Automation Framework

Effective creation and maintenance of software tools: The aim of Automation Framework is the effective development and maintenance of software tools for automation engineering. Repeatedly required functions are provided in the form of approved components and a stable base architecture.

Result: reduced complexity when defining a new tool and drastically reduced efforts and risks during development.

Tool integration in software platforms: Automation Framework enables usage of the developed tools individually or as integrated applications in combination with other tools. Due to the consistent object-oriented approach, software suites with consistent data management can be created which allow the user to develop machines by means of mechatronical modules and to practice functional engineering.

Result: Software suites are developed by simply integrating existing software tools via XML configuration.

Basic technology of Automation Framework

Software tools on the basis of Automation Framework consist of many independent software components. The actual composition of the tool, i.e. of the individual software components, is determined by one or several XML configuration files. In this context, base components and application components are distinguished. Base components integrate templates for programming in Microsoft Visual Studio. The technological basis for each software that is based on Automation Framework is provided by the following Automation Framework base components:

• The Component Framework manages the components as well as the XML configuration and extension of your tools and allows simple reuse of all .NET-based components following the black box principle. If the interfaces of an integrated component meet the .NET standard, this component can communicate via services (interfaces) of the Component Framework.
• The UI Framework contains user interface elements such as configurable menus and toolbars, output window, tool box, progress bar, status bar, options pages or context menus. The Workspace manager handles control position. The UI Framework ensures the unified look & feel of your new software.

Application components Automation Framework

KW-Software itself uses Automation Framework as basic technology for its specific software tools. In this context, KW-Software has already developed many application components that can immediately be used for particular tasks. This component portfolio is continuously expanding.

Due to the Automation Framework base components and due to the realization of own components on the basis of Automation Framework as well as the possible use of existing components created by KW-Software the realization of an own software platform becomes considerably easier. The following application components by KW-Software are available for use:

• Text editor
• Graphical editor
• IEC 61131 editors ST, FBD, LD, variable and data type editor
• IEC 61131 project tree and project handling
• Programming and debugging with Microsoft Visual Studio
• Compiler and online components
• PLCopen XML import for data transfer
• User management for comprehensive definition of roles and rights
• FDT-Tool FDX (FieldDeviceXplorer) as frame application for the unified parameterization of field devices using DTMs
• SAFEGRID control for safe parameterization
• Engineering Step Bar for switching the user interface according to the selected engineering task
• Modular extension and integration