Schneider Electric Unveils the Industry's First Open, Software‑Defined Distributed Control System (DCS) to Power Flexible, Future‑Ready Industrial Automation

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Schneider Electric (SBGSF) on Feb 9, 2026 launched EcoStruxure Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA), described as the industry's first open, software‑defined distributed control system (DCS).

Foxboro SDA decouples software from hardware, supports IEC 62443 cybersecurity, enables IT/OT convergence, and aims to reduce CapEx and OpEx while preserving Foxboro reliability.

• EcoStruxure™ Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA) delivers openness, embedded cybersecurity, and real-time intelligence, modernizing operations without compromise

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, today announced EcoStruxure™ Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA), the industry's first open, software‑defined Distributed Control System (DCS). This breakthrough combines the trusted reliability of Foxboro with the agility of open, software‑defined automation, helping hybrid and process industry customers modernize faster, reduce risk, and ensure their operations are future-ready.

For decades, Foxboro DCS has served as the "brain" of industrial operations, enabling real-time control and coordination of complex processes. But today's landscape demands more – greater agility, fewer costly upgrades, and simplified compliance. EcoStruxure™ Foxboro SDA delivers exactly that: flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency without sacrificing reliability.

The importance of open industrial systems was highlighted in Schneider Electric's recent global research report with Omdia, which uncovered closed systems cost mid-sized industrial companies 7.5% of revenue through downtime, inefficiencies, and compliance retrofits every year.

"EcoStruxure™ Foxboro SDA marks a defining moment for industrial automation," said Hany Fouda, Senior Vice President, Process Automation, Schneider Electric. "By embracing openness and software-defined architecture, we're giving our customers the agility to modernize without compromise, protecting their investments while unlocking future-ready capabilities. This evolution is a strategic enabler for digital transformation, and Schneider Electric is proud to lead it."

Developed by listening to real customer challenges; aging systems, rising costs, and the need to do more with less, Foxboro SDA decouples hardware from software to protect existing investments and enable a smooth, lower-risk modernization path. The result is simpler workflows, faster insights, and sustainable performance gains.

Key Features

• Open, Software-Defined Architecture: Foxboro SDA decouples software from hardware to deliver vendor independence and interoperability, enabling flexible, scalable architectures that simplify
• Cybersecure & Future-Ready: Foxboro SDA is built with secure-by-design principles and IEC 62443-3-3 compliance, delivering a future-ready platform that enables IT/OT convergence, AI/ML integration, and autonomous operations for Industry 4.0 and energy transition.
• Simplify Operations & Reduce Costs: Customers can lower CapEx and OpEx, streamline deployment with intuitive tools, and minimizes downtime by avoiding obsolescence and enabling predictive maintenance.

As the first software-defined distributed control system, Foxboro SDA is a validated, software-defined automation architecture for distributed control systems powered by EcoStruxure Automation Expert (EAE). It enables interoperability, rapid deployment, and fit-for-purpose configurations while maintaining high availability. The system ensures digital continuity by keeping data connected and consistent throughout the plant lifecycle—from design to production to maintenance. This enables automated workflows, better product quality, and easy integration with analytics for smarter, real-time business decisions.

Customers benefit from a future-ready upgrade path, built-in cybersecurity, and simplified operations that support IT/OT convergence and advanced technologies like AI and machine learning. Foxboro SDA provides our customers with a control solution that is unbound by hardware, engineered for agility and empowered by data. It's more than a system - Foxboro SDA is a strategic enabler for digital transformation.

"The launch of EcoStruxure™ Foxboro SDA marks a major milestone in the evolution of process automation," said Craig Resnick, Vice President at ARC Advisory Group. "By decoupling control logic from hardware, Schneider Electric is providing manufacturers with the agility to scale, adapt, and simplify their operations. This software defined approach helps to reduce maintenance costs, protect legacy automation investments, and ensure digital continuity throughout the entire plant lifecycle. With cybersecurity built into its core, and a commitment to open, interoperable standards, Foxboro SDA enables manufacturers to modernize at their own pace, accelerate IT and OT convergence, and increase their adoption of next generation technologies, such as AI, edge computing, and autonomous operations."

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory. With 160,000 employees and 1 million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world's most sustainable companies.

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FAQ

What is EcoStruxure Foxboro SDA announced by Schneider Electric (SBGSF) on Feb 9, 2026?

EcoStruxure Foxboro SDA is the industry's first open, software-defined distributed control system offering vendor independence and scalability. According to Schneider Electric, it decouples software from hardware, enables interoperability, and maintains Foxboro reliability while supporting IT/OT convergence and AI/ML integration.

How does Foxboro SDA (SBGSF) reduce modernization risk for existing industrial plants?

Foxboro SDA reduces modernization risk by separating control software from legacy hardware to protect prior investments and avoid obsolescence. According to Schneider Electric, this approach enables smoother upgrades, predictive maintenance, and continuity of plant data across design, production, and maintenance lifecycles.

What cybersecurity standards and protections does Schneider Electric cite for Foxboro SDA (SBGSF)?

Foxboro SDA is built with secure-by-design principles and cites IEC 62443-3-3 compliance for industrial cybersecurity readiness. According to Schneider Electric, the platform embeds cybersecurity to support safe IT/OT convergence and to enable secure integration of AI, edge computing, and autonomous operations.

Will Foxboro SDA (SBGSF) lower costs for customers and how, according to Schneider Electric?

Schneider Electric says Foxboro SDA can lower CapEx and OpEx by simplifying deployment, avoiding hardware obsolescence, and enabling predictive maintenance. According to Schneider Electric, streamlined tools and software-defined architecture aim to shorten deployment times and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

What operational benefits does EcoStruxure Foxboro SDA (SBGSF) claim to deliver for manufacturers?

Foxboro SDA claims faster insights, automated workflows, and maintained high availability to improve product quality and decision-making. According to Schneider Electric, digital continuity keeps data consistent across the plant lifecycle and facilitates analytics-driven real-time business decisions.