Wonderware owner Invensys acquires InduSoft

With the InduSoft acquisition, Invensys (currently with a recommended offer from Schneider Electric to be acquired) further expands human-machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) offerings for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sector. Invensys owns Wonderware HMI software, Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, and Avantis brands. Video: How InduSoft and Wonderware work together, added on Oct. 24.

By Mark T. Hoske September 24, 2013

Invensys, a supplier of industrial software, systems, and control equipment to major industries, has acquired InduSoft, a provider of human machine interface (HMI) and embedded intelligent device software for the automation market, the companies announced on Tuesday [Sept. 24, 8 a.m. Central Time – time and date of original post]. Terms were not disclosed in the announcement. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, and founded in 1997, InduSoft has delivered more than 250,000 HMI software licenses to more than 700 customers worldwide, primarily industrial computer manufacturers and machine and system builders, who embed InduSoft’s software into their products, the companies said. As previously reported, Schneider Electric is in talks to acquire Invensys. showed a “recommended offer” from Schneider Electric.] Invensys also owns Wonderware HMI software, Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, and Avantis brands.

“The acquisition of InduSoft represents the continuing execution of our strategy to strengthen our portfolio through inorganic means, enabling us to target additional segments across our portfolio,” said Ravi Gopinath, president of Invensys’ software business. “InduSoft strengthens and broadens our leading software solutions portfolio, particularly in the embedded HMI segment, and provides a continuing driver for growth. They have a proven and experienced team who we are very happy to welcome to Invensys.”

Known for its easy-to-use software and friendly, high-quality customer support, the companies said, InduSoft has won multiple awards in its segment, including Control Engineering magazine’s Engineers’ Choice Awards in 2010, 2011, and 2012. In 2013, InduSoft took the magazine’s top prize in three categories: Software Applications and Monitoring (for the InduSoft Business Intelligence Dashboard Template), HMI Software (for InduSoft Web Studio v7.1), and Mobile Apps for Controls, Automation, Instrumentation (for InduSoft Mobile Access).

“Combined with Invensys’ existing software offerings, our capabilities and expertise in the OEM and machine-building segments allow us to provide a broader, end-to-end HMI, SCADA, and MES solution to our customers,” said Marcia Gadbois, president of InduSoft. “Together, our software tools will make it easier for them to integrate their information and automation systems. They will continue to work with the same strong InduSoft team, and we will ensure they continue to receive the exceptional products and service they have come to expect from us. But now they will be backed by a company with global capabilities and an excellent worldwide reputation for providing industry-leading HMI, SCADA, historian, and advanced applications such as MES software and solutions.”

How Wonderware, Indusoft fit

Norm Thorlakson, vice president, HMI and supervisory software and solutions, Invensys, said, “With InduSoft we can now offer everything from basic embedded HMI devices to manufacturing operations, asset management, and ERP [enterprise resource planning] integration. InduSoft technology quickly makes us more competitive and gives us immediate entry to new customers and a stronger OEM sales channel, with a focus on machine builders and embedded systems. We are confident it will make us much more attractive. Wonderware users will now be able buy industrial devices, machines, and computers with InduSoft software, while companies that are using InduSoft software will be able to expand their solutions with Wonderware supervisory, historian, and manufacturing operations management software.”

In pre-announcement Sept. 24 email to customers, InduSoft said they "can expect the same level of dedication to support and development as before, and will be able to enjoy the benefits of this acquisition, such as a wider array of products to choose from, and the opportunity to scale up or down for every level of automation. If you currently use InduSoft Web Studio products for high-end SCADA applications, you will continue to have a stable, high-quality platform with a full range of capabilities for industrial automation."

InduSoft will continue to be managed by its existing executive team, adding employees to Invensys operations in the United States, Brazil, and Germany, according to the announcement.

More about Invensys

Invensys is a global technology company with industrial and commercial customers, offering services and technologies that aim to optimize operational performance and profitability. Markets include oil refineries, power stations, mining companies, food and beverage companies, and appliance manufacturers. Invensys software, systems, and controls enable its customers to monitor, control, and automate products and processes, aiming to maximize safety, efficiency, reliability, and ease of use. Invensys is grouped into four business segments: Software, Industrial Automation, Energy Controls, and Appliance. It previously had three divisions, Invensys Operations Management, Invensys Rail, and Invensys Controls.

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, and Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com. Original post of Sept. 24 was updated with video on Oct. 24.

www.invensys.com

www.indusoft.com

www.wonderware.com

Original content can be found at Oil and Gas Engineering.


Author Bio: Mark Hoske has been Control Engineering editor/content manager since 1994 and in a leadership role since 1999, covering all major areas: control systems, networking and information systems, control equipment and energy, and system integration, everything that comprises or facilitates the control loop. He has been writing about technology since 1987, writing professionally since 1982, and has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree from UW-Madison.