How long have you wanted a vendor-agnostic automation platform to help with interoperability, compatibility and harmonization, so automation systems and devices can work together effortlessly? Learn about the power of Universal Automation in a Dec. 14 webcast, archived for a year.
Learning Objectives
- Review how a vendor-agnostic automation platform can help with interoperability, compatibility and harmonization, so automation systems and devices can work together effortlessly.
- Learn about the power of Universal Automation in a Dec. 14 webcast, “How to revolutionize industrial automation software: The power of Universal Automation,” archived for a year.
- Understand that smarter automation uses software-centric engineering, reusable automation objects, is interoperable, embeds knowledge and can more easily use existing process expertise.
Industrial automation software insights
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A vendor-agnostic automation platform can help with interoperability, compatibility and harmonization, so automation systems and devices can work together effortlessly, as explained in a Dec. 14 Control Engineering webcast, “How to revolutionize industrial automation software: The power of Universal Automation,” archived for a year.
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Smarter automation software uses software-centric engineering, reusable automation objects, is interoperable, embeds knowledge and can more easily use existing process expertise.
Automation interoperability no longer is a far-off dream: Using a modern, standards-based, state-of-the-art automation platform can revolutionize industrial automation. Embracing the principles of Universal Automation organization in an automation platform marks a significant shift in the industry, according to Alex Degout, EcoStruxure Automation Expert, Schneider Electric, in a Dec. 14 Control Engineering webcast, “How to revolutionize industrial automation software: The power of Universal Automation.”
Degout said a vendor-agnostic platform meets the evolving needs of modern operations, where software and data take center stage. It transitions organizations from closed, hardware-based systems to open, software-driven solutions, he said.
The webcast explains how the IEC 61499 standard for portability and interoperability from the Universal Automation organization enables an automation platform that facilitates seamless integration and collaboration among different automation technologies. Interoperability, compatibility and harmonization ensure that various automation systems and devices work together effortlessly.
This approach to an automation software platform empowers organizations to achieve greater flexibility, scalability and efficiency, Degout said, with the ability to “plug and produce.” Using such software, organizations can easily connect and configure devices and systems, enabling rapid deployment and adaptability. When an automation software platform optimizes operations and supports digital transformation, organizations stay ahead of the rapidly changing industrial automation landscape.
Smarter automation: software-centric engineering, reusable automation objects
Learning objectives for the webcast are to:
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Understand that using a software-centric approach to engineering can automate low-value engineering tasks, allowing engineers to focus on innovation and high-value activities.
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Learn that an automation platform facilitates efficient wrap and reuse of automation objects, maximizing use of existing resources and enabling easy updates and upgrades.
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Explore how an automation software platform provides agility to quickly adapt and reconfigure processes to bridge the gap between information technology and operational technology (IT and OT) systems, promoting operational effectiveness.
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Review advantages of automation software that follows the IEC 61499 standard for portability and interoperability, making it vendor-agnostic.
Interoperable automation, easier reuse, process experts, embedded knowledge
Degout explained that interoperable software can more easily embed process knowledge in plant-specific object libraries. Software objects representing plant components maximizes reuse of intellectual property and reduces engineering. Degout said such a platform also can empower operators to make better decisions by providing transparency to process operations. It also allows system evolution by process experts and not only automation experts.
The webcast, archived for a year after Dec. 14, explains more about automation system interoperability advantages.
Mark T. Hoske is content manager, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology, [email protected].
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