Suite Builder: Creation of an own software platform

The Suite Builder allows medium-sized companies to present their products together with the corresponding tools on an own platform (suite). Different Automation Framework tools and suites of different manufacturers are compatible and can be combined.

Suite Builder: Construction kit for platform

Creation of your suite on the basis of the Automation Framework Suite Builder

The following graphic gives an overview of the development phases and possibilities to develop a suite with the Suite Builder via integration of tools.

Tool integration made simple

Third-party applications can be integrated into AF at different integration levels. The deepest integration can be achieved with tools that have been developed on the basis of the .NET Framework, the AF Class Library and the AF Base Catalog, in other words with the Tool Builder. In this case, the principles of functional engineering are available to the resulting manufacturer-specific suite for all integrated tools.
Data of existing tools can be integrated via adapter PlugIns via integration of files and directories according to the database principle, with checking in and out and different observers for data consistency of the tools among each other.
Depending on the interfaces of the tools to be integrated, the tools can be started easily without data coupling, data can be handed over via parameter or deep integration of the tool data in Automation Framework can be realized. For this purpose, the Suite Builder provides the standard PlugIn named 'Program Launcher'.
Automation Framework supports integration of all Microsoft technologies, from DOS applications to ActiveX-Controls.

Comfortable definition of dependencies and interrelationships: Logical connections between parameters and devices can be described in an easy way using a rule-based wizard or own PlugIns.

Consistent data between applications: Due to the data management and interface definitions of Automation Framework, all mechanisms are available which ensure consistency of data between all integrated applications.

Professional catalog handling: It is possible in the Suite Builder to summarize project parts in catalogs without being restricted by tool or catalog limits and to reuse these elements.

Functional engineering: An engineering suite created on the basis of the Suite Builder enables functional engineering.
Machines or systems are structured into automation modules, which are not based on specific limits or the purpose of the used tools, but simply on the functional aspects. Automation Framework enables the connection of these modules as well as their different module dates, is responsible for consistent data management and provides the link between data and integrated tools.

All Tool Builder features are included: The Suite Builder provides all Tool Builder features. These features are additionally expanded by the possibilities given by the Suite Builder.

 [General features of Automation Framework]
 [Technological basics of Automation Framework]
 [Details on functional engineering]