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:

Addressing the cooling needs of the modern data centre
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The rise in hardware density in data centres is gaining speed and is largely driven by the demands of artificial intelligence and machine learning, requiring more powerful servers and specialised hardware.

Read more...
South Africa’s next cyber security frontier
IT in Manufacturing
AI-powered agents are rapidly transforming how South African businesses operate, from chatbots managing customer inquiries to automated systems processing financial transactions. While these AI-driven assistants increase efficiency and reduce operational costs, they also present a new, and often underestimated, cybersecurity challenge: identity management.

Read more...
Bombardier expands adoption of Siemens Xcelerator for aircraft developmen
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Bombardier has expanded its adoption of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software for aircraft development.

Read more...
The DeepSeek effect: navigating AI’s new frontier
IT in Manufacturing
DeepSeek has emerged as a game-changer in artificial intelligence, offering a robust platform redefining how businesses approach AI integration. This change is especially important since it opens up AI to a wider range of organisations, including small and medium-sized enterprises that could have previously been priced out of the market.

Read more...
Automation, is it 2049 already?
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
It would come as no surprise that AI and ML are at the forefront of the increased efficiency movement, and are vital cogs in this sophisticated automated machine. A development that is extremely exciting, is autonomous systems.

Read more...
Agentic AI: are we building castles on quicksand?
IT in Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence is in a strange spot. With the explosion of AI tools and applications, we find ourselves teetering between two inseparable yet intertwined paths – the promise of extraordinary capability and the peril of unmitigated risk.

Read more...
There’s a reason the A stands for Advanced in APC
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Today’s mineral processing companies face almost universal challenges, efficiently managing resources and high energy consumption, environmental compliance, barriers to technological adoption and the perpetual shortage of skilled labour. While there’s no miracle intervention, there are undoubtedly solutions that improve the above, and one is Advanced Process Control.

Read more...
Digital twins in manufacturing
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can transform the work of product development too.

Read more...
New generative AI-powered maintenance offering
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The Siemens Industrial Copilot is revolutionising industry by enabling customers to leverage generative AI across the entire value chain – from design and planning to engineering, operations and services.

Read more...
Building resilience in extreme environments
ACTOM Electrical Machines IT in Manufacturing
Extreme temperatures, corrosive substances and high pressures are just a few of the elements that make up the unforgiving operational environments characteristic of the petrochemical and oil and gas sectors. A proactive and nuanced approach to industrial maintenance is no longer optional for organisations, it is an absolute necessity to avoid disruptions and create the right conditions for success.

Read more...