Bridging Factory Data and Business Intelligence with Siemens and Snowflake

The industrial automation landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. According to a recent MarketsandMarkets report, the global market for industrial automation solutions is projected to reach $306.2 billion by 2027. A key driver of this growth is the strategic convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT).

The Strategic IT/OT Convergence Partnership

In September 2025, Siemens AG and Snowflake announced a pivotal collaboration. This partnership directly addresses the longstanding divide between factory floor data and corporate business systems. Consequently, manufacturers can now achieve unprecedented operational visibility.

Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens, emphasized the synergy. He stated the collaboration merges Siemens’ shop-floor integration expertise with Snowflake’s robust data cloud capabilities. Therefore, it provides a scalable path for digital transformation across entire production networks.

Technical Architecture: From Edge to Cloud

The solution integrates Siemens Industrial Edge with the Snowflake AI Data Cloud. This creates a seamless data pipeline. The architecture delivers several critical functions:

• ✅ Edge Data Acquisition: Connects directly to PLCs, sensors, and DCS for real-time data collection.
• ⚙️ Local Pre-processing: Contextualizes and filters OT data at the source, reducing latency.
• 🔧 Secure Cloud Transfer: Moves structured data to Snowflake’s platform for advanced analytics.
• 🤖 AI & Agentic Workflows: Enables closed-loop automation and predictive insights.

Christian Kleinerman, EVP of Product at Snowflake, highlighted the outcome. He noted that applying AI across unified IT and OT data unlocks radical performance optimization and new AI-driven automation paradigms.

Real-World Implementation with FFT

FFT, a global systems integrator, offers a compelling case study. They utilize their DataBridge app within the Siemens Industrial Edge ecosystem. This application efficiently channels production data into Snowflake.

Critically, FFT has deployed this solution within its own facilities. This firsthand experience demonstrates tangible benefits in machine performance and product quality. Moreover, it solidifies FFT’s role as a trusted systems integrator for the mobility and industrial sectors.

Author’s Insight: The Data Foundation Imperative

From PLCDCSHUB’s perspective, this collaboration underscores a fundamental industry shift. A robust, unified data foundation is no longer optional; it is the prerequisite for competitiveness. The ability to contextualize low-level PLC and control systems data for enterprise-level analysis is a core differentiator for modern factories.

For engineers and plant managers, this means moving beyond simple data collection. The focus must be on building architectures that support scalable AI and analytics from the outset. For a deeper dive into the components that make this possible, such as Programmable Logic Controllers and Distributed Control Systems, explore our technical resources.

Measurable Business Outcomes

This joint solution targets key pain points for production and IT leaders. It directly tackles data silos and inefficient analytics. The measurable results include:

• Higher Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Enhanced product quality through predictive analysis
• Reduced unplanned downtime and maintenance costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the primary benefit of connecting Siemens Industrial Edge with Snowflake?
A: The primary benefit is creating a unified data foundation that bridges real-time factory floor data (OT) with business system data (IT). This enables advanced AI analytics and closed-loop automation for significant efficiency gains.

Q: How does this partnership help with legacy manufacturing systems?
A: Siemens Industrial Edge is designed to connect to a wide array of sources, including legacy PLCs and sensors. It can pre-process and contextualize this data, making it usable in Snowflake’s cloud platform without requiring a full system replacement.

Q: Can small to mid-sized manufacturers implement this solution?
A: Yes. The plug-and-play nature of Industrial Edge applications and the scalable consumption model of cloud platforms like Snowflake make this architecture increasingly accessible to companies of various sizes, not just large enterprises.