Software-based machines ‘will define the factory of the future’
31 January 2025 
At the recent SPS exhibition in Germany, SEW-Eurodrive used a software-defined machine model to showcase it vision of the future of digital transformation. The company has collaborated with Germany’s Software Defined Automation and Italy’s Clevertech to develop a secure, Web-based tool that, it says, will “revolutionise” the orchestration and distribution of OT (operational technology) software from different suppliers.
Called DriveOperations, the tool integrates controllers and components, and simplifies software supply, management and support. The IDEaaS tools run in the cloud, without needing downloads or local installation. There’s less need for costly on-site services, cutting the costs of project planning, start-up, operation and maintenance.
With DriveOperations, users will always have access to the correct software version for configuring and adapting their industrial automation installations. Secure remote access makes it possible to initiate backups and adjust the system safely, as well as making it easy to restore. If the cloud connection is lost, the system can be restored from a local backup. DriveOperations provides those responsible for production with transparency about the current status of all their controllers. Third parties can also be given temporary, monitored access.
The concept also makes it possible for packaging industry operators, such as Clevertech, to offer scalable packaging systems, regardless of proprietary PLCs. SEW says this will boost the efficiency of machinery throughout its service life. It adds that the future of automation will be shaped by intelligent algorithms and the use of AI, and that DriveOperations paves the way for software-defined virtual factories.
