SUSE Just Acquired Losant
SUSE announced on February 19 that it has acquired Losant, an Industrial Internet of Things platform, to expand its edge portfolio into operational execution at the “Tiny Edge.” The deal includes plans to open‑source Losant’s technology and feed it into the Margo open‑industrial‑automation initiative. The combined offering promises device orchestration, real‑time data management, visual workflow engines and AI‑driven automation built on open standards. Industry observers see the move as a leadership signal for reliability professionals seeking vendor‑agnostic edge solutions.
Datadobi Announces Early Access Program for Data Access Review
Datadobi has launched an Early Access Program for Data Access Review, a new permissions‑intelligence capability for its StorageMAP platform. The feature adds visibility into who can access unstructured data, helping organizations spot excessive, outdated, or inappropriate rights. Selected current StorageMAP...
Writing As Thinking
The author reflects on the resurgence of plagiarism fears as AI large‑language models begin to produce essays and press releases. By sharing a personal anecdote about duplicated university papers and a recent experiment using Claude to draft a smart‑manufacturing article,...
Survey Notes Most Companies Lack Customer Feedback
The Interact Analysis survey of over 200 global executives reveals that most companies still lack a formal, structured customer‑feedback program. Only 30% of respondents have a fully developed system, and those are primarily large firms with revenues above $1 billion. Smaller...
Foxboro Control System Updated Information
Schneider Electric introduced Foxboro SDA, a software‑defined distributed control system that decouples control software from hardware. The open architecture offers vendor independence, scalability, and seamless integration with legacy plants. Built on IEC 62443‑3‑3 standards, it delivers cyber‑secure, AI‑ready operations while lowering...
Problems With Legacy DCS
Legacy distributed control systems (DCS) are reaching end‑of‑life, leaving plant operators without vendor‑supported upgrades. ABB and Schneider Electric have announced migration toolkits, but the announcements lack concrete technical detail. Industry experts, including John Rezabek, are urging the adoption of Open...
Catching Up With Tom Burke and His Inductive Automation Pivot
Inductive Automation has appointed Tom Burke, former OPC Foundation leader, as Technology Evangelist. Burke’s background includes roles at Mitsubishi and the CC Link Partners Association, positioning him to champion lightweight messaging standards like MQTT and Sparkplug within Inductive’s platform. The...
Manufacturing Industry Forecast 2.9% Growth in 2026 As Asia Leads The Way
Interact Analysis projects global manufacturing output to grow 2.9% in 2026, up from 2.0% in 2025, with an average annual rate of 3.1% through 2030. Asia emerges as the strongest region, delivering 3.2% growth and a $30.1 trillion output, while India...
Mitsubishi Electric US Announces Structural Reorganization in the US
On February 5, 2026, Mitsubishi Electric US announced a structural reorganization that consolidates Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. (MEAU) and Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America’s (MEAA) operations under Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. (MEUS). The automation business becomes the Industrial Automation Division of...
ABB Automation Extended
ABB announced its Automation Extended program, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems that lets customers modernize without interrupting operations. The initiative builds on the long‑standing ABB Ability System 800xA platform, now released as version 7.0 with a separation‑of‑concerns...
Simplifying Complex Systems
Two major automation vendors, ABB and Schneider Electric’s Foxboro unit, announced distinct strategies for upgrading existing process control systems. ABB leverages its extensive installed base to offer a comprehensive modernization pathway, while Schneider emphasizes a modular, open architecture aimed at...
