• ABB has introduced a software-as-a-service (SaaS) option for its energy optimization software ABB Ability™ OPTIMAX® 7.0 • Updated ABB Ability™ Advanced Process Control 7.0 software strengthens ABB’s real-time, closed-loop process optimization capabilities • OPTIMAX and Advanced Process Control, now powered by Kubernetes, are deployable on the edge, cloud or hybrid

ABB has launched a new software-as-a-service (SaaS) option for its energy management and optimization platform, ABB AbilityTM OPTIMAX® 7.0, alongside improved advanced process control software. This allows industrial and energy operators greater flexibility in how they deploy, scale and operate energy and process optimization software across complex plants and sites.

With the new SaaS option, ABB manages installation, deployment, system monitoring and software updates so operators can access OPTIMAX without being responsible for local installation and maintenance.

As well as SaaS enablement, OPTIMAX can now harness AI-driven forecasting capabilities that predict load demand, energy generation and energy pricing. These forecasts support more accurate and efficient energy planning, energy market interaction and enhance grid compliance. Further improving operational visibility and control, ABB's launch of its ABB Ability™ Advanced Process Control 7.0 (APC) strengthens its process optimization offering for real-time, closed-loop control applications.

OPTIMAX and APC are now powered by Kubernetes, a system for automating deployment, scaling and management of applications, to deliver flexibility, high availability, robust security, observability, and maintainability - whether deployed on the edge, cloud or hybrid.

Together, OPTIMAX and APC software are accessible through a shared digital environment, integrating securely with existing control systems and enabling continuous optimization without compromising plant safety or reliability. They implement coordinated optimization of energy and process, considering energy market prices and opportunities, utilizing shared data and unique user interface.

"By introducing greater deployment options and enhanced AI-enabled capabilities to our digital solutions, we aim to increase the efficiency gains our customers can make by using ABB's software," said Gino Hernandez, Head of Global Digital Business at ABB's Energy Industries division. "With our latest upgrades, ABB continues to lead the way toward autonomous operations."

ABB will share the latest developments in its energy and process optimization portfolio at the ARC Industry Forum, taking place February 9-12 in Orlando, Florida.

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun'. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB's shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

ABB's Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs - from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~26,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. go.abb/automation