Yokogawa Electric Corporation has introduced Release 7.01 of its CENTUM™ VP integrated production control system. This launch represents the 10th generation of the CENTUM platform and comes as the company celebrates 50 years since the original CENTUM system was introduced—the first distributed control system (DCS) globally, announced on June 19, 1975.
Developed to meet growing operational complexity in industries and evolving regulatory demands, the new release is designed to support modern plant environments with greater automation, security, and data-driven capabilities.
In today’s environment, where energy transition, stricter environmental standards, increased digitalization, and rising cybersecurity threats are reshaping industrial operations, Yokogawa’s Release 7.01 aims to help users strike a balance between reliable manufacturing, higher efficiency, and sustainable performance. The system also addresses workforce challenges by incorporating tools that support less experienced operators and reduce mental load for frontline staff.
Release 7.01 of CENTUM VP is fundamentally designed to promote more autonomous plant operations. It leverages advanced technology to enable systems that can independently respond to changing conditions while still keeping human operators in control. This balance of autonomy and oversight is central to the new release’s vision for improved operational efficiency and safety.
One major development area is the expansion of control and monitoring coverage. By enhancing data integration across the entire plant, the system now offers more centralized visibility. This integration supports higher levels of automation, which in turn bolsters both safety measures and operational stability throughout the facility.
Another key focus is predictive monitoring for process health. The system is now better equipped to identify anomalies early and forecast potential deviations in the process. This predictive capability enables proactive interventions, helping to maintain smoother and more stable operations, while also optimizing energy consumption.
Reducing the operator’s workload is also a priority in Release 7.01. The system supports operators by presenting intelligent operational scenarios and deploying autonomous AI controls. These features not only assist decision-making but also help alleviate stress, making it easier for operators to manage complex processes effectively.
To achieve these goals, the new release introduces several critical features. Strengthening cybersecurity is one such feature, with Release 7.01 adopting the latest industry standards to protect infrastructure and data. This enhancement addresses the growing risks associated with increasingly digital plant operations.
Another important update is the expanded connectivity provided by OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA). The system now includes OPC UA client functionality, enabling communication with a broader range of equipment from various manufacturers. This improved interoperability enhances seamless integration across diverse plant systems.
Lastly, engineering workflows for large projects have been streamlined. The new capabilities for integrating and testing multiple engineering databases simplify large-scale implementation and upgrades. These improvements help reduce deployment times and accelerate the timeline from project start to production readiness.
Mitsuhiro Yamamoto, Vice President and Executive Officer of Yokogawa, commented, “As global industry faces more volatile and complex conditions, this evolution of CENTUM helps our customers operate more efficiently while contributing to a sustainable future.”
CENTUM VP Release 7.01 is suited for sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, steel, power, water treatment, and paper. It supports both real-time monitoring and automated control of complex industrial operations.
Since its launch in 1975, the CENTUM series has been installed in over 30,000 facilities across more than 100 countries. Known for its reliability and stability, CENTUM has helped industries improve product quality, optimize energy consumption, and achieve greater productivity. With each new release, Yokogawa continues to refine the system in line with its long-standing focus on safety, reliability, and technological innovation.
OpreX is Yokogawa’s umbrella brand for its industrial automation offerings, covering technologies and services across five categories: Transformation, Control, Measurement, Execution, and Lifecycle. CENTUM VP belongs to the OpreX Control and Safety System group, delivering reliable automation solutions to drive efficiency and enhance plant performance.
Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Tokyo, Yokogawa delivers solutions in measurement, control, and information across industries including energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and materials. With a workforce of over 17,000 and operations in 62 countries, the company supports clients in achieving operational excellence and advancing toward autonomous operations and a more sustainable future.
