- Latest version of Symphony® Plus distributed control system (DCS) release is built to help industries accelerate modernization without disruption
- Enables secure, standardized and interoperable connectivity with system-wide OPC UA, enhanced field device integration, and ethernet backbone
- Includes Automation Extended functionality, separating control and digital environments to empower innovation while maintaining core system reliability
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony® Plus distributed control system (DCS) package release to enable modernization and efficient performance for the process and power industries. This release supports upgrades for both existing installations and new deployments.
SPR2025 helps modernize industrial operations quickly and efficiently, whether upgrading existing Harmony Rack-based systems without disruption, or deploying the latest automation innovations for new projects. Online upgrades, enhanced OS and virtualization support, powerful conversion tools, and a clear evolution path allow customers in industries such as power, water, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals and pulp & paper to implement improvements at their own pace, ensuring continual reliability and minimal risk.
Symphony® Plus delivers stronger communications performance and strengthens data integration across distributed operations. With system-wide OPC UA, ethernet backbone, and support for smart field devices using the latest FDI technology, operators benefit from secure, standardized, and interoperable connectivity, enabling connection of different devices and platforms.
The inclusion of Automation Extended functionality utilizing separation of concerns architecture enables Symphony® Plus customers to adopt advanced automation and digital technologies without disruption. By separating control and digital environments, customers can deploy system performance monitoring, advanced analytics, and AI-based decision support applications, while maintaining the reliability and security of core control processes.
“SPR2025 advances our commitment to help customers modernize without disruption, at their own pace, while protecting their existing investments,” said Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President, Process Automation Technology, ABB. “With online upgrades and enhanced digital connectivity, this secure, scalable and future-ready release empowers customers to operate more efficiently today, while preparing for the next wave of industrial innovation.”
Key enhancements introduced in the SPR2025 release strengthen system performance, improve lifecycle efficiency, and enable secure, future-ready operational environments. Major updates include:
- Version synchronization and online upgrades for a more streamlined and predictable system-wide upgrade experience, reducing engineering effort and minimizing operational disruption.
- Support for latest Microsoft operating systems and multiple virtualization platforms enables multi‑OS deployment, simplifying lifecycle management across modern IT/OT environments and enhancing long-term sustainability.
- Enhanced OPC UA connectivity provides secure, standards‑based interoperability, ensuring seamless data exchange and readiness for evolving digital architectures.
- Advanced device management with Field Information Manager (FIM) accelerates device onboarding, improves diagnostics, and streamlines maintenance of instruments.
- Expanded system-wide connectivity enables the use of additional Virtual Plant Network Interfaces to optimize communications and reduce system footprint.
- Seamless evolution from Harmony Rack to SDe Series, supported by powerful automated conversion tools allow customers to preserve prior intellectual investment.
With these upgrades, SPR2025 delivers a more flexible, interoperable and secure control environment engineered to help industrial operators modernize without disruption, while meeting the demands of tomorrow’s automation.
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
