ABB, a global technology leader, is urging companies to adopt advanced solutions to enhance operational efficiency and bridge the digital divide. Recognizing the potential for breakthroughs in energy management, process safety, knowledge transfer, and process performance, ABB has launched a global initiative titled "Digital Empowerment, Breaking Boundaries." This initiative aims to guide process industries on their digital transformation journey, leveraging ABB's extensive experience in sectors such as pulp and paper, mining, steel and non-ferrous metals, and cement.
Expertise Across Diverse Industries
To support this initiative, ABB has assembled a multidisciplinary team of experts spanning five major fields. These experts provide tailored advice to industries, helping them navigate the complexities of digital transformation. Despite the challenges posed by factors such as production volumes, operational locations, energy consumption, and thermochemical processes, ABB believes that digital solutions can significantly accelerate the decarbonization process in high-emission industries. According to the World Economic Forum, digital technologies have the potential to reduce emissions by up to 20%, aligning with the International Energy Agency's 2050 net-zero goals.
Decades of Collaboration and Innovation
For decades, ABB has been a trusted partner for process industry users, deploying advanced process control (APC), energy management systems (EMS), and manufacturing execution systems (MES). These digital solutions have evolved from basic toolkits to sophisticated, industry-specific versions with dedicated tools and databases. ABB recognizes that companies are at different stages of their digital journey, ranging from beginners (first-time adopters of digital technologies) to pioneers (testing new advanced solutions) and expanders (scaling up to higher levels of digital maturity).
Addressing the Digital Gap in Process Industries
Despite the potential benefits, the adoption of advanced digital technologies in process industries remains limited. Sanjit Shewale, Global Head of Digital Business for ABB's Process Industries, notes that customers face significant challenges in validating and scaling solutions to drive transformative change. However, with the increasing rate of workforce turnover, there is a pressing need to use technology to preserve institutional knowledge. ABB is committed to co-creating solutions that unlock new potential, enabling companies to make informed investment decisions and achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, sustainability, and safety.
Integrating Cutting-Edge Technologies
ABB is actively collaborating with global technology partners to integrate capabilities like generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) into its ABB Ability™ industrial software suite. This integration aims to improve data collection, uncover hidden insights within operational data, and deliver significant gains in efficiency and productivity. ABB has also established extensive industry alliances to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions and help companies meet their net-zero emission targets. One example is the use of cloud-based software integrated with ABB systems for real-time data transmission.
Conclusion: ABB's Commitment to a Digital Future
ABB's "Digital Empowerment, Breaking Boundaries" initiative underscores the company's dedication to guiding process industries through their digital transformation. By leveraging its expertise, innovative technologies, and strategic partnerships, ABB is helping companies optimize their operations, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability goals. As industries face the challenges of decarbonization and digitalization, ABB stands as a reliable partner, offering solutions that drive efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility.
