Strategies for Leading in Today’s Industrial Automation Landscape

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Strategies for Leading in Today’s Industrial Automation Landscape

This year at Hannover Messe, Barbara Frei, Executive VP of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric, shared valuable insights into how the company has maintained its leadership in the industrial technology sector, mainly focusing on industrial automation. This discussion revealed the strategic approaches and forward-thinking initiatives that have positioned Schneider Electric at the forefront of the industry.

Key Strategies for Industry Leadership

Barbara highlighted three main elements that have been crucial to Schneider Electric’s success:

  1. Aveva Industrial Software Portfolio: Schneider has emphasized its capabilities in the “operate, maintain, and optimize” areas through its extensive Aveva software portfolio, which plays a significant role in enhancing industrial operations.
  2. Open Automation: The introduction of EcoStruxure Automation Expert marks a significant shift in automation practices, promoting a more open and flexible approach that diverges from traditional methods.
  3. Domain Expertise: Schneider Electric’s focus on specific industries, such as life sciences, was showcased at the event, demonstrating their comprehensive understanding and capability across various segments of the value chain.

The Aveva Acquisition Journey

Barbara elaborated on Schneider Electric’s strategic acquisitions, particularly of Aveva and OSIsoft, which have significantly bolstered their software solutions, turning Schneider into a powerhouse with over a billion in software business revenue. These acquisitions have enabled Schneider to enhance its software offerings substantially, integrating them into its broader EcoStruxure platform to provide more comprehensive solutions to its clients.

Sustainability and Smart Technology Integration

Schneider Electric promotes sustainability through its offerings and practices within its operations. With initiatives to make its factories smarter and more energy-efficient, Schneider serves as a model for other companies aiming to enhance their sustainability practices. It provides both consulting and solutions that help optimize energy use and operational efficiency, contributing to more sustainable manufacturing processes.

Culture of Innovation and Change

Schneider Electric’s company culture is deeply committed to sustainability and innovation, attracting many young professionals eager to contribute to meaningful projects. Their long-standing commitment to these values is reflected in their regular sustainability reporting and continuous improvement in business development and digital transformation services.

Why Watch This Video?

Manufacturers and industry professionals should watch this interview to gain insights into:

  • Successful Integration of Technology and Sustainability: Understanding how Schneider Electric integrates these elements can provide a blueprint for other companies looking to enhance their operational sustainability and efficiency.
  • Strategic Acquisitions and Innovations: Learning from Schneider’s strategic decisions in acquiring key companies and technologies could inspire similar moves for growth and expansion in related industries.
  • Cultural Transformation: The emphasis on creating a culture that embraces change and drives technological adoption is crucial for any business looking to remain competitive in today’s fast-evolving industrial landscape.

This video serves as a resource for anyone interested in the intersection of industrial automation, software innovation, and sustainability practices within large-scale manufacturing and technology sectors.

The interview was recorded by Lucian Fogoros from IIoT World during Hannover Messe 2024. This summary was created based on the video transcript with the assistance of https://chat.openai.com. It was edited by the IIoT World team.

Sponsored by Schneider Electric.