Zurich, Switzerland – ABB, a global leader in industrial automation and electrification, announced the commercial availability of ABB Ability™ System 800xA® 6.2, the latest iteration of its award-winning distributed control system (DCS). Built on over 20 years of innovation, the new release delivers unprecedented connectivity, cybersecurity resilience, and operational agility, enabling customers to accelerate their digital transformation journeys while reducing complexity and costs. Complementing this launch, ABB also highlighted its recent deployment of System 800xA at bp’s Sangachal Terminal in Azerbaijan, a critical project supporting the facility’s electrification and grid stability goals.
Revolutionary Connectivity for Industry 4.0
System 800xA 6.2 introduces cutting-edge enhancements to address the evolving demands of network-centric automation. With native support for OPC UA and expanded integration of PROFINET devices, the system simplifies connectivity with intelligent field instruments and I/O solutions, reducing engineering time by up to 30% . The addition of Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (APL) compatibility further streamlines field device integration, allowing direct connection of APL-enabled sensors and actuators in hazardous areas without additional barriers, enhancing safety and scalability.
“Digital transformation is reshaping industries, and System 800xA 6.2 is designed to future-proof operations,” said Roy Tanner, Global Product Marketing Manager at ABB. “By embracing standards like OPC UA and Ethernet APL, we’re enabling seamless data flow from the edge to the cloud, empowering customers to leverage AI, predictive analytics, and remote collaboration tools with unmatched ease.”
Cybersecurity at the Core
In response to rising cyber threats, System 800xA 6.2 integrates multi-layered security measures to protect critical infrastructure. The system now includes enhanced role-based access control (RBAC), advanced threat detection via anomaly-based monitoring, and compliance with IEC 62443 and NERC CIP standards . ABB’s Automation Sentinel service ensures continuous vulnerability management through automated Windows updates and patch deployment, minimizing downtime and risks.
“Cybersecurity is non-negotiable in today’s industrial landscape,” added Tanner. “Our defense-in-depth approach, combined with third-party certifications like Achilles Communications Security Level 4, ensures that System 800xA remains a trusted platform for securing operations across industries.”
Customer Success: Enabling Sustainable Energy Transitions
ABB’s commitment to innovation is underscored by its recent collaboration with bp at the Sangachal Terminal in Azerbaijan. As part of a $120 million project, ABB is deploying System 800xA to interface with four synchronous condensers, replacing aging gas turbines and supporting the terminal’s electrification goals . The system will monitor grid stability, optimize reactive power flow, and enable real-time adjustments to accommodate renewable energy integration.
“ABB’s solutions are pivotal in modernizing energy infrastructure,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “By combining System 800xA with our synchronous condensers, we’re helping bp reduce carbon emissions while ensuring reliable power supply for one of the world’s largest oil and gas terminals.”
Flexible Orchestration for Dynamic Operations
The Orchestration Designer in System 800xA 6.2 has been reimagined to support modular automation, allowing plants to adapt to changing production demands without reengineering entire systems. This capability is critical for industries like chemicals and pharmaceuticals, where batch processes and product variants require agile control. For example, Swedish pulp manufacturer Södra Cell recently expanded its use of System 800xA with advanced process control (APC) modules, achieving a 15% reduction in chemical consumption and improved pulp quality at its Mörrum mill .
Scalable Digital Ecosystem
System 800xA 6.2 seamlessly integrates with ABB’s Ability™ Industrial Cloud Platform, enabling edge-to-cloud analytics and predictive maintenance. By aggregating data from multiple sites the platform delivers actionable insights to optimize energy efficiency and asset performance .
Market Leadership and Global Impact
With over 10,000 installed systems in 100+ countries , System 800xA remains the preferred DCS for industries ranging from oil and gas to power generation and water treatment. Its modular design, combined with ABB’s lifecycle services, ensures customers achieve lower total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to legacy systems. For instance, retrofitting older DCS platforms to System 800xA 6.2 can reduce hardware footprints by up to 50% while extending system longevity .