7.4.2025

Towards software-based automation

Automation Infrastructure and digitalization News Smart City Smart Mobility

Automaatioinsinööri työskentelee ohjelmistopohjaisen automaation parissa.

For decades, industrial automation systems have been built on closed, vendor-specific solutions. These systems have been designed to be stable and long-lasting, but at the same time, they are often rigid, difficult to update, and expensive to modify. As a result, organizations have had to compromise on business flexibility in order to avoid major changes in their automation environments.

Now, the situation is changing. Industry is collecting more and more data, and leveraging it requires a new kind of approach. One where automation is no longer tied to individual devices or programming languages, but instead controlled through software-based, open, and scalable platforms.

IEC 61499 and software-based automation open up new opportunities

The IEC 61499 standard aims to provide a solution to these challenges: its hardware-independent and modular approach enables interoperability between systems from different vendors and reduces vendor lock-in. IEC 61499 brings to industrial automation the same principles that have long been used in the IT world: component-based design, distributed execution logic, and scalability. These make it possible to build systems that adapt quickly to changing needs and enable more efficient use of data.

“IEC 61499 brings to industrial automation the same principles that have long been used in the IT world: component-based design, distributed execution logic, and scalability.”

At Nodeon, we have leveraged the capabilities of the IEC 61499 standard in practice through Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform and have witnessed its potential to create flexible, data-driven solutions for our customers.

Renewal requires a new way of thinking

Although the technology is already highly advanced, its large-scale adoption may involve challenges. The long investment cycles in industry, compatibility issues with existing systems, and skill gaps can affect the timeline of the transition. Additionally, the change requires a new way of thinking from both technology providers and users alike: moving away from closed systems towards open, hardware-independent, and software-based solutions.

Ohjelmistopohjainen automaatio avaa uusia mahdollisuuksia laitteistoriippumattomiin ratkaisuihin.

At Nodeon, we recognize these challenges but also see them as opportunities. We are actively involved in developing solutions that support this transition, whether it’s system integration, data utilization, or designing next-generation automation architectures.

The future is built at the edge — and through collaboration

Edge computing, cloud-based analytics, and open software standards are key building blocks of future automation. When devices can communicate directly with each other and respond locally, an intelligent system emerges that leverages the capabilities of automation more efficiently and broadly.

“We are actively involved in developing solutions that support this transition, whether it’s system integration, data utilization, or designing next-generation automation architectures.”

At the same time, collaboration between different stakeholders — such as IT and OT developers, system integrators, and end users — is more important than ever. Only together can we build open and scalable solutions that meet the needs of the future.

Nodeon is ready for the era of software-based automation

We are committed to staying at the forefront of technological development. We develop solutions by leveraging the capabilities of software-based automation and IEC 61499, meeting today’s demands while also shaping the opportunities of tomorrow.

Learn more about our automation planning and design services