ABB Named Top-Tier Software Vendor by APPS RUN THE WORLD in the APPS and CLOUD TOP 500 Market Report

ABB Strengths, Domain Expertise, and Key Differentiators

The ABB Enterprise Software product group seamlessly integrates the strengths of renowned brands across the Asset Lifecycle with the unparalleled expertise derived from ABB's five-decade-long experience in real-time control. Recognized as the exclusive provider of industrial enterprise software solutions with a unified IT/OT offering, ABB collaborates effortlessly with its selected partner ecosystem to implement solutions tailored to address critical business objectives.

With a rich history of innovation spanning over 130 years, ABB is positioned at the forefront of driving the future of industrial digitalization. The company is committed to delivering two distinct value propositions: enabling the transmission of electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries across the entire spectrum from natural resources to finished products.

ABB Ability, the portfolio of ABB’s digital solutions was commercially launched in March 2017. ABB Ability unifies and simplifies access to all of ABB’s digital solutions that are based on technology leadership, digital expertise, and specific industry know-how. ABB's Level 3 software solutions perfectly fit the ABB Ability digital offering."

ABB Recent Developments

In January 2024, ABB and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) partnered for a long-term collaboration to advance the decarbonization and digitalization of the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet. Covering 14 existing ships and four future vessels, the agreement includes a 10-year Azipod® propulsion service deal, modernization of propulsion control systems for 11 vessels, and shore connection installations on four ships. This strategic alliance reinforces ABB's commitment to supporting NCLH's climate action strategy and contributes to maritime decarbonization. The Azipod® propulsion system plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainability goals.

In December 2023, ABB and UK-based gravity energy storage firm Gravitricity have joined forces to explore the potential of using ABB's hoist expertise and technologies to advance the development of gravity energy storage systems in decommissioned mines. Gravitricity's innovative GraviStore system, capable of storing over 20MWh, combines the benefits of lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage. ABB, a major player in mine hoists globally, will contribute its research and development, product development, and engineering capabilities to the collaboration, demonstrating its commitment to diversifying and contributing to the evolution of renewable energy storage systems.

In October 2023, In a notable development, ABB and Carnival Corporation & plc have inked a comprehensive 15-year partnership agreement for the enhancement of operational excellence and ship performance across Carnival's fleet. This collaboration is centered around systematic maintenance planning, critical spares management, and cutting-edge digital solutions for condition monitoring. The maintenance scope encompasses Azipod® XO propulsion systems, a high-power open-water solution by ABB, well-suited for cruise vessels. The agreement, booked in Q3 2023, signifies a strategic alignment for long-term collaboration, emphasizing shared goals of efficiency, sustainability, and reliability in marine transport.

In July 2020, ABB unveiled the ABB Ability Genix Industrial Analytics and AI Suite, a cutting-edge analytics platform. This suite seamlessly integrates operational, engineering, and IT data to derive actionable intelligence for diverse industries. Functioning as a digital convergence point, ABB's solution unifies data streams from various sources across plants and enterprises. Through the application of artificial intelligence, it generates insightful predictions and optimizations, contributing to enhanced business performance. This strategic approach addresses the common challenge faced by industrial companies, where only a fraction of generated data is typically utilized for meaningful analytics.

ABB Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Activities

In February 2024, ABB agreed to acquire SEAM Group, a provider of energized asset management and advisory services. The acquisition enhances ABB’s Electrification Service, offering expertise in predictive maintenance, electrical safety, renewables, and asset management advisory. The transaction is set to conclude in Q3 2024, subject to regulatory approvals. SEAM Group's suite of services will strengthen ABB’s position in the US market, providing complete asset lifecycle management services and expanding field service coverage in North America.

In January 2024, ABB agreed to acquire the shipping business of DTN Europe BV and DTN Philippines Inc. (DTN Shipping), solidifying its presence in maritime software. The acquisition positions ABB as a market leader in ship route optimization, incorporating vessel routing software and analytics. The move enhances ABB's digital portfolio with valuable APIs and extends connectivity to over 5,000 vessels. The transaction is expected to conclude in Q2 2024, subject to standard closing conditions, reinforcing ABB's commitment to digital solutions for sustainable vessel performance.

In January 2024, ABB acquired a majority stake in Meshmind, a software service provider, to strengthen its AI, Industrial IoT, and machine vision R&D capabilities. The integration of Meshmind's team will establish a global R&D hub for ABB's Machine Automation division. This move aligns with ABB's commitment to advancing AI and software solutions for transformative industrial automation.

In January 2024, ABB acquired Sevensense, a Swiss start-up specializing in AI-enabled 3D vision navigation for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This move enhances ABB's position in the evolving mobile robot market, offering cutting-edge technology for increased efficiency across industries. The acquisition aligns with ABB's commitment to innovation and positions the company as a leader in next-gen AMRs and autonomous robotics. Sevensense's team will continue its operations in its Swiss office.

In January 2024, ABB is set to acquire Real Tech, a leading Canadian provider of optical sensor technology for real-time water monitoring. The move strengthens ABB's position in the water sector and enhances its product offerings for intelligent water management. Real Tech's real-time measurement solutions, leveraging optical technology, enable precise water quality control. The acquisition aligns with ABB's strategy to incorporate advanced environmental technologies into its portfolio and expand global market reach. This collaboration underscores the commitment to addressing water management challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.

In July 2021, ABB concluded the acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics Group (ASTI), a globally recognized manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) renowned for its comprehensive software suite. ASTI's diverse portfolio covers major applications, enhancing ABB's robotics and automation offerings and establishing it as the exclusive provider of a complete portfolio for the next era of flexible automation. Aligned with ABB's external growth strategy, the agreement, signed on July 19, is set to be finalized in mid-summer 2021. Both parties have opted to maintain confidentiality regarding the specific details of the purchase price.

ABB Customers in ARTW Customer Database

Leveraging a rigorous data-centric research methodology, APPS RUN THE WORLD asks the simple question: Who’s buying ABB applications and why? And we provide the answers – supported by decades of research – to our clients around the world. Our Customer database has over 100 data fields that detail company usage of ABB and other enterprise apps by function, customer size, industry, location, implementation status, partner involvement, Line of Business Key Stakeholders and IT decision makers contact details. List of Verified ABB Ability, ABB Ability Genix customers.

ABB Key Enterprise and Cloud Applications

ABB Ability, ABB Ability Genix

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ABB Direct vs Indirect sales

ABB Customers - Breakdown by Geo, Size, Vertical and Product

List of Verified ABB Customers

No. of ABB Customers: x

No. of ABB Enterprise Applications Customers: 1100

No. of ABB Cloud Customers: 10

No. of ABB Cloud Subscribers: 1100

An extensive portfolio of over 1,100 asset-intensive companies worldwide relies on ABB Enterprise Software solutions. These solutions play a critical role in sustaining uninterrupted services for major cities and venues, predicting asset failures to ensure reliability for millions of rail commuters, and aligning mining production and operational resources to meet strategic commercial objectives.

ABB has recently secured a roster of distinguished clients, including Swaziland Electricity Company, Black Hills Corporation, Fortum, Ministry of Electricity in Iraq, Hunter Water in Australia, Jamaica Public Service, Électricité de France (EDF), American Electric Power, China National Nuclear Corporation, Ma’aden Gold and Base Metals Company, South African utility Eskom, Elektro-Slovenija, d.o.o., Wales & West Utilities, Eircom Group, Ambre Energy, Dubai Airport, Enerjisa Baskent Electricity Distribution Company, and Allied Nevada Gold.

ABB Market Opportunities, M&A and Geo Expansions

In August 2024, Morten Wierod is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of ABB, effective August 1, 2024, succeeding Björn Rosengren, who steps down on July 31, 2024, and retires on December 31, 2024. Wierod, a Norwegian citizen, joined ABB in 1998 and has been part of the Executive Committee since 2019. He currently serves as President of the Electrification Business Area. The Board expresses gratitude to Rosengren for his leadership. Wierod aims to continue ABB's growth and focus on electrification and automation.

In November 2023, ABB inaugurated its "Emotion" building in Untersiggenthal, Switzerland, a CHF 45 million investment and its largest in the country in a decade. The facility, housing 500 workspaces, emphasizes ABB's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and attracting top talent. As a global center for power electronics, it contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability, featuring recycled concrete, meeting Swiss Minergie standards, and using solar and hydropower. The "Emotion" building epitomizes ABB's dedication to innovation, environmental responsibility, and fostering a collaborative work environment.

In September 2023, ABB invested $280 million in a new ABB Robotics European Campus in Västerås, Sweden, opening in late 2026. This hub supports the "local for local" strategy, strengthening ABB's global position. The 65,000 m2 facility fosters customer collaboration and innovation testing. Construction starts in 2024, enhancing operational efficiency.

In August 2023, ABB strategically invested in Pratexo, an edge-to-cloud acceleration platform, through ABB Technology Ventures (ATV). This collaboration aims to deploy edge-based networks, reduce cloud data transfers, and ensure functionality without internet connectivity. Stuart Thompson, President of ABB’s Electrification Service Division, highlights the seamless deployment of Pratexo's technology stack. Mads Moeller, Head of ABB Technology Ventures for Electrification, notes the partnership's role in accelerating software technology development for real-time analysis of electrical faults and enhancing operational efficiency.

ABB Risks and Challenges

In July 2023, ABB finalized the divestment of its Power Conversion division to AcBel Polytech Inc., concluding the portfolio divestments initiated in 2020. Valued at $505 million, the division, which generated $440 million in revenue and $50 million in Income from operations in 2022, has been strategically sold. While aligning with industry trends such as 5G and cloud computing, ABB's move entails risks in adapting to evolving technology landscapes. The divestment enables ABB to streamline its focus but necessitates adept navigation of changing market dynamics and technological advancements.

ABB Ecosystem, Partners, Resellers and SI

In 2020, ABB's operations in China demonstrated exceptional performance, ranking among the company's top-performing segments. This positive trend has persisted into the first quarter of the current year, with a notable 34% increase in orders (24% comparable). As the second-largest market for ABB globally, China relies heavily on locally manufactured products, solutions, and services, constituting over 90% of sales. ABB has established a substantial presence in China, encompassing key business functions such as R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services, with a workforce of 15,000 situated across almost 130 cities. Utilizing this extensive infrastructure, ABB actively supports Chinese customers in optimizing resource efficiency and contributing to a low-carbon future. Through a diverse portfolio of digital solutions, ABB seamlessly integrates profound domain expertise with connectivity and software innovation, enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making for more intelligent and sustainable operations.

ABB Cloud Infrastructure Insights

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Research Methodology

Data used in research reports are derived from publicly available documents, continuous surveys of applications vendors, customers, resellers, Independent Software Vendors, systems integrators and other verifiable sources.

Vendor shares and market forecast results are based on a combination of existing databases as well as demand side and supply side research conducted throughout the year with validation from vendors, customers, channel partners and documentations such as earnings releases and 10Q and 10K filings, vertical industry studies, regional and country-level statistics from public and private institutions(i.e. colleges, universities, government agencies and trade associations).

For additional information on our methodologies, here's the link: