arlene Smith, Marketing Manager for ABB's UK automation service business can be contacted at – arlene.smith@gb.abb.com – tel 01224 592123.