CASE Software enhances program design efficiency.
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Press Release Summary:
Helping create clearly structured software architecture, Automation Studio 4 provides automated functions, true-to-life architecture modeling, version control, support for shared projects, and object-oriented programming. Project modularization lets individual projects be split up into manageable pieces, and hardware configuration is handled by arranging photorealistic images of components. Automatic application of necessary configuration parameters conserves time and prevents errors.
Original Press Release:
Not Just Efficient, But Smart: the Next Generation of Automation Studio
With Automation Studio 4, B&R has forged an entirely new path when it comes to smart engineering. Many convenient automated functions as well as true-to-life architecture modeling, version control, support for shared projects and simple object-oriented programming take program design efficiency to a whole new level.
"The only way a development system will succeed in the long run is if it can provide developers an easy way to manage their increasingly complex programs," explains Dr. Hans Egermeier, manager of the Automation Studio Business Unit at B&R. He works in close cooperation with external usability experts to make sure that Automation Studio meets this important requirement.
Parallel development accelerates time to market
Project modularization is one area that makes working with Automation Studio 4 smarter. It allows individual projects to be split up into manageable pieces so that several developers can work on them at the same time. The new integrated version control system ensures stability and consistency.
Hardware configuration is often the first step in system development. In the new System Designer in Automation Studio, this is handled by arranging photorealistic images of components. The automatic application of the necessary configuration parameters saves an incredible amount of time and prevents errors from occurring in the first place.
Mechatronic support comes standard
For consistent and uniform development of mechanics, electronics and the automation software, Automation Studio 4 comes equipped with an interface to EPLAN Electric P8, which allows ECAD projects and the hardware configuration in Automation Studio to be synchronized. Similar interfaces to simulation programs make it possible to verify the results of development or, conversely, to use the results of simulation as a starting point for system design.
Communication via OPC Unified Architecture provides compatibility with numerous systems from other manufacturers, while direct support of Web technologies simplifies the development of visualization, process monitoring and remote diagnostic applications.
Smarter programming languages and templates
Advanced functions for object-oriented programming with C++ makes programming with classes and objects much more convenient. A smart editor uses function libraries and sections of code that have already been programmed to provide context-sensitive suggestions. During development, visualization templates also accelerate the design of user interfaces.
"Automation Studio 4 not only helps create clearly structured software architecture when a project is first being developed, but also when designing new variants and options or performing project maintenance," says Egermeier. "Its smart features provide optimal support for quickly and easily developing sustainable solutions."
B&R company profile
B&R is the world’s largest and most successful private company in the area of automation equipment manufacturing. The motto “Perfection in Automation” has provided the foundation for the company since B&R was founded in 1979. Today, B&R employs 2,300 employees worldwide and has an exceptional global presence with 168 sales offices in 68 countries.
B&R Industrial Automation, Inc. North America, based in Atlanta, GA, has been working closely with their customers since 1987. Since then, B&R North America has continuously grown as a sales and support organization through both direct sales offices and B&R’s unique Automation Partner distribution network. Today, B&R North America has a network of more than 24 offices throughout the USA and Canada and is there for its customers locally.
