ABB’s latest Symphony Plus DCS release adds automation extended functionality

(ABB release) — 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 and gas, pharmaceuticals and pulp and 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.