Baden, Switzerland, May 7, 2007 – ABB announced today that it has stepped up its capacity to fill the increasing automation industry need for standardized, configurable Collaborative Production Management (CPM) solutions with a dedicated business unit. ABB's CPM Operations business will provide customers in industries worldwide with these solutions and related project execution services. The ongoing consolidation in the process industries has created a strong demand for the standardization of Collaborative Production Management (CPM) or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) among many companies. The market for these systems is strong; manufacturers are increasingly investing in this space to raise their global and local competitiveness.
The focus is shifting from point solutions to more comprehensive solutions based on international standards such as ISA-95 (IEC/ISO 62264). Customers throughout the process industries are looking to companies like ABB to provide these solutions. In response to this customer demand, ABB's CPM Operations business increases focus on delivering these solutions; it is structured around ABB's established industry-focused Centers of Excellence and supported by common processes and a common technology. Headquartered in Baden, Switzerland and led by Rauli Hantikainen, the CPM Operations business will leverage strong local development and project execution capabilities in the United States, Europe and Asia.
"This new business focus underscores ABB's commitment to providing our customers with the products, expertise and services they need to successfully address their current and future manufacturing challenges," said Rauli Hantikainen,Vice President, CPM Operations, ABB. "With ABB's existing software skills, strong industry know-how and comprehensive product portfolio, the CPM Operations business will be in a strong position to lead this important industry transformation." The CPM Operations business continues to sell and support ABB's current solutions portfolio under existing brand labels, while simultaneously expanding the product portfolio based on integration with a common platform and identified cross-industry synergies.
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 109,000 people.
