Software Defined Automation (SDA) has developed a factory automation solution that the startup calls Industrial Control as a Service (ICaaS) offering The solution focuses on cloud-based management of the programmable logic controllers (PLCs) of various devices and systems. The goal is to break down proprietary silos in control technology stacks and thus enable an API-based, modern microservices architecture. This should make processes in automated factories flexible and adaptable in minutes.
SDA’s pilot customers include Persil manufacturer Henkel. Marcel Welz, Digital Engineer at Henkel Laundry & Home Care, explains:
"With the new system, we are able to increase our automation productivity and securely manage both our machine suppliers' code base and our own PLC code base through fine-grained control rules. The ability to run the PLC programming environment in any browser allows us to maximize the use of our licenses and allows PLC programmers to access it from any device."
Software Defined Automation “uniquely positioned”
Jon Rosenbaum, Managing Director at Insight Partners, says:
"Automation engineers haven't been given the same modern tools as traditional software developers. We believe there's a huge opportunity to increase productivity through cloud-based collaboration, and SDA's cutting-edge tools and proven customer success make it clear that the company is something special. We believe the SDA 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. Startup is headquartered in Garching, Germany, and has an office in Boston. With the funding raised, the company plans to further develop its technology and expand its customer base.
