The innovative software eliminates the problems caused by each brand having its own programming software and the resulting programming incompatibility. PLC-PROG, developed within the framework of the project of the same name (plc-prog.eu) funded by the European Union under the Seventh Framework Programme, is currently being tested at a water treatment plant in Romania and a packaging company in the United Kingdom.
The next step will be to develop training courses for companies interested in using it. The project partners, whose project began a year ago and is scheduled to conclude in August 2013, are: LABOR SRI (Italy), GAIA-Cluster TEIC, Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV, Spain), British Plastics Federation (UK), Centre for Research and Innovation of Catalonia (CRICK, Spain), The Federation of Hellenic Information Technology & Communication Enterprises (Greece), MIKON SYSTEMS (Romania), DOTSOFT (Greece), and LOGITEK (Spain). According to the project developers, their main objective has been to develop a single tool for the easy management of all programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that comply with the European standard IEC 61131-3, regardless of their brand, "thus eliminating the IT, cost, and compatibility problems that existed with this type of programming from different brands.".
In this regard, they point out that engineering firms currently responsible for the automation of industrial processes and facilities must have different experts in programmable logic controller (PLC) programming depending on the brand, to ensure optimal and efficient programming. "There is no known automatic conversion system that allows a control program to be converted for different PLC brands. The programmer must perform this conversion manually," they add. Hence the importance of PLC-PROG, which aims to offer a single programming tool for PLCs compatible with the IEC 61131-3 standard, thus eliminating all the aforementioned problems. Training on the tool, developed by CRICK, will be provided to all consortium members in February 2013 and subsequently to all companies interested in using it. In the case of GAIA-Cluster TEIC, all its interested member companies will have full access to the training and all related materials (technical guides, user guides, videos, etc.).
What benefits and new features does it offer?
This is a low-cost software that allows you to complete the same work in less time, as it's a single program compatible with multiple brands. It's fast, simple, and easy to use, with a new language that simplifies programming complex functions. PLC-Prog is also compatible with major brands and easily expandable through the installation of plug-ins. Regarding the latest innovations compared to PLCs currently on the market, the following stand out:
- Brand independent: It is programmed once and can be used with all compatible brands (Currently: Siemens, ABB, Schneider and B&R).
- It features a new graphical language based on the concept of electrical panels and designed for maintenance personnel. There's no programming required; simply connect and configure it.
- Intuitive implementation of the object-oriented paradigm.
- Set of useful, ready-to-use, fully extensible functions.
- SCADA screens for configuration and automatic adjustment created and linked to programmed functions.
- Fully based on the standards of IEC-61131-3.
The PLC-Project consortium points out that over the last two decades, the field of automation has undergone incredible expansion, unthinkable just 10 years ago. "Today, it's possible to monitor and even control a factory located thousands of kilometers away, receiving real-time production data, efficiency, consumption, and other information on your mobile phone. In today's borderless world, business competitiveness has increased dramatically, and costs must be minimized to remain competitive," they conclude.
