Industrial automation is evolving as companies look for greater flexibility, stronger data integration, and more sustainable operations. In this context, open, software-defined automation is gaining traction as organizations explore new ways to build more adaptable and future-ready operations.
The need for greater interoperability and agility is rising rapidly. According to an Omdia study, many manufacturing enterprises operate automation systems from more than ten hardware vendors, while closed automation environments can generate an average of $11.28 million in hidden annual costs through inefficiencies, downtime, and reduced flexibility. As a result, interest in more open and flexible automation approaches continues to grow.
Turning that vision into reality at scale, however, remains a challenge. Beyond technology, successful deployment requires the right capabilities across design, integration, and deployment.
To help address this challenge, Schneider Electric has invested in its partner ecosystem, with a focus on strengthening execution capabilities around EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert™. This was the objective of the Automation Partner Accelerators, a series of in-person sessions delivered between February and June 2026. Over five months, the Accelerators reached more than 400 professionals from over 215 partner companies across nine countries, empowering participants with the tools and knowledge needed to accelerate the adoption of open, software-defined automation solutions.
From proprietary systems to open, software-defined architectures
Open, software-defined automation is the abstraction of hardware from software, with emphasis on open standards and interoperability. As an approach, open, software-defined automation minimizes vendor lock-in and fosters a more open and collaborative ecosystem.
This demand for greater flexibility and vendor independence is also reflected in conversations system integrators are having with their customers.
“We see our customers wanting to have software that they’re not tied into,” explained Tony Zhang from Grantek, a system integrator and member of the Schneider Electric Alliance Partner Program. “They don’t want to be locked into a certain vendor, so we want to be educated on what options are out there.”
This approach enables greater flexibility in system design and evolution, allowing organizations to adapt more easily to changing business and operational requirements. It also supports faster engineering and deployment cycles, helping reduce project timelines and accelerate time to value.
Additionally, modular architectures facilitate the integration of third-party technologies. This gives companies more freedom to leverage best-in-class solutions across their automation ecosystem. At the same time, improved access to and use of operational data helps organizations enhance visibility, optimize performance, and support data-driven decision-making.
EcoStruxure Automation Expert was designed to support this evolution by decoupling software from hardware, allowing automation applications to be deployed independently of specific control platforms.
At the same time, the success of such architectures depends on the ability to deliver them consistently in real projects. This places system integrators in a central role, as they bridge technology and operational implementation. By leveraging asset-centric engineering principles and reusable libraries, they can create applications that are easier to replicate, maintain, and scale. The result is twofold: helping customers accelerate future deployments while reducing repetitive engineering effort.
Building real-world execution capabilities
The Automation Partner Accelerators were developed as hands-on, in-person programs aimed at strengthening both technical and commercial capabilities.
During each session, participants worked on practical scenarios covering:
- System and architecture design
- Application development using reusable libraries
- Configuration and orchestration
- Testing, validation, and commissioning
This approach allowed system integrators to engage directly with the tools and methodologies required to deploy open, software-defined automation solutions.
In parallel, the program also addressed how to position these solutions with end-users. Topics included:
- Articulating the value of open, software-defined automation
- Aligning offers with evolving customer expectations
- Exploring more scalable and repeatable delivery models
By combining these elements, the accelerators aimed to support a more complete transition, from technical understanding to project execution.
Leading the transition to open automation
For system integrators, the shift toward open, software-defined automation is progressively reshaping market expectations.
End-users are increasingly looking for:
- Vendor-independent and future-ready architectures
- Greater data flow and integration allowing accurate decision-making
- Faster project execution
- Solutions that can evolve over time
- The ability to expand the talent pool by attracting engineers with software and IT expertise
By building expertise in EcoStruxure Automation Expert, system integrators can move toward more scalable and differentiated approaches, including reusable application development and reduced engineering effort across projects. These capabilities help system integrators differentiate their offerings and deliver measurable business outcomes for customers.
The Automation Partner Accelerators were designed to provide practical tools and structured learning to industrial automation partners eager to lead the way. System integrators trained through the Automation Partner Accelerators are now better equipped to bring these benefits into real projects, helping end-users turn architectural flexibility into operational performance.
This collaborative dynamic continues beyond the sessions themselves with the Schneider Electric Alliance Partner Program, and contribute to a more connected and capable industrial automation partner ecosystem.
Ready to be part of the transformation?
Open, software-defined automation is creating new opportunities for system integrators to stand out. By building expertise in this emerging automation model, partners can deliver greater flexibility, interoperability, and long-term value to their customers.
Through initiatives such as the Automation Partner Accelerators and the Alliance Partner Program, Schneider Electric continues to support system integrators and industrial companies in building the capabilities required for this next phase of automation.
If you are a system integrator looking to expand your capabilities and become part of the ecosystem, learn more about joining the Alliance Partner Program.
Looking for more flexible automation solutions for your operations? Go to our Partner Locator and filter results to find an EcoStruxure Automation Expert-trained system integrator in your area to bring the benefits of open automation to your operations.
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