Keeping production lines healthy: why system health checks matter

A production line can be running smoothly while the software and electrical components behind it are gradually becoming outdated. A recent cybersecurity warning concerning Siemens PLCs highlights the importance of keeping track of industrial control systems. With its new System Health Check, Selmers helps customers understand the condition of their systems and plan ahead.

In August 2026, US cybersecurity authorities issued a warning about malicious activity targeting Siemens S7 programmable logic controllers (PLCs). These industrial computers control machinery and production processes. The advisory highlighted risks associated with internet-exposed PLCs, outdated software and insufficient security measures.

Although the reported activity focused on installations in the United States, the advice is relevant to industrial operators around the globe. The warning also provides a timely connection to the System Health Check that Selmers introduced earlier this year.

Why Selmers developed the System Health Check

The initiative came from Lars Naber and Roy van Rijn in Selmers’ software department. They saw a need to help customers keep track of software and electrical technology that can become outdated even while production continues as normal.

“Software develops so quickly that you really need to keep up,” explains Milan Tijm, Manager Global Services at Selmers. “If systems become too outdated, we may eventually no longer be able to support them. The same applies to electrical components. Something may still work perfectly well, even though a replacement is no longer available.”

The System Health Check is intended to make these issues easier to identify, so customers can plan maintenance or upgrades before support or replacement becomes a problem.

What does the System Health Check involve?

The check focuses on the electrical infrastructure, control systems, software and communication networks of a production line. Selmers engineers examine electrical cabinets, including power supply, temperature, cooling and the condition of installed components. They review PLCs and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), along with software and firmware versions, diagnostics and available backups. Industrial networks are also assessed, including communication performance, connections and potential signs of ageing. Cybersecurity-related checks include password status, outdated or default credentials and remote access arrangements.

Part of the assessment can be carried out remotely through Selmers’ existing support connections. A complete System Health Check, however, also requires an on-site visit to inspect the equipment. Customers receive a structured report outlining the system’s condition, identified risks and practical recommendations. This helps them decide what needs attention and what can be included in future maintenance or upgrade plans.

Cybersecurity as part of the bigger picture

The recent Siemens PLC warning illustrates why cybersecurity is one of the areas worth reviewing. If an industrial control system is insufficiently protected against unauthorized access, it could potentially be used to interfere with machinery or disrupt production. “We can access systems remotely to solve problems for our customers,” explains Milan. “The important thing is making sure that people who shouldn’t have access cannot get in.”

But cybersecurity is only one aspect of the check. The System Health Check provides a clearer picture of the condition of a production line’s software, electrical components and network infrastructure. This is valuable even when everything is running smoothly, but also when customers have specific questions following the recent warning.

Want to know more about the Selmers System Health Check or what it could mean for your production line? Contact our team for more information at globalservices@selmers.com.