ABB launched July 2 its Do More with Digital program, a global campaign highlighting opportunities for the process industries to realize their full potential with digital transformation. By using its ties in the pulp and paper, mining, metals and cement industries, ABB plans to equip these sectors with advanced, industry-specific solutions, drive their digitalization, and allow them to accelerate adoption sooner.
While these industries use generative artificial intelligence (gen AI), data analytics, machine learning (ML), and cloud and edge computing, they’re also considered hard-to-abate due to their production volumes, location of operations, energy and heat chemistry, and other factors. However, the World Economic Forum (WEF) reports that digitalization can accelerate net-zero in high-emissions industries, and deliver up to 20% of the total reduction that the International Energy Agency says is needed by 2050. ABB is using its experience with previous energy transitions, its recent record in industrial software development, and its 140 years of heritage across multiple industries to guide customers about digitalization.
ABB has worked with clients across the process industries for decades, supporting their deployment of digital solutions such as advanced process control (APC), energy management systems (EMS), and manufacturing execution systems (MES). These evolved from original packages to become variations used for distinct industries with their own tools and libraries, and remain the foundation for advanced technology progression. Customers recognize they’re at different stages of digitalization, which often include starters (embedding digital for the first time), stallers (piloting an advanced solution, often with a start-up) or scalers (moving to the next level, perhaps with a technology company). ABB is working across this ecosystem to jointly design and develop new solutions for current and future needs.
“Adoption of advanced digital technologies is still much slower than might be expected in the process industries,” says Sanjit Shewale, global business line manager for digital at ABB Process Industries. “Customers are facing new challenges in proving and scaling up solutions that will drive real, transformative change. However, there are opportunities for all parties to use technologies to retain knowledge of processes in their business as people retire or move on in shorter timeframes than was typical in the past. Through co-creation, there’s the chance to show more and do more for positive investment decisions that quickly result in unprecedented levels of energy management, efficiency, sustainability, safety and service.”
In addition, ABB is working with fellow global technology companies to integrate Gen AI capabilities into ABB Ability industrial software, supporting companies to improve data collection, unlock insights in operational data, and enable gains in efficiency and productivity. Partnerships also exist for accelerating adoption of digital solutions to help industries meet their net-zero emission goals. One such example is real-time data transmission using cloud-based software integrated with ABB systems.
To achieve these goals, ABB’s team embraces five key pillars: operational excellence, process performance, asset performance, sustainability, connected workforce and embedded cybersecurity. ABB considers this framework when advising industries that need to keep up the rapid pace of innovation, optimize efficiency, minimize energy waste, and reduce costs.
