Industrial automation is moving toward increasingly open and software-driven architectures as manufacturers look for ways to modernize legacy control systems without interrupting production.

On June 23, 2026, Schneider Electric announced its Industrial Automation Modernization as a Service offering, developed with HPE infrastructure technology. The solution combines EcoStruxure Automation Expert with HPE SimpliVity hybrid cloud infrastructure and is designed to support incremental modernization alongside existing PLC and DCS systems.

The announcement addresses a major challenge facing industrial facilities: many factories and process plants still depend on automation systems that were installed years or even decades ago. Replacing an entire control system can require significant capital investment, engineering resources and production downtime. For critical industrial processes, a complete “rip-and-replace” approach may therefore be difficult to justify.

Schneider Electric’s approach focuses instead on gradual modernization. Existing PLC and DCS investments can continue operating while new software-defined automation capabilities are introduced incrementally. This architecture is intended to help industrial organizations improve automation capabilities without immediately replacing every piece of control hardware.

The technology also reflects the growing convergence between operational technology and information technology. Traditional automation systems were designed primarily for deterministic control, while modern industrial environments increasingly require data analytics, centralized management, cybersecurity and integration with digital applications.

Software-defined automation can help separate automation software from specific hardware platforms. This concept may give industrial operators greater flexibility when planning future control architectures and upgrading automation infrastructure.

Another important factor is the growing role of industrial AI. Modern factories are increasingly expected to collect operational data and use advanced analytics to improve energy consumption, predictive maintenance, production quality and process efficiency. A flexible automation architecture can provide a foundation for connecting control systems with these higher-level applications.

For PLC and DCS engineers, the shift does not mean that traditional controllers are becoming irrelevant. Instead, PLCs, DCS controllers, remote I/O, field instruments and industrial networks continue to provide the real-time control foundation. The difference is that these systems are increasingly expected to operate as part of a broader digital architecture.

Schneider Electric also highlighted open standards and IEC 61499 as part of its software-defined automation strategy. The objective is to create automation architectures that can evolve as computing, networking and industrial software technologies change.

For industrial companies with large installed automation bases, this approach could become increasingly relevant. Modernization does not always have to mean replacing an entire PLC or DCS platform at once. Instead, companies can prioritize high-value areas, introduce new software capabilities and gradually update their automation architecture.

The latest development demonstrates a broader industry trend toward open, flexible and software-defined industrial automation. As factories and process plants continue their digital transformation, the ability to modernize control systems while maintaining production continuity will remain a key requirement for automation engineers and system integrators worldwide.