Schneider Electric and HPE Offer New Path to Industrial Modernization

A New Era of Industrial Automation in ASEAN Factories are the backbone of Southeast Asia's economy, and as the region continues to grow, so does the need for modern, efficient, and resilient industrial operations. Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation, has partnered with HPE to launch a groundbreaking service: **Industrial Automation Modernization as a Service**. This new offering is designed to help factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia modernize their automation systems without the need for large-scale, disruptive overhauls. The solution combines Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert (EAE) with HPE SimpliVity hybrid cloud infrastructure, providing a flexible and resilient foundation for software-defined automation. For many factories in ASEAN, the challenge of modernizing aging control systems while maintaining operational continuity is a significant one. Traditional approaches often require a complete replacement of existing systems, which can be costly and time-consuming. The new service from Schneider Electric and HPE addresses this by enabling incremental modernization, allowing factories to preserve their current investments and adopt open, software-defined automation at their own pace. This approach not only reduces the financial burden but also minimizes operational risks. In countries like Thailand and Vietnam, where the manufacturing sector is rapidly expanding, the ability to modernize incrementally is particularly valuable. It allows factories to stay competitive by adopting the latest technologies without the need for massive upfront investments. Similarly, in Indonesia and Malaysia, where there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, the new service can help factories achieve these goals through AI-driven optimization, which has been shown to reduce energy consumption by up to 40% in intensive operations. The combined solution is being showcased at Automate 2026 in Chicago, highlighting its global relevance and potential impact. For ASEAN factories, the key benefits include: - **CapEx to OpEx Conversion**: Convert unpredictable capital expenditures into stable, consumption-based operational expenses. - **Scalability Without Increased Headcount**: Standardize automation across all sites from a single platform, with 70% of industrial companies already planning to virtualize automation by 2030. - **Faster Time to Value**: Get to market 50% faster and cut commissioning time by up to 60% through templated, repeatable deployments. - **Enhanced Security and Energy Performance**: Unified cloud governance enforces consistent OT cybersecurity policy across all sites, while AI-driven optimization can significantly reduce energy consumption. - **No Rip-and-Replace**: Adopt new technologies incrementally alongside existing PLC and DCS systems, preserving prior capital investment. The partnership between Schneider Electric and HPE represents a significant step forward in the industrial automation landscape. By leveraging open standards and hybrid cloud infrastructure, they are providing a more flexible and cost-effective way for ASEAN factories to modernize. As the region continues to grow, this service will be a valuable tool for factories looking to stay competitive and sustainable. **Takeaway for Factory Buyers**: The new Industrial Automation Modernization as a Service from Schneider Electric and HPE offers a practical and cost-effective way to modernize your factory's automation systems. By adopting this service, you can stay ahead of the curve, improve operational efficiency, and achieve long-term sustainability without the need for large-scale, disruptive changes. Consider this innovative solution as a strategic move to future-proof your operations and drive continuous improvement.