Fieldbus & Industrial Networking


Future-ready I/O to redefine connectivity

September 2025 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its state-of-the-art Modicon Edge I/O NTS product in the South African market. Replacing the Modicon STB distributed I/O system, the Edge I/O is the future-ready I/O that is designed to meet the evolving needs of industrial applications and redefine connectivity, data aggregation and operational efficiency for industries across the region.

Sbo Chili, product offer manager for HMIs and PLCs at Schneider Electric, explains that the product is the latest distributed IP20 I/O system, which provides customers with a wide variety of choices and can address the needs of various applications within a single I/O family.

Robust, next-generation solution

“The Edge I/O is designed with the future in mind, and this new offer allows customers to meet their current needs while preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow. This product stands out as a robust, next-generation solution, significantly improving upon its predecessor, the STB,” says Chili.

Built to deliver reliability and efficiency, Edge I/O delivers superior performance with the following advantages:

• Greater compatibility and flexibility: Unlike traditional Schneider-exclusive products, Edge I/O integrates seamlessly with select third-party systems, making it a versatile choice for various industrial applications.

• Cost-effective solution: Edge I/O is more affordable compared to its predecessor, offering businesses a high-performance option at a lower price point without compromising on quality.

• Optimised operational efficiency: With its advanced design, Edge I/O enables more flexible deployment, allowing industries to adapt faster to evolving operational demands.

• Minimised downtime and increased reliability: Built to reduce unplanned downtime, Edge I/O ensures smoother operations, minimising disruptions and costly shutdowns for industrial facilities.

Chili says that the Edge I/O product will serve key industries including food and beverage, mining and wastewater management, adding that Schneider Electric South Africa has structured its distribution strategy to prioritise technical expertise and seamless customer support, ensuring maximum value for its clients.

Distribution breakdown

In terms of the distribution breakdown, about 70% of the Edge I/O range will reach the market through system integrators. These specialised partners possess advanced programming knowledge and extensive training in Schneider PLCs, ensuring they can provide the necessary technical support for end users.

The remaining 30% will be split between distributors, end users (supported by system integrators where programming or technical expertise is required) and panel builders, where tailored solutions will enhance their operational capacity with Edge I/O’s robust capabilities.

Chili notes that this deliberate approach minimises technical support demands on Schneider Electric’s internal teams, as system integrators are equipped to handle programming and troubleshooting inquiries. “Edge I/O is not just a product, but a solution that equips our customers with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern industrial environments while preparing them for the future. With Edge I/O, we are enabling smarter, more connected operations that drive efficiency and innovation,” he concludes.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Advanced process control for the IRP
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
One of the main challenges in implementing South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan is ensuring grid stability while integrating renewable energy sources and balancing fluctuating energy demands. Advanced process control can play an important role.

Read more...
The reimagined building of today and tomorrow
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Retrofitting a building is a truly practical way of achieving energy efficiency, compliance and long-term competitiveness.

Read more...
PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding. This enables extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.

Read more...
Liquid cooling solutions for hyperscale data centre environments
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric has unveiled its world-leading portfolio of end-to-end liquid cooling solutions for hyperscale, colocation and high-density data centre environments, engineered to enable the AI factories of the future.

Read more...
AI and the smart factory
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Imagine walking into a factory where machines can think ahead, predict problems before they happen, and automatically make adjustments to realise peak performance. This isn’t science fiction; it’s happening right now as AI transforms how we run industrial operations.

Read more...
Operator training simulators – a living library for the restless generation
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Operator training simulators help organisations to onboard talent, preserve institutional knowledge and maintain safety in potentially hazardous environments.

Read more...
Water meet your digital twin
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Digital twins now serve as an important tool to modernise ageing water infrastructure.

Read more...
Revolutionising electrical infrastructure through digital innovation
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
In today’s rapidly evolving industrial and commercial landscapes, the integrity of electrical infrastructure has become a non-negotiable priority.

Read more...
Case History 200: The final case history – desuperheater control problem.
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For this final article I have chosen to relate a problem that existed in a desuperheater temperature control on a boiler in a petrochemical refinery.

Read more...
PC-based control technology in additive manufacturing
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
As an open control platform, PC-based control supports different engineering approaches, including low-code programming. The machine builder, Additive Industries uses this to create the code for the TwinCAT runtime of its 3D printers.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved