Emerson Updates Ovation Automation Platform to Modernize Plant Operations

The newly released Ovation 4.0 Automation Platform is based on Emerson’s Boundless Automation vision, representing a next-generation industrial automation architecture. The vision aims to create a unified software ecosystem integrating intelligent field devices, edge computing, and cloud technologies. This approach enables seamless data flow and accessibility, improving analytics, innovation, and performance.

Emerson’s Ovation 4.0 Automation Platform has been updated to help modernize plant operations in the power and water industries. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock 

Ovation 4.0 Automation Platform

The grid edge ecosystem of Emerson’s Ovation 4.0 Automation Platform assists power and water operators in managing energy sources such as wind farms, solar panels, and battery storage. This is achieved through advanced controllers that process data quickly and locally. As a result, operators can access detailed real-time information about their energy network, enabling them to balance supply and demand more efficiently. By bringing data closer to the operators, Ovation 4.0 makes monitoring and controlling distributed energy resources easier, ultimately improving the overall performance and reliability of the entire energy grid.

According to Emerson’s power and water business president, Bob Yeager, Ovation 4.0 will enable companies to modernize their power and water plants. “Ovation 4.0 offers a single automation platform with real-time data, enabling customers to keep pace with rapidly changing markets, providing the insights they need to work smarter, better, and faster.”

Ovation 4.0 functions as a complete technology ecosystem designed to meet customers’ unique operational and maintenance needs. Image used courtesy of Emerson

A Comprehensive Technology Ecosystem

Ovation 4.0 is designed to provide an infrastructure that can adapt to changing market demands and portfolio adjustments, ensuring long-term viability and adaptability. It offers increased flexibility through scalable, custom designs tailored to meet specific needs. This reduces operational complexity by eliminating data silos and promoting simplistic communication across the value chain. The system also enhances situational awareness by providing a comprehensive view of operations driven by data insights that optimize performance. 

With cloud-enabled capabilities, users can develop and test control strategies in a secure, risk-free environment. Additionally, AI-driven guidance equips the workforce with predictive and prescriptive insights, guiding decision-making processes. 

Emerson strongly emphasizes comprehensive support to ensure safe, consistent, cost-effective operation. They offer expert lifecycle services and robust cybersecurity solutions incorporating a defense-in-depth strategy for secure deployment.

Emerson has incorporated advanced AI capabilities in its Ovation 4.0 software. Image courtesy of Emerson

Boundless Automation With AI

AI brings with it the capability to swiftly analyze large volumes of data, enabling the early detection of problems and the ability to address unexpected issues by considering numerous variables simultaneously. This empowers teams to operate more efficiently and supports decision-making by analyzing historical data and real-time information. Although AI tools are still in development, integrating them into business operations at this stage can provide Emerson with a distinct competitive advantage. Preparing for this transition involves establishing the appropriate infrastructure and drawing insights from practical examples to fully harness AI's potential in automation.