Wonderware Celebrates 20 Years of Delivering Innovations in Industrial Software

Wonderware Celebrates 20 Years of Delivering Innovations in Industrial Software

Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys, celebrates its 20th anniversary as a leading developer of factory and industrial automation and information software solutions.

As an early pioneer of manufacturing software solutions based on the Microsoft Windows operating system, Wonderware has amassed a global customer list of more than 100,000 plants -- which is about 30 percent of the world's 335,000 plants across all industries with 20 or more employees.

Wonderware technology helps to send space shuttles into orbit and enables massive oil-drilling and refinery operations. Public utilities use Wonderware products to deliver drinking water and electricity to homes and businesses. Many items we eat, from cheese to chocolate, are made more efficiently and safely with the help of Wonderware software.

"Since the company was founded in 1987, Wonderware has been a leader in developing technology to advance manufacturing and industrial processes," said Mike Bradley Sr., Wonderware president.

"The industry has come a long way from the early days of simple assembly lines and rudimentary plant machines. Computer control and plant-operations tracking databases have revolutionized the way all products are planned, made and distributed. This technology enables companies to be more efficient and responsive. It enables them to operate smarter and yield greater profitability.

"Perhaps most important, information now flows more freely throughout organizations. Industrial software technology has truly eliminated the barriers between the production line and the corporate boardroom. Wonderware is appreciative of its strong relationships with customers, partners and channels. They help guide our innovation and ensure our future success."

Among company events held in recognition of the 20th anniversary, Wonderware is planning an employee celebration Friday, May 4, featuring presentations by Bradley as well as past Wonderware presidents Joe Cowan and Roy Slavin.

Wide Industry Offerings

Wonderware's offerings are designed to meet the demands of a variety of market segments, from pharmaceutical and chemical processing to semiconductor fabrication and wastewater management. From Detroit to Beijing, companies employ Wonderware software to operate plants efficiently, cost-effectively and safely.

Wonderware's diverse customer base includes Arizona Public Services, Blue Diamond Almonds, BP Castrol Oil, Carson City Public Works, Chevron, Eastman Kodak, Georgia-Pacific, General Mills, Kansas City Power & Light, Kotlas Pulp & Paper, Long Beach Water District, Mobil, Micrel Semiconductor, NASA, Nucor Steel, Tillamook Cheese, Venetian Resort & Casino and Waterford Crystal.

Industry Recognition

Wonderware has received several industry accolades from analyst firms and trade publications. Recently, Frost & Sullivan named Wonderware "Company of the Year" and cited ArchestrA technology -- a key Wonderware technology innovation -- as "Industrial Automation Technology of the Year."

In addition, the company has consistently been top-ranked by editors and readers of major industry trade magazines including Control, Control Engineering and Start-IT.
Software Technology Pioneer

Wonderware has been a recognized industrial and manufacturing automation and information software leader since its founding when the company introduced InTouch software, the first human-machine interface (HMI) technology based on the Microsoft Windows operating system.

"As a pioneer in the use of Windows in factory automation, Wonderware changed application development for manufacturing to become the leading independent supplier of software for industrial automation," Bradley said. "When Wonderware introduced its flagship HMI product in 1989, the company had no Windows-based competition until 1993."

Wonderware has revolutionized the industry with the introduction of several groundbreaking technologies such as the ArchestrA software architecture, Wonderware System Platform and bundled software/hardware offerings including wireless tablets and touch panel computers, designed to withstand harsh manufacturing environments.

The comprehensive ArchestrA plant automation and information architecture is designed to extend the life of legacy systems by leveraging the latest software technologies. The ArchestrA technology within Wonderware offerings helps to reduce costs through ease of installation, operation, modification, maintenance and replication of automation applications. The Wonderware System Platform provides a single software platform for all the production and performance management needs of industrial automation and information personnel.