🏗 Plant Operators

This page explains how plant operators use FLECS to operate heterogeneous machines consistently, manage industrial software lifecycles securely, and reduce platform sprawl.

Operate software-defined automation with control and clarity

Plant operators are responsible for keeping production running.

You operate machines from different vendors, across generations, sites, and technologies. At the same time, software has become critical for availability, security, optimization, and compliance. Updates, patches, and digital services are no longer optional, they are operational necessities.

FLECS is designed to support this operational reality.

It provides a shared software layer that allows plant operators to run, update, and control industrial software consistently, without replacing existing machines, vendors, or control systems.

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Typical challenges for plant operators

In day-to-day operation, plant operators commonly face:

• Heterogeneous machine fleets with vendor-specific software tools

• Multiple update mechanisms and inconsistent lifecycle processes

• Limited transparency into installed software versions

• Security risks caused by delayed or manual updates

• Unclear responsibilities between OEMs, component suppliers, and internal teams

These challenges are not caused by missing technology. They are the result of fragmented software operation across the plant.

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How FLECS helps, operationally

FLECS introduces a consistent operational layer across machines and vendors.

As a plant operator, this allows you to:

• deploy and update software in a standardized way

• reduce the number of vendor-specific platforms and tools

• gain visibility into software versions and status

• operate updates as controlled processes instead of ad-hoc interventions

FLECS does not centralize ownership. It centralizes operation.

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One operational layer across heterogeneous machines

FLECS runs on Linux-based industrial devices and integrates into existing automation environments.

This enables:

• operation across machines from different OEMs

• support for multiple machine generations

• consistent handling of software, regardless of its origin

Instead of adapting your processes to each vendor platform, vendors adapt their software to a shared operational layer.

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Software updates without production disruption

Updating industrial software is risky when done manually or inconsistently.

FLECS supports controlled update strategies such as:

• staged rollouts across machine groups

• planned maintenance windows

• rollback in case of issues

• clear audit trails for changes

This reduces downtime risk and increases confidence in keeping systems up to date.

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Security and compliance as part of operation

Cybersecurity and regulatory requirements directly affect plant operations.

FLECS supports secure operation by design:

• encrypted communication

• application isolation via containers

• role-based access control

• audit logs and traceability

This supports compliance with regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) without introducing separate security platforms.

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Use standard apps without adding platforms

The FLECS ecosystem includes 70+ standard industrial apps covering areas such as:

• remote access and service

• connectivity and protocol integration

• monitoring and diagnostics

• visualization and infrastructure services

As a plant operator, you can:

• use these apps consistently across machines

• avoid installing separate edge devices or vendor tools

• rely on unified update and security mechanisms

Apps are operated through the same lifecycle layer as OEM and component software.

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Cloud-native and under your control

FLECS is cloud-native, but not cloud-dependent.

Plant operators can:

• operate FLECS fully on-premises

• use hybrid setups across sites

• integrate FLECS into existing IT/OT infrastructure

This enables centralized visibility where useful – without forcing cloud dependency where it is not acceptable.

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Typical plant operator use cases

Plant operators use FLECS to:

• reduce platform sprawl in heterogeneous plants

• standardize software updates and patching

• improve security posture without increasing operational burden

• gain transparency across machine software

• prepare plants for future software-defined automation concepts

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Your next steps

Depending on your operational context, typical next steps include:

• Explore Our Features – understand lifecycle, security, and fleet capabilities

• First Steps – run FLECS on a Linux-based device and deploy a standard app

• Architecture & Operation – evaluate on-prem and hybrid deployment models

• Marketplace & Apps – review available standard apps for operational use

FLECS helps plant operators regain control over industrial software, without disrupting production.