Software Defined Automation (SDA) has developed a factory automation solution that the startup describes as an Industrial-Control-as-a-Service offering (ICaaS). The solution centers on cloud-based management of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for various devices and systems. The goal is to break down proprietary silos in control technology stacks and enable a modern API-based microservices architecture. This way, processes in automated factories can become flexible and adaptable within minutes.
SDA’s pilot customers include Henkel, the manufacturer of Persil. Marcel Welz, Digital Engineer at Henkel Laundry & Home Care, explains:
“With the new system, we are able to increase our productivity in automation technology and securely manage both our machine suppliers’ codebase and our own PLC codebase through fine-grained control rules. The ability to run the PLC programming environment in any browser allows us to maximize our license usage and enables PLC programmers to access it from any device.”
Software Defined Automation “uniquely positioned”
Jon Rosenbaum, Managing Director at Insight Partners, says:
“Automation engineers have not received the same modern tools as traditional software developers. We believe there is a significant opportunity to increase productivity through cloud-based collaboration, and SDA’s state-of-the-art tools and proven customer successes make it clear that the company is something special. We believe that SDA’s team is uniquely positioned to solve this problem, and we look forward to working with them to make ICaaS available to more customers around the globe.”
Software Defined Automation was founded in the summer of 2021 by Josef Waltl and Axel Scheurer. The startup is headquartered in Garching and has an office in Boston. With the funds raised, the company plans to further develop its technology and expand its customer base.
