Actemium UK joins UniversalAutomation.Org to support open, vendor-independent automation

UniversalAutomation.org brings together IT and OT vendors, end users, system integrators, OEMs, startups, and universities to develop software-centric solutions for Industry 4.0, built on the international IEC 61499 standard for developing and deploying distributed industrial control and automation systems.

The IEC 61499 standard enables the separation of process control (software) from the physical devices (hardware), allowing automation applications to be designed independently of the underlying hardware. In turn, the applications can be moved and reused across different hardware platforms with minimal changes. This creates a plug-and-play environment similar to computer operating systems or mobile app stores, where software-based automation components can be deployed onto vendor-agnostic platforms.

Actemium UK’s membership in UniversalAutomation.org reflects the company’s commitment to delivering future-proof, customer-focused automation solutions. By understanding an open, vendor-independent approach, Actemium aims to support clients with their choice to benefit from greater flexibility, simplified engineering, and reduced dependency on proprietary systems.

Rob Shaw, Perimeter Director at Actemium UK, said: “As experts in industrial processes, we work with all major automation manufacturers to deliver vendor-agnostic solutions for our customers across the food & beverage, water, oil & gas, nuclear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and many other industrial sectors.

“Adopting the UniversalAutomation.org approach could bring significant advantages to every sector, including faster engineering, easier system modifications, and access to a broader ecosystem of innovative automation solutions.

“Beyond that, we believe it offers an alternative pathway to the future of automation software development and ease of integration when dealing with the myriad hardware systems that now exist. We look forward to working with the members of UniversalAutomation.org as we enter the next phase in our industry’s development.”

Actemium UK is part of the global Actemium network, which operates in over 40 countries and is a part of VINCI Energies. With six automation business units across nine locations the UK from Hampshire to Glasgow, it has a team of about 200 experienced engineers and project managers delivering industrial automation solutions to leading brands and national critical infrastructure applications.