Yokogawa Electric Corporation unveiled Release 7 of its CENTUM™ VP integrated production control system—marking the 10th generation of its flagship platform. The milestone release also coincides with the 50th anniversary of CENTUM, a distributed control system (DCS). Part of the OpreX™ Control and Safety System portfolio, CENTUM VP Release 7 sets a new benchmark in enabling autonomous operations and driving sustainable industrial performance.
Responding to a Changing Industrial Landscape
Industrial operations today face a host of challenges: increasingly complex supply chains, tighter environmental regulations, the rising threat of cybersecurity risks, and the urgent need to retain institutional knowledge as experienced operators retire.
At the same time, companies are seeking to maximize the efficiency of existing assets and streamline around-the-clock operations. They also aim to maintain high product quality while remaining competitive. Digital technologies are surging, especially in areas like renewable energy integration and cloud-based analytics. As a result, there’s a clear demand for smarter, more secure, and autonomous control systems.
CENTUM VP Release 7: Designed for Autonomous Operations
To meet these growing demands, Yokogawa has built CENTUM VP Release 7 around the core concept of enabling autonomous operations. The goal is to support energy efficiency, decarbonization, and workplace safety. At the same time, it maintains the reliability and robustness that have defined CENTUM since its inception.
Release 7 introduces innovations across three key areas:
Expanded Control and Monitoring Scope: By aggregating data from across the plant into a single, secure framework, operators can gain a holistic view of operations. This integrated approach enhances safety and widens the scope for automation.
Predictive Monitoring of Process Conditions: The system now enables real-time detection of anomalies and prediction of process deviations. By anticipating operational issues, teams can respond proactively, improving stability and optimizing energy use.
Reduced Operator Workload: Leveraging AI-driven scenario analysis and decision support tools, CENTUM VP helps operators make better decisions, faster. In some cases, autonomous AI can take over control tasks, reducing stress and enabling continuous, stable plant operation.
Key Features of CENTUM VP Release 7.01
As per the press release, the first iteration of Release 7—version 7.01—lays the groundwork for future autonomous operations. It introduces several important features:
Stronger Cybersecurity: As plants become increasingly data-driven, security remains paramount. Release 7.01 adopts global cybersecurity standards, strengthening protection across all system components.
Expanded Device Connectivity via OPC UA: With the addition of OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) client functionality, CENTUM VP can now connect with a wider range of devices from different manufacturers. This expansion enhances system flexibility and interoperability across diverse industrial environments.
Advanced Engineering Capabilities for Large Projects: A new feature allows engineers to merge and test multiple project databases, enabling smoother integration of systems within the plant. This streamlines project execution and ensures quicker, more efficient plant startups and upgrades.
A Vision for Sustainable Industry
Commenting on the launch, Mitsuhiro Yamamoto, Vice President and Executive Officer, Head of the Systems Business Division at Yokogawa, stated, “In this VUCA era, manufacturing and management face unprecedented complexity. CENTUM VP Release 7 is designed to deliver both operational stability and expanded autonomy—empowering our customers to pursue sustainable business growth and contribute to a more sustainable society.”
