Programming Software allows reuse of previously written code.
Press Release Summary:
RSLogix 5000 v.13 provides Ladder Diagram Partial Import/Export capability, which allows users to create libraries of code that can be reused from project to project. Specific rungs of code can be exported from project using XML tag formatting and stored in external file. UDT Pass-Through Description feature allows software to locate priority member descriptions from UDT definition and combine them with tag's root description to create tag documentation automatically.
Original Press Release:
Rockwell Automation RSLogix 5000 v.13 Programming Software Increases Project Development Productivity
MILWAUKEE, March 4, 2004 - To help users improve productivity during control system development, Rockwell Automation has announced upgrades to its RSLogix 5000 programming software. New functionality available in RSLogix 5000 v.13 allows for the reuse of previously written code and documentation, providing substantial savings in control system development time.
"RSLogix 5000 v. 13 helps users improve productivity with functionality that reduces the amount of time required to develop application code, as well as for configuration and documentation," said Ron Bliss, software marketing manager, Logix/NetLinx/Kinetix business, Rockwell Automation. "With as much as 80 percent of the costs in a control system project attributed to programming and documentation, the time savings achieved with RSLogix 5000 can have a significant impact on productivity."
The new Ladder Diagram (LD) Partial Import/Export capability in RSLogix 5000 v.13 allows users to create libraries of code that can be reused from project to project. Using this feature, specific rungs of code can be exported from a project using Extensible Markup Language (XML) tag formatting and stored in an external file. Later, this code can be imported back into the same project or applied to new projects. Unlike other export options, LD Partial Import/Export automatically includes the definitions for tags, User-Defined data Types (UDT) or structures, and their associated descriptive comments - defining everything required to operate the code. During import, RSLogix 5000 provides the ability to modify the names and descriptions so that the imported code is ready to run. When compared to traditional manual copy/rename operations, users can eliminate hours of manual interaction.
Development costs are further reduced with the new UDT Pass-Through Description feature. With other development software, programmers can get specific documentation for a structured UDT tag only by creating individual descriptions for each of its members. This is done by manually typing nearly identical tag member descriptions for each tag that uses the structure. The UDT Pass-Through Description feature allows RSLogix 5000 to locate the priority member description from the UDT definition and combine these with the tag's root description to create tag documentation automatically. Automating this process can eliminate hundreds of hours of development time for systems integrators and improve documentation to reduce start-up time, simplify maintenance and reduce system downtime.
RSLogix 5000 v.13 also offers additional savings in start-up time with the ability to modify Sequential Function Chart (SFC) and Structured Text (ST) routines on line. This added functionality rounds out RSLogix 5000 to support modification of routines in any language on a running controller, avoiding downloads and maximizing equipment uptime. Other options for enhanced productivity include an import and export feature for rung comments, the ability to set instruction default values, and an instruction argument dialog tool for the configuration of complex instruction blocks. In addition, a custom tools menu allows users to launch external software tools from within RSLogix 5000. For example, users can link directly to support and maintenance Web sites or documentation from their custom menu.
RSLogix 5000 v.13 programming software is available now.
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software factory management software, Dodge mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 22,000 people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries.
For more information on the latest version of RSLogix 5000, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1687.
Complete Automation, Dodge, Reliance Electric, Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software are registered trademarks of Rockwell Automation. RSLogix is a trademark of Rockwell Automation.
