• May 2019 -Siemens enteredthe Permian gas processing market with innovative electric-drive centrifugal compression solution.The projectmarkedDelaware Basin gas plant customer's first order with Siemens. Fully integrated electric-drive centrifugal compression configuration will significantly reduce footprint, capital, and operating costs.

• April 2019 -Honeywell, the global technology leader,launched its new Honeywell Masdar Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi.The Center, located in Masdar City, will be home to the latest automation solutions from across the globe and the region, including those assembled in the UAE. It includes cutting-edge solutions for smart buildings and cities as well as technology for fire, security, personal safety, and intelligent wearables.

In this report, the Refining Industry Automation and Software Market has been segmented by Type, Component, Deployment Mode, Application, and Geography.

Refining Industry Automation and Software Market, Segmentation by Type

The Refining Industry Automation and Software Market has been segmented by Type into Control Valves, Flow Meters, and Process Engineering Tools.

Control Valves
Control valves are crucial in refining automation systems, ensuring optimal flow regulation and pressure management. They account for nearly 35% of the automation components used in refining processes due to their critical role in maintaining system stability and efficiency. With advancements in smart valve technology, their usage is expected to rise in predictive maintenance and remote operations.

Flow Meters
Flow meters play a key role in real-time measurement and monitoring of fluid movement across refining units. Approximately 28% of the total automation market relies on flow metering solutions, especially with the shift toward digital oilfield strategies. The adoption of smart and ultrasonic flow meters is rapidly increasing for their accuracy and integration capabilities.

Process Engineering Tools
Process engineering tools enable modeling, simulation, and optimization of refinery workflows, contributing significantly to operational efficiency. Making up around 37% of the automation software segment, these tools support complex decision-making processes in areas like process simulation, asset performance management, and energy optimization. The rise of cloud-based platforms is enhancing their deployment flexibility and real-time analytics capabilities.

Refining Industry Automation and Software Market, Segmentation by Component

The Refining Industry Automation and Software Market has been segmented by Component into Hardware, Software, and Services.

Hardware
Hardware forms the backbone of refinery automation, enabling real-time data acquisition and control. It represents nearly 42% of the total component share due to its essential role in field-level instrumentation and control systems. Key hardware elements like PLC units, DCS platforms, and industrial sensors are witnessing strong adoption to support continuous process monitoring and reduce downtime.

Software
Software in refining automation enables data integration, process control, and advanced analytics. Accounting for around 33% of the component segmentation, software tools are central to implementing SCADA systems, predictive maintenance algorithms, and digital twins. Cloud deployment and AI integration are further accelerating software demand in refineries striving for smarter, data-driven operations.

Services
Services contribute approximately 25% of the component market, encompassing support, consulting, and maintenance for automation infrastructure. With the growing complexity of refinery systems, demand for lifecycle services and remote monitoring support is on the rise. These services help ensure system uptime, improve asset reliability, and enhance cybersecurity readiness.

Refining Industry Automation and Software Market, Segmentation by Deployment Mode

The Refining Industry Automation and Software Market has been segmented by Deployment Mode into On-Premises and Cloud.

On-Premises
On-premises deployment continues to hold a significant share of around 58% in the refining automation market. It is preferred for its high degree of control, data sovereignty, and robust security. Refineries operating in regions with limited connectivity or stringent internal compliance rely on in-house IT infrastructure and dedicated data centers for automation execution and process integration.

Cloud
Cloud deployment is rapidly gaining momentum, accounting for approximately 42% of the deployment share and growing steadily. It offers benefits like scalability, remote accessibility, and reduced infrastructure costs. Cloud platforms are enabling real-time collaboration, advanced analytics, and easier integration with Industrial IoT and AI-powered monitoring, transforming how refineries manage operations and make data-driven decisions.

Refining Industry Automation and Software Market, Segmentation by Application

The Refining Industry Automation and Software Market has been segmented by Application into Petroleum Oil Refinery, Natural Gas Processing Plant, and Metal Refinery.

Petroleum Oil Refinery
Petroleum oil refineries dominate the application segment with a market share of nearly 49%, driven by the high complexity and scale of operations. Automation in this sector enhances crude distillation, hydrocracking, and process safety through integrated control systems and advanced analytics. The demand for improved efficiency, emissions control, and predictive maintenance further boosts adoption across global refineries.

Natural Gas Processing Plant
Natural gas processing plants account for about 32% of the market share, utilizing automation for precise gas separation, dehydration, and sweetening operations. With rising global energy demand and increased LNG investments, facilities are implementing real-time monitoring, SCADA systems, and AI-driven optimization tools to enhance productivity and environmental compliance.

Metal Refinery
Metal refineries represent approximately 19% of the market and are increasingly adopting automation to streamline complex extraction and smelting operations. Automation tools enable better process control, temperature management, and material tracking, reducing human intervention and safety risks. As demand for critical metals like lithium and copper rises, smart automation is becoming essential for operational efficiency.

Refining Industry Automation and Software Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Refining Industry Automation and Software Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Refining Industry Automation and Software Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America
North America leads the global market with a share of approximately 34%, driven by the presence of advanced refining infrastructure and high digital adoption. The U.S. and Canada are investing heavily in process automation, cybersecurity, and industrial analytics to enhance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance in oil and gas refineries.

Europe
Europe holds a significant 22% market share, supported by stringent environmental regulations and an accelerated shift toward sustainable refining. Countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are promoting automation in carbon management, energy optimization, and green refinery initiatives, making Europe a leader in environmentally conscious refinery upgrades.

Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, contributing nearly 28% to the market, fueled by rapid industrialization, rising energy demand, and major refinery expansions in China, India, and Southeast Asia. The adoption of smart automation technologies, remote control systems, and IoT-enabled platforms is accelerating across both public and private sector refineries.

Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa region accounts for around 10% of the market, driven by large-scale refinery projects and national visions for industrial transformation. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading investments in automated refining complexes and digitally integrated operations to increase productivity and diversify their oil economies.

Latin America
Latin America represents about 6% of the market, with Brazil and Mexico taking the lead in modernizing legacy refining facilities. Focus is growing on automation-driven upgrades for asset reliability, emissions reduction, and cost efficiency. Political and economic reforms in the region are gradually opening doors for more digital investments in refining operations.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Refining Industry Automation and Software Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Rising demand for operational efficiency
• Strict safety and emission compliance regulations
• Growing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies

• Need for predictive maintenance and monitoring - The growing need for predictive maintenance and monitoring is a crucial driver of growth in the refining industry automation and software market. Refineries are increasingly adopting advanced analytics and automation solutions to anticipate equipment failures and reduce unplanned downtime. Predictive tools help operators monitor real-time equipment performance, identify anomalies early, and implement corrective actions before costly breakdowns occur.

  By deploying IoT sensors, machine learning algorithms, and AI-powered diagnostic platforms, operators gain critical insights into asset health. This enables more accurate forecasting of equipment degradation and allows for condition-based maintenance scheduling. These systems significantly improve asset life span and optimize maintenance cycles, reducing both labor and material costs.

  Predictive maintenance solutions also support regulatory compliance by minimizing the risks of accidents and environmental violations caused by unexpected equipment failures. With increasingly stringent safety standards, refining companies must ensure uninterrupted operation and system integrity. Automation software provides the required visibility and control to meet these goals while maintaining operational efficiency.

  The adoption of predictive monitoring technologies is accelerating as refineries seek to transform into smart, data-driven enterprises. Vendors offering integrated systems that support predictive analytics, machine data interpretation, and actionable maintenance recommendations are well-positioned to benefit from this ongoing shift.

Restraints

• High cost of automation deployment
• Integration challenges with legacy infrastructure
• Cybersecurity risks in connected systems

• Shortage of skilled technical workforce - A major restraint in the refining industry automation and software market is the persistent shortage of skilled technical workforce. As automation systems become more complex and AI-driven, there is a growing demand for professionals with advanced programming, analytics, and engineering skills. However, many refineries struggle to find qualified talent capable of managing, deploying, and maintaining these sophisticated solutions.

  This skills gap is particularly pronounced in regions undergoing rapid industrial transformation. Legacy workforce models focused on manual operations make it difficult to transition seamlessly into digitized, fully automated environments. Lack of in-house expertise delays implementation timelines and increases dependence on third-party service providers, raising operational costs and slowing innovation adoption.

  Current training and certification programs often do not keep pace with the evolving technology stack required for refinery automation. Workers may lack exposure to industrial control systems, data science tools, and cybersecurity protocols, all of which are essential in modern refining operations. This leads to operational inefficiencies and reduced return on investment.

  Bridging this gap requires coordinated efforts between industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and technology vendors to create upskilling pathways, hands-on training programs, and certification standards. Without these measures, the labor shortage will remain a major barrier to unlocking the full potential of automation in the refining sector.

Opportunities

• Advancement in AI and machine learning
• Digital twin adoption in refinery operations
• Emergence of cloud-based automation platforms

• Expansion in developing refining markets - The expansion of refining infrastructure in developing markets presents a compelling opportunity for automation and software providers. Countries in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America are investing in new refineries to meet growing energy demands, reduce import dependency, and improve fuel quality. These greenfield projects are ideal candidates for integrated automation and control systems that ensure operational excellence from day one.

  Emerging economies are increasingly aware of the benefits of deploying smart automation platforms to drive efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. With fewer legacy systems to manage, new facilities have greater flexibility in adopting next-generation process control, SCADA, and digital asset management systems. This opens doors for vendors to offer end-to-end digital solutions tailored to modern operating environments.

  Government-backed initiatives, foreign direct investments, and strategic partnerships with global energy companies are further fueling the development of refining capacity in these regions. These projects often include provisions for automation integration, remote monitoring, and data-driven optimization, making them fertile ground for software and service adoption.

  As demand for refined products continues to surge in developing regions, the opportunity for vendors lies in offering scalable, cost-effective, and localized automation systems. By aligning offerings with regional requirements, vendors can capture a significant share of the market and establish long-term service relationships in high-growth geographies.

Key players in Refining Industry Automation and Software Market include :

• Honeywell Process Solutions
• ABB Limited
• Siemens AG
• Emerson Process Management
• HollySys Automation
• Schneider Electric
• Omron Corporation
• Honeywell International

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Market Share Analysis
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis