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Cisco Powers Audi’s Next-Gen Smart Factory with Edge Cloud 4 Production Platform

Cisco

Business Honor
28 March, 2025

Cisco’s advanced solutions drive Audi’s vision for a fully software-defined, virtualized factory.

In an innovative collaboration with Audi, Cisco is helping transform the automotive industry’s manufacturing landscape. The two companies have teamed up to roll out the Edge Cloud 4 Production (EC4P) platform, a cutting-edge solution designed to drive Audi’s vision of a fully software-defined factory at its Böllinger Höfe plant in Germany.

This next-level initiative introduces virtual programmable logic controllers (vPLCs) to the production process, a first in the automotive manufacturing sector. Traditional industrial PCs are being replaced by virtualized systems that reduce hardware dependency, optimize energy usage, and improve overall factory efficiency. Cisco’s support has been pivotal in ensuring that the EC4P platform functions seamlessly, especially in areas demanding microsecond latencies, like robot control and automation.

Cisco’s technology plays a crucial role in the reliability and security of this innovative system. One of the most critical features is Cisco’s software-defined access (SDA) solution, which helps secure communication across the factory floor. By segmenting the network, Cisco enhances the overall security and stability of the production environment, ensuring that even the most sensitive industrial systems remain protected from cyber threats.

Additionally, Cisco’s Identity Service Engine and Splunk technology further bolster visibility into the network, allowing Audi to track and optimize device communication across the plant. With real-time monitoring of the entire network, Audi’s teams can make data-driven decisions to improve performance and troubleshoot issues quickly.

The partnership also aligns with Audi’s sustainability goals, as the EC4P platform reduces energy consumption by replacing traditional industrial PCs with more energy-efficient commodity servers. This move contributes to reducing Audi’s carbon footprint while maintaining high operational standards.

Looking forward, AI integration will play a key role in the system’s evolution, further enhancing automation, quality control, and overall manufacturing efficiency.