PLCs, DCSs & Controllers


DCS for maximum plant efficiency and reliability

May 2026 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus DCS package release to enable modernisation and efficient performance for the process and power industries. This release supports upgrades for both existing installations and new deployments. It upgrades existing Harmony Rack-based systems without disruption or having to deploy the latest automation innovations for new projects. Online upgrades, enhanced OS and virtualisation support, powerful conversion tools, and a clear evolution path allow customers in industries such as power, water, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and pulp and paper to implement improvements at their own pace, ensuring continual reliability and minimal risk.

Symphony Plus delivers stronger communications performance and strengthens data integration across distributed operations. With system-wide OPC UA, ethernet backbone and support for smart field devices using the latest FDI technology, operators benefit from secure, standardised and interoperable connectivity, enabling connection of different devices and platforms.

The inclusion of Automation Extended functionality utilising separation of concerns architecture enables Symphony Plus customers to adopt advanced automation and digital technologies without disruption. By separating control and digital environments, customers can deploy system performance monitoring, advanced analytics and AI-based decision support applications, while maintaining the reliability and security of core control processes.

“SPR2025 advances our commitment to help customers modernize without disruption, at their own pace, while protecting their existing investments,” said Stefan Basenach, senior vice president, process automation technology, ABB. “With online upgrades and enhanced digital connectivity, this secure, scalable and future-ready release empowers customers to operate more efficiently today, while preparing for the next wave of industrial innovation.”

Key enhancements introduced in the SPR2025 release strengthen system performance, improve lifecycle efficiency and enable secure, future-ready operational environments. Major updates include:

• Version synchronisation and online upgrades for a more streamlined and predictable system-wide upgrade experience, reducing engineering effort and minimising operational disruption.

• Support for latest Microsoft operating systems and multiple virtualisation platforms enables multi OS deployment, simplifying lifecycle management across modern IT/OT environments and enhancing long-term sustainability.

• Enhanced OPC UA connectivity provides secure standards-based interoperability, ensuring seamless data exchange and readiness for evolving digital architectures.

• Advanced device management with Field Information Manager (FIM) accelerates device onboarding, improves diagnostics, and streamlines maintenance of instruments.

• Expanded system-wide connectivity enables the use of additional Virtual Plant Network interfaces to optimise communications and reduce the system footprint.

• Seamless evolution from Harmony Rack to SDe series, supported by powerful automated conversion tools, allows customers to preserve prior intellectual investment.

With these upgrades, SPR2025 delivers a more flexible, interoperable and secure control environment engineered to help industrial operators modernise without disruption, while meeting the demands of tomorrow’s automation.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Upgrading alarm systems for critical industries
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Omniflex’s OMNI16R alarm annunciator platform provides a direct replacement for legacy CSA systems such as MPAS 90 and SA9100, enabling operators in oil and gas, nuclear and power generation to modernise alarm infrastructure without sacrificing the clarity required for safe operations.

Read more...
How DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Schneider Electric argues that virtualising DCS environments breaks the cycle of hardware obsolescence, giving plant operators a smarter path to lifecycle modernisation without production disruption.

Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-6
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The Loop Signature series turns to frequency plot theory, explaining Bode open-loop plots and how dynamic gain, phase lag and crossover frequency can be extracted from test data to inform more accurate control loop tuning.

Read more...
Women shaping engineering at ABB
ABB South Africa News
Two ABB engineers share how curiosity, mentorship and an inclusive culture have shaped their careers, and what they see as the most exciting opportunities for women in engineering across Africa.

Read more...
PC-based control in surgery
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Researchers at the University of Basel are using Beckhoff PC-based control technology to develop a miniature laser robot for minimally invasive bone surgery.

Read more...
IIoT controller for the field and control cabinet
ifm - South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.

Read more...
How the DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Ageing servers and unsupported operating systems are quietly eroding the stability of process plants that rely on distributed control systems. Kobus Vermeulen of Schneider Electric explains how virtualising the DCS environment can break the hardware obsolescence cycle without disrupting operations.

Read more...
Centralised control rooms where growth is elastic, not physical
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised control rooms feature distributed control system architecture consolidated into centralised compute environments. replacing traditional PCs with thin clients.

Read more...
Advanced DCSs preserve what must not change while enabling
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Next-generation DCSs, such as Schneider Electric’s Foxboro, are preserving the best of the old while introducing the new in a less disruptive manner.

Read more...
Smart power solutions for a low-carbon future
ABB South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
As the world marked Earth Day 2026, ABB is highlighting the role of low-voltage smart power solutions in improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and enabling more sustainable infrastructure.

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