Machine Programming

Software Engineering for Control systems is well beyond simply replacing old technology with programmable controller. Modern control systems can perform automation for every department in the company:

• Interface with other plant systems via secure networks to reduce the opportunity for errors. ex:
  • Orders can go with product specifications can come into a control system directly from a database.
  • Reporting of production data can go the other way. 
• Notify maintenance personnel of impending problems or breakdown. 
• Communicate via Email or text when an error occurs or a limit is reached.
• Store data in an external database to be later used by the same control system for Process optimization. 
• Safety systems can alert the plant safety officer whenever an abnormal condition exists. 
• Supervisors can use a wifi enabled tablet to or desktop PC to see real time data from the control system. 
• the possibilities are endless...

The Portal is a totally integrated machine programming environment that is IEC61131-3 compliant, and incorporates PLC, Safety, IO & RIO, HMI, Drives, Motion and Networking into a single product. This is our platform of choice for multiple reasons.

• Broad hardware offering capable of large scale whole plant control, yet has brick PLC's with features and performance well beyond the competitors. 
• Common tag database - create a tag in one device and it is now common in all devices that use it. 
• Robust Library functions
• Symbolic Adressing
• Choice of multiple languages that 
• Know how protection - your code can be protected, whether it is an entire project or a single function block, it can be individually protected .
• Third party network devices can be integrated with GSD file.
• an entire plant can be configured, programmed and maintained in this single application. 
• Whole plant project is saved under a single file name and archived as a single file.

Most of the programming tools from Automation direct are Free or at a very low cost. This makes AD a great choice for small automation projects and/or prototyping.

• Low cost hardware.
• Low or no cost software
• Fast shipping
• Great for stand alone machinery
• Superior technical support

Q: Why does it matter which hardware platform I choose? 

• System compatibility - You will be using products that are built to work together
• Available programming & configuration tools. you and your staff and/or contractors should be familiar with the tools require to implement the platform you have chosen. 
• Make sure you look forward:
  • Will I get support from the vendor? and at what cost?
  • Is the chosen vendor embracing the future of automation? Industry 4.0, Digital twins, and machine learning just to name a few. 

Q: Why would I choose Siemens as my platform?

• Superior software tools bundled in a single "Portal"
• Superior networking and networking tools. 
• All  products (PLC, IO, RIO, Network products, HMI, IPC, Drives, etc.) are made by Siemens, not a 3rd party that could change without leaving you a migration path. 
• Global company that will be around for a long time. 
• Currently the S7-1500 PLC is the fastest on the market
• All PLC's including the Logo (smart relay) include a web server.

Q: Upon completing a project, will I receive a copy of the software along with a copy of the TIA portal so that I am not held hostage by one programmer?

• A: Upon completing any AZAS software project, you will receive a copy of the program. You will have to purchase the programming software.  Having the project means that you can go to another vendor that has the software to do upgrades in the future. You are not held hostage.