Schneider Electric, Palatine, Ill., entered into an agreement to acquire InStep Software, a Chicago-based provider of real-time performance management and predictive asset analytics software and solutions. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, subject to customary regulatory and other closing conditions.

"Acquiring InStep Software is indicative of our commitment to delivering game-changing technology and powerful new solutions that improve efficiency, manage risk and drive higher levels of customer value," says Ravi Gopinath, executive vice president, Schneider Electric Global Solutions, software business. "They have a proven, experienced team who are dedicated to helping their customers achieve new levels of value, performance and profitability, and we are delighted to welcome them to Schneider Electric."

InStep provides two primary real-time performance management and predictive analytics software solutions. Its eDNA historian software collects, stores, analyzes, displays and reports on real-time operational and machinery sensor data, and its PRiSM predictive analytics software monitors the real-time health and performance of critical assets by using advanced pattern recognition and diagnostic techniques to identify subtle deviations in operating behavior that are often the early warning signs of imminent failures. The company also offers its EBS energy management software, which helps universities reduce their utility costs by analyzing energy consumption and streamlining the utility billing, cost allocation and reporting processes.

eDNA software strongly complements Schneider Electric's Wonderware Historian software, and PRiSM software enhances the company's industry-leading information and asset management software offerings.

"As with other recent acquisitions, InStep Software strengthens our portfolio in targeted industries and segments," says Rob McGreevy, vice president, information, operations and asset management, Schneider Electric. "Their solutions give us additional, stronger data management and predictive analytics capabilities in the power and energy management industries, including power transmission and distribution, and will help us fulfill our strategic plans around Big Data, the Internet of Things and other emerging trends. With InStep, we strengthen our reputation as an industry game changer, and we are immediately more competitive in traditional process manufacturing, which fits with our overall strategy of improving our access to the utilities market in North America."

"Combined with Schneider Electric's existing software offerings, our capabilities and expertise in the power and energy segment allow us to provide broader end-to-end visualization, asset management, operations and mobile solutions to our customers," says John Kalanik, president of InStep Software. "Together, our software products will make it easier to bridge the IT-OT gap, empowering our customers to manage the increasing volume and complexity of their industrial operations. Our customers will continue to work with the same experienced InStep Software team, and we will continue to provide the same exceptional products and services they have come to expect and rely on. With Schneider Electric, our customers will be backed by a leading-edge global software company and our employees will have more opportunities to fulfill their potential for success."

InStep Software will continue to be managed by its existing executive team, adding approximately 70 employees to Schneider Electric's operations in the United States. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.