IT in Manufacturing


Rockwell software release optimises productivity and reduces design time

June 2018 IT in Manufacturing

Engineers can design, build and commission automation systems more quickly, using the newly enhanced Rockwell Software Studio 5000 integrated development environment. This latest software release includes a new user interface that provides a common, modern look across all Studio 5000 applications, and includes updates to help engineers improve productivity from design to deployment.

The Studio 5000 Logix Designer application now includes updates to several programming languages and a modernised structured text editor to help optimise design time. The text editor has been updated with many new features, such as collapsible code segments and inline value monitoring, for more productive programming and editing. “The modified structured text editor improves ease-of-use for programmers at different skill levels,” said business manager, Christo Buys. “Power users currently using structured text programming and new engineers who are unfamiliar with it will both be comfortable using the modernised editor.”

The new Logix tag-based alarm functionality allows engineers to easily add alarms to structures and manage them in a single environment, which helps save time by avoiding the need for programming. The update also includes new drive safety instructions in accordance with IEC 61800-5-2, and motion instructions for expanded kinematic support. In addition, the modern user interface includes multi-monitor support and tabbed views to help improve usability and reduce design time. The Studio 5000 Logix Designer application also includes support for the new Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5580 and Compact GuardLogix 5380 controllers. This provides new high performance options for users as they design safety systems and can help reduce overall machine costs. The Studio 5000 View Designer application now includes data logging and trending for easier troubleshooting. It gives engineers access to emulation capabilities for virtual commissioning and testing applications to help reduce system development time and risk.

The Studio 5000 Architect application supports systemwide capabilities that can reduce design complexity and time. For example, the updated version has adopted the open data-exchange interface, AutomationML (Automation Markup Language), for expanded connectivity and robust data sharing between the Studio 5000 software and other engineering tools, such as EPLAN Electric P8.

A new Studio 5000 Application Code Manager light edition is available for download as a single-user edition for machine and equipment builders who operate on a smaller scale. At no added cost, this version contains bulk programming and library management capabilities, with a standard version available as an annual subscription.

In addition, to help jumpstart development, Rockwell Automation now provides a Machine Builder Library and Process Object Library for Studio 5000 Application Code Manager. Both libraries can be downloaded from the Product Compatibility Download Center (PCDC) for no additional cost. The Studio 5000 Logix Emulate application now has an updated interface for connectivity to operator training systems like Cape Software VP Link and MYNAH Mimic, along with an improved user interface.

For more information contact Christo Buys, Rockwell Automation, +27 (0)11 654 9700, [email protected], www.rockwellautomation.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

How digital infrastructure design choices will decide who wins in AI
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
As AI drives continues to disrupt industries across the world, the race is no longer just about smarter models or better data. It’s about building infrastructure powerful enough to support innovation at scale.

Read more...
How quantum computing and AI are driving the next wave of cyber defence innovation
IT in Manufacturing
We are standing at the edge of a new cybersecurity frontier, shaped by quantum computing, AI and the ever-expanding IIoT. To stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats, organisations must embrace a new paradigm that is proactive, integrated and rooted in zero-trust architectures.

Read more...
2026: The Year of AI execution for South African businesses
IT in Manufacturing
As we start 2026, artificial intelligence in South Africa is entering a new era defined not by experimentation, but by execution. Across the region, the conversation is shifting from “how do we build AI?” to “how do we power, govern and scale it responsibly?”

Read more...
Five key insights we gained about AI in 2025
IT in Manufacturing
As 2025 draws to a close, African businesses can look back on one of the most pivotal years in AI adoption to date as organisations tested, deployed and learned from AI at pace. Some thrived and others stumbled. But the lessons that emerged are clear.

Read more...
South Africa’s AI development ranks 63rd in the world
IT in Manufacturing
The seventh edition of the Digital Quality of Life Index by cybersecurity company, Surfshark ranks South Africa 75th globally.

Read more...
Optimising MRO operations through artificial intelligence
RS South Africa IT in Manufacturing
AI is reshaping industrial operations at every level in the maintenance, repair and operations supply chain, where it is driving efficiency, predictive insight and smarter decision making.

Read more...
Data centres in an AI-driven future
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
A profound transformation will begin to take hold in 2026 as AI becomes ever more ingrained in every aspect of life, and the focus shifts from LLMs to AI inferencing.

Read more...
Driving innovation in agricultural machinery
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
A leading Argentine agricultural machinery manufacturer, Crucianelli has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to drive innovation and digital transformation of its business, from product ideation and development to production and to its extended dealer network.

Read more...
Don’t let the digital twin drift from reality
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The digital twins is a highly effective tool that offers real-world scenarios within a virtual environment. However, there is the danger of a disconnect stemming from a communication failure between the design, construction and operations phases of a project.

Read more...
Install and commissioning time cut by 50% thanks to digital twin insights
IT in Manufacturing
ECM Technologies, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative and modular low-pressure carburising industrial furnaces, has developed a solution that removes many of the installation and commissioning challenges relating to the development, testing and deployment of large-scale heat treatment plants.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved