COPA-DATA advances Software-defined Automation with zenon 16

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Version 16 of the zenon software platform from COPA-DATA introduces new capabilities designed to address current and future challenges in the automation of industrial production and power grids, marking another milestone on the path towards Software-defined Automation (SDA).

zenon 16 adds enhanced functions for modular automation, cybersecurity, web-based operation, interoperability and engineering efficiency. The latest version is designed to help industrial companies and power grid operators make automation systems more flexible, secure and efficient while adapting to changing production requirements, regulatory demands and technological developments.

The release comes as industrial automation environments become increasingly connected and software-driven. Manufacturers and infrastructure operators are looking for open systems that can evolve with changing requirements while continuing to support existing investments in automation technology.

“With zenon 16, the software platform reaches the next important milestone on the path toward Software-Defined Automation (SDA). New functions such as biometric authentication and expanded Linux support are driving the platform’s further development. This enables our customers to master today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s requirements”, says Lukas Punzenberger, Director Product Management, COPA-DATA.

Supporting modular production

A key focus of zenon 16 is modular automation, with support for the Module Type Package (MTP) 2.0 standard providing a framework for implementing modular production concepts.

COPA-DATA has also introduced new zenon Process Libraries for Rockwell and Mitsubishi PLCs, available through the zenon Engineering Store. The libraries are intended to simplify implementation of modular plant concepts while reducing engineering effort and potential sources of error.

Engineering capabilities within the Orchestration Studio have also been expanded. New Excel-based import and export functions allow project information to be transferred more easily, while complete MTP files can be created automatically from an OpenDCS project.

These capabilities are designed to accelerate engineering changes and make project versions easier to share between internal teams, customers and partners. They can also support greater reuse of existing plant configurations and reduce the engineering effort associated with adapting automation systems.

Cybersecurity integrated into automation

As industrial production and critical infrastructure become more connected, cybersecurity is increasingly becoming an integral part of automation system design. zenon 16 introduces additional functions focused on secure authentication, user activity tracking and security-related event monitoring.

For the first time, the platform supports biometric authentication methods based on the FIDO2 standard. This allows users to authenticate using methods including biometric wearables, reducing reliance on conventional passwords while supporting secure access to automation systems.

Further security functions have been added to zenon IIoT Services. These include a central Notification Service, an enhanced Audit Journal and improvements to the Identity Service.

Together, these capabilities provide greater visibility of security-related events and user activities while helping industrial organisations support compliance requirements for critical production environments.

Expanding web-based automation

zenon 16 also expands the capabilities available through its Web Visualization Service, bringing functions that were previously available only through the Service Engine into the web-based environment.

These include eSignature functionality, display of PFC (Procedure Function Chart) recipes for batch production and the ability to use zenon Logic on the client. Additional visualisation and operating functions have also been introduced.

For engineering teams and plant operators, the expanded web environment is intended to make automation applications more accessible while supporting more consistent operating concepts across different devices.

The development is particularly relevant to distributed automation environments where users need access to process information and operating functions without being tied to a dedicated engineering or operator workstation.

Connecting process data across systems

Data integration is another focus of zenon 16, with new connectivity functions intended to make process information more accessible across the plant lifecycle.

The new AVEVA PI Connector allows historical process data to be integrated directly into zenon for visualisation, reporting and analysis. Additional connectivity capabilities expand data exchange between different systems, helping organisations reduce data silos and make process information available across applications.

By combining historical and operational data within the automation environment, zenon 16 is designed to support more consistent access to information for both operational and strategic decision-making.

Automation capabilities for different industries

COPA-DATA has also developed specific zenon 16 functions for different industrial and infrastructure applications.

Industry	Added value
Energy & Infrastructure	New IEC 61850 Configurator for compliance with the requirements of IEC 61850 Edition 2.1, expanded Linux support and virtualization (vPAC) help energy utilities implement the urgently needed modernization of power grids and substations more quickly and efficiently, enabling them to develop their infrastructure in a future-proof manner.
Life Sciences & Pharma	MTP 2.0 support, biometric authentication with zenon IIoT Services, eSignature, and enhancements to batch management, as well as extensions to the PAS-X MSI interface, facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements and support modular production concepts.
Food & Beverage	Enhanced Web Visualization Service, numerous improvements in alarm management usability and optimized engineering functions help make production processes more efficient, reduce downtime and simplify daily plant operation.

“The requirements for the automation of infrastructure and industry are changing fundamentally. Today, companies need to respond more quickly to market changes, make their systems and plants more resilient and at the same time protect existing investments. With zenon 16, we offer an open software platform that makes it possible to achieve precisely this balance. It combines innovation with investment security and creates the foundation for the gradual transformation toward Software-defined Automation – regardless of existing systems or future technological changes,” says Juergen Resch, Director Industry Management Energy, COPA-DATA.

Improving engineering productivity

Alongside new automation capabilities, COPA-DATA has focused on reducing the effort required to develop and maintain automation projects.

“When developing zenon 16, the central question for us was not which new functions we could add, but what concrete added value they would create for our users,” says Giuseppe Menin, Senior Director Manufacturing Industry, COPA-DATA. “Every innovation – from modular engineering and modern web technologies to biometric authentication – is intended to simplify processes, reduce engineering effort and help our customers implement their automation projects more quickly. The new functions were specifically developed to simplify the everyday work of engineering teams, plant operators and production managers while meeting GxP and cybersecurity requirements.”

Expanded Linux support also provides additional flexibility for automation environments, including redundancy capabilities and ICCP Process Gateway support. Further virtualisation options allow automation architectures to be adapted to changing infrastructure requirements.

The combination of modular engineering, cybersecurity, web technologies, data connectivity and open integration is intended to support automation systems that can evolve alongside production requirements rather than requiring wholesale replacement as technology changes.

With zenon 16, COPA-DATA is positioning Software-defined Automation as a longer-term approach to industrial automation, providing a software platform designed to support modular production, modern infrastructure and the gradual evolution of existing automation investments.