ABB’s cloud-based collaboration with Microsoft boosts project execution efficiency
Zurich, February 27, 2024 – ABB’s Cloud Engineering and Test Platform – which is part of the Adaptive Execution™ project management methodology – has doubled the number of projects utilizing cloud-based engineering in two years, boosting efficiency for customers.
In today’s world, it is essential to streamline project execution when taking on capital projects. ABB Adaptive Execution is a globally standardized approach for integrated main automation delivery with capability to provide a control system platform across the typical ABB scope of electrical, instrumentation, controls, telecommunication and digital (EICTD) solutions.
To ensure the success of such projects, a secure and robust cloud infrastructure is of paramount importance. Utilizing digital technologies alongside cloud infrastructure helps significantly reduce risks and achieve substantial cost savings and efficiency gains in capital projects.
Built on Microsoft Azure and rolled out in January 2022, the ABB Adaptive Execution Cloud Engineering and Test Platform (Adaptive CETP) provides secure remote engineering and testing capabilities for global process automation projects by utilizing cloud computing. Since its launch, ABB has installed hundreds of virtual machines for ABB Ability™ System 800xA® customers during the project execution phase, which enables increased automation project execution efficiency.
The Adaptive CETP infrastructure enables real-time collaboration for a distributed team. With the ability to access project resources from anywhere in the world, teams can work together seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. This allows more efficient working and helps deliver projects faster.
Cloud infrastructure delivers real benefits
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT (Information Technology) assets over the Internet. Instead of owning and maintaining physical data centers and servers, one can access computing and storage services from a cloud provider. The cloud service providers are responsible for all hardware and underlying virtualization software and provide high-bandwidth network connectivity to ensure rapid access to applications.
In the Microsoft Azure Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) model, Microsoft offers access to fundamental computing, network, and storage resources on demand over the public internet. Azure is built on a vast network of servers and regions, which helps to protect against failures and guarantees high reliability.
«Our cloud-based collaboration with ABB is making a tangible impact on customers worldwide, driving efficiency gains and spearheading digital transformation,» said Catrin Hinkel, CEO of Microsoft Switzerland. «The installation of cloud-based virtual machines on Azure not only empowers ABB to reduce capital costs by up to 40 percent but also ensures the consistent completion of Integrated Control & Safety System projects on schedule with quality. Microsoft’s cloud services play a crucial role in this technological evolution.”
Because of reliability and scalability, cloud computing provides several benefits, including cost savings derived from a reduced physical infrastructure footprint, scalability from being able to add more computing and storage to distribute the workload, and lower downtime because they are easy to move and are an excellent solution for backup if a host goes down unexpectedly.
The Adaptive CETP also saves travel costs by allowing remote access to applications and resources. This means ABB’s teams can work from anywhere in the world without the need for physical travel. The result is reduced expenses associated with travel and significant project cost savings for customers.
“Our Adaptive CETP infrastructure provides reliability with minimal downtime, enabling our systems to always be up and running, which reduces the risk of project delays,” said Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Energy Industries. “With everything hosted in the cloud, it removes the worry about managing and maintaining on-site hardware and software. Instead, we can focus on what we do best, designing, testing, and delivering high-quality products and services to customers.”
Another significant advantage of Adaptive CETP is its robust security measures and energy efficiency compared to traditional enterprise datacenters. With cyber threats increasing in frequency and sophistication, having a secure infrastructure is more critical than ever. It provides advanced security features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption and continuous monitoring.
«Moving away from many on-premises servers to Microsoft Azure-based Adaptive CETP brings in operational efficiency, equipment efficiency and infrastructure efficiency,” said Sri Srinivasan, Head of the ABB Adaptive Execution Center. “Hosting the ABB Ability 800xA engineering and testing platform in the cloud is the key to realizing productivity gains and reducing the carbon footprint associated with computing to support a more sustainable future.”
ABB Adaptive Execution is a project methodology covering design through to operations. It integrates expert teams, innovative technologies, agile processes, and shared learnings to help customers reduce capital costs by up to 40 percent while delivering projects ahead of schedule.
