In an industrial landscape defined by cost pressures, performance demands, and sustainability challenges, the technological signature of industrial systems has become a central issue. How can existing, often heterogeneous equipment be modernized without requiring massive capital investment?

Many mid-sized industrial companies (ETIs) have yet to structure their transformation, while large groups struggle to scale their initiatives. Yet, those committed to this journey are achieving superior growth.

In response, a pragmatic approach is essential: building a collaborative solution, connecting existing equipment, leveraging their data, and deploying artificial intelligence directly at the heart of industrial operations starting from the current infrastructure and enhanced by data and AI. This is the vision behind the partnership between ALTEN and VITESSE Automation.

Challenges: Modernizing an Existing Industrial Fleet

The core challenge of industrial transformation lies in the reality of the field: an ageing, heterogeneous yet still operational fleet of machines.

Several constraints persist, such as poorly connected equipment, complex systems that are difficult to integrate, investments that are hard to justify, and AI projects that are sometimes disconnected from real-world applications. This paradox is central: replacing machines is rarely feasible, but failing to modernize them risks undermining competitiveness.

The industrial transformation must therefore address two key objectives:

• maximizing the value of existing infrastructure
• delivering a rapid return on investment (ROI)

This requires a gradual transformation, grounded in real data and concrete use cases.

An Integrated Approach: Connect, Exploit, Act

The ALTEN × VITESSE Automation partnership is built on an operational approach that spans the entire transformation journey.

Connecting Equipment

The first step involves auditing connectivity and linking existing machines such as PLCs, robots, and production lines without disrupting operations. Non-intrusive sensors can also be deployed to enhance data collection.

Exploiting Data

Data is harnessed through a no-code/low-code platform, enabling the creation of dashboards, process automation, and alert configuration. This accessibility empowers frontline teams to take ownership and drive operational improvements.

Deploying AI in Real Time

AI models are executed directly at the edge (Edge Computing), close to the machines. They enable real-time data analysis, decision-making, and system intervention, shifting the focus from analysis to action.

Ensuring Scalability

ALTEN accelerates the industrialization of solutions by combining IT/OT integration, digital twin deployment, and generative AI. With enhanced cybersecurity and optimized multi-site rollouts, this approach ensures the robustness and long-term sustainability of industrial projects.

Tangible and Measurable Benefits

The approach stands out for its fast and tangible results.

Operational Performance

Use cases enable real-time supervision, remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and continuous optimization. Data becomes a direct decision-making tool.

Accelerated ROI

By leveraging existing infrastructure, manufacturers can limit investments, deploy rapidly and validate gains before scaling, reducing risks and encouraging team adoption.

Secure Scalability

Beyond pilot projects, solutions are designed for large-scale deployment with high-level cybersecurity and reliability.

Towards a Sustainable Industrial Transformation

The industrial landscape is evolving towards smarter, autonomous systems, integrating AI directly into operations.

This approach:

• Optimizes existing resources
• Extends equipment lifespan
• Minimizes hardware investments

It enables a transformation that is both high-performing and sustainable. Industrial modernization does not necessarily require replacing equipment; it requires intelligent evolution.

The ALTEN and VITESSE Automation partnership embodies this pragmatic approach: connecting, exploiting, and activating intelligence at the heart of industrial systems.

The challenge for manufacturers is now to move from pilot to full-scale deployment, building a robust, scalable, and reality-anchored technological signature.

Inside the Factory Transformation:

Insights from ALTEN Experts