Schneider Electric and SAP Partner to Accelerate Industrial IoT System Adoption
ERP giant SAP and industrial automation company Schneider Electric announced on Tuesday that they will expand their cooperation in the field of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and digital transformation, focusing on sustainable infrastructure and ease of deployment. This collaboration aims to simplify the implementation and management of complex IoT systems for businesses of all sizes.
The two companies plan to create preconfigured deployment options for IIoT customers, so any company looking for field service management tools that use augmented reality can simply select and use the partnership’s preset hardware and software configurations. Technology integration for shop floor operations using digital twins for lifecycle management is also planned. This approach will streamline the integration of various components within an IoT system, making it easier for businesses to connect their devices and data.
Preconfigured Solutions for Streamlined Industrial IoT System Implementation
The idea is to simplify and speed up the deployment of so-called Industry 4.0 applications – systems that link IT such as ERP software with operational technologies used in manufacturing processes, the companies said in a joint press release. While potential customers are interested in Industry 4.0, many of them view design and deployment as headaches, which slows the spread of new technologies. This partnership directly addresses those concerns by offering readily available, pre-tested solutions that minimize the complexity of implementing an IoT system.
“Our companies are aligned on the importance of collaboration, innovation and open standards to make integrated information and operational technology solutions easy to use for our mutual customers,” Peter Maier, president of industry and customer consulting at SAP, said in a statement. This commitment to open standards ensures that the resulting IoT systems will be compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms.
Sustainability was also mentioned in the press release, with the companies saying they plan future products to help companies with energy management. This focus on energy management highlights the potential of IoT systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste in industrial operations.
However, the fact remains that Industry 4.0 is still very much in its infancy, which means the new agreement between Schneider and SAP is as much a matter of blending cultures as it is of creating new solutions, says Marcia Walker, research director for IoT at IDC express.
“Effectively integrating the cultures of two companies is just as challenging as integrating the cultures of the IT and OT people,” she said. “I see huge potential for Schneider Electric’s industrial and energy-centric perspective to complement SAP’s ERP-centric heritage.” Schneider Electric has proven their ability to integrate cultural change into technology development, as evidenced by the establishment of Schneider Electric University Got this.
Addressing Cybersecurity Risks in Industrial Automation
Additionally, the drive for new industrial technologies comes with its own dangers, said Katell Thielemann, vice president and analyst at Gartner Research. Any time technology is added to existing production systems, it creates cybersecurity risks, she said.
“Industrial production systems are filled with cyber-physical systems that need to be protected in unprecedented ways, and the announcement is conspicuously silent on this front,” Thielemann said.
Schneider Electric’s Strategic Vision: Beyond Technology
The partnership between SAP and Schneider Electric is more than just a technology alliance; it’s a strategic initiative that puts Schneider Electric at the forefront of the evolving industrial landscape. By focusing on ease of deployment and sustainability, Schneider Electric is addressing key pain points for organizations seeking to embrace Industry 4.0. Its balance of technological innovation with human capital development and a strong focus on safety is what sets Schneider Electric apart.
Schneider Electric’s long-standing expertise in energy management and automation provides a solid foundation for this partnership. Their deep understanding of industrial processes, combined with SAP’s powerful ERP solutions, creates a synergy that can bring significant value to customers. As a key result of this collaboration, the pre-configured solution will significantly reduce the time and resources required for organizations to implement IIoT solutions, making them more accessible to a wider range of companies.
The Future of IIoT: A Collaborative Ecosystem for Secure IoT Systems
Looking ahead, the success of IIoT will depend on creating a collaborative ecosystem in which technology providers, industrial companies and cybersecurity experts work together to create secure, sustainable and user-friendly solutions. Schneider Electric’s partnership with SAP is an important step in this direction, demonstrating the power of collaboration to drive innovation and accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption.
As Industry 4.0 continues to evolve, Schneider Electric is well-positioned to play a leading role in providing organizations with the tools and expertise they need to thrive in the digital age. Not only that, but its focus on open standards and interoperability aspects enables organizations to seamlessly integrate disparate systems and technologies. This helps create a more open and collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation and accelerates IIoT adoption across industries, leading to more efficient and effective IoT systems. The future of industrial automation lies in the ability to connect devices, analyze data, and optimize processes in real-time, and IoT systems are the key to unlocking that potential.