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2. Distributed controller applications.
Ref. “MULTIPROG and ProConOS“
MULTIPROG® supports the integration of different Hardware systems. It is suited for the programming of distributed controller applications.

• Extended diagnostic reduced start-up times
• Management of distributed controls

  • Several configurations/resources can be simultaneously administrated, programmed, debugged and taken into operation in one project.
  • All connected controls can be administrated in one dialog.

• Network variables:Easy powerful configuration of distributed communication

  • Based on the German research project MOVA (Modular, open, distributed function block systems for the automation industry) and its successful realization, the network variables have allowed KW-Software to apply a new standard in the configuration of distributed control systems.
  • Easy realization of distributed PLC applications with several configurations and resources
  • Automatic organization of the data transfer
  • No additional programming effort, as the structure of the distributed system does not have to be considered when the system is designed
  • The program can be started, stopped and changed in online mode in each PLC within the network, independent from the other existing PLCs.

3. ProConOS for PLC kernel on different Hardware and Operating system

4.Automation Framework – the .Net Construction Kit for Automation Solutions
What about to integrate existing tools into a new platform?

If you answer these questions with a “Yes” but you haven’t found a passable way, then Automation Framework, the .NET construction kit by KW-Software, provides the solution.

Automation Framework, the component-based software platform is the solution!

Automation Framework provides the flexible framework

• Component Framework used as basis and frame for the target application

• The Integrated Development Environment (IDE) provides the user interface elements

• ObjectStore used as basis for the data management model

The ObjectStore is the basis for the central data management. It builds the technical basis on which specific data models used, for instance, to process device data (e.g. sensor data, I/Os, network configurators, …) and drive data have been developed.

5.Rapid Prototyping – the short way to your first version
Here, Automation Framework supports you by: the provision of preconfigured components, which you can combine by configuration to create your software, and Add-Ins for Microsoft^® Visual Studio.

It is a kind of Functional engineering – saves costs and increases quality. What means functional engineering? Machines or systems are grouped into automation modules. A functional software suite based on Automation Framework is responsible for the connection of these modules as well as their different module dates, guarantees consistent data management and provides the link between data and integrated tools. A machine function is described with all engineering data, the functionality is encapsulated and managed in a catalog for reuse.

The following illustration shows an example for the subdivision of a plant into different automation modules. The “Shrink-packing” module consists of data from different tools (e.g. CAD, PLC programming, visualization) of different manufacturers, which are all integrated in the Automation Framework and can be edited there.

6.Automation Framework supports the FDT/DTM technology
FDT/DTM with Automation Framework

7.Integration of software components in Automation Framework
Automation Framework opens up new prospects from engineering up to marketing of products! Different Automation Framework tools and suites of different manufacturers are compatible and can be combined.
Automation Framework provides two different mechanisms to fulfill these demands for all applications: ObjectStore and mediator concept.
Software components 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, i.e. with Automation Framework. 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 at less deeper integration levels via mediators by integrating 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 parameters or deep integration of the tool data in Automation Framework can be realized.

• Automation Framework supports integration of all Microsoft technologies, from DOS applications to ActiveX controls.

8..NET and Automation Framework technology
Automation Framework is an extension of the Microsoft.NET Framework especially for the automation industry.Here, Automation Framework ensures the simple integration, enables the required communication between the integrated components and guarantees the consistent data management.