Schneider Electric makes factory systems simple as apps

When Schneider Electric, which specializes in digitalizing energy management and automation, showcased EcoStruxure, its open, interoperable, internet of things or IoT-enabled system architecture, at the 19th China International Industry Fair in Shanghai earlier this month, it got many Chinese companies interested immediately.

EcoStruxure has been already adopted by China Baosteel Group, one of China's largest steel producers by output. It helps Baosteel to increase safety of operators and non-operators in the workshop and improve productivity. Daily output will likely increase 15 to 30 percent to reach up to 10,500 tons.

The Rueil-Malmaison, France-headquartered Schneider Electric is seeking to collaborate with various businesses in Shanghai to integrate the internet of things or IoT - a network of devices, vehicles, buildings and other objects that contain software or sensors that allow them to connect and exchange data - into traditional industries.