Full Report
Software-Defined Automation blends IT agility with industrial strength–boosting flexibility, speed and efficiency at the edge. It’s the future of automation, redefined by code, not cables.
Analysis Summary
# Main Topic
The emergence and definition of Software-Defined Automation (SDA) as a transformative force in industrial operations, blending IT agility characteristics (scalability, flexibility, code-based configuration) with industrial strength, specifically leveraging Industrial Edge computing environments.
## Key Points
- **Core Concept:** SDA redefines industrial automation by replacing hardware-centric reliance with code-defined, adaptable solutions, facilitating IT/OT convergence.
- **Benefits:** Enhanced scalability, flexibility via modular software components, and proactive maintenance through the adoption of IT management methodologies (e.g., continuous integration, remote access).
- **Industrial Edge Implementation:** Deploying SDA on Industrial Edge infrastructure allows for converged functionality (running control, HMI, data analysis on the same platform) and centralized IT-like management across machines and factories.
- **Virtualization Success:** The implementation of virtualized components, such as the world’s first TÜV-certified, failsafe virtual PLC (SIMATIC S7-1500V F), demonstrates the feasibility of running critical automation on IT-based infrastructure.
- **Engineering Process Shift:** Adoption of software development methods (object-oriented, document-based programming) to streamline engineering processes within automation.
## Threat Actors
- No specific malicious threat actors, campaigns, or adversarial TTPs related to exploiting SDA were detailed in the provided context.
- The text primarily focuses on technological adoption rather than cyber threats.
## TTPs
- The focus is on defensive/development TTPs derived from IT practices:
- Leveraging software development methods like object-oriented and document-based programming for modularization.
- Employing IT-like update and management mechanisms for centralized orchestration.
## Affected Systems
- **Concepts/Areas:** Industrial Automation (OT), Information Technology (IT).
- **Specific Technologies Mentioned:**
- Industrial Edge (Siemens)
- Virtual PLCs (e.g., SIMATIC S7-1500V F, virtualized SIMATIC S7-1500V F).
- Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) concept.
- **Victims/Case Study:** Car manufacturer Audi, specifically at their Böllinger Höfe factory in Neckarsulm, Germany, in realizing their "360factory" vision.
## Mitigations
- The transition to SDA requires addressing security considerations inherent in IT integration (though specifics were cut off, the need for security guidance was noted).
- **Recommended Posture:** Organizations are advised to proactively adopt and adapt to these changes to stay at the forefront of innovation.
- **Vendor Solutions:** Utilizing proven portfolios that combine existing concepts (like TIA) with SDA capabilities to enhance scalability and adaptability.
## Conclusion
Software-Defined Automation represents a pivotal paradigm shift towards agility and efficiency in industrial automation by integrating IT practices. While the provided context highlights significant technological advancements (like virtual PLCs) and implementation benefits realized by organizations like Audi, it currently lacks explicit threat intelligence regarding adversarial activity targeting these new SDA environments. Organizations must focus on securing this convergence to realize the benefits safely.