Automation Studio 4: the new generation

«A development system can be successful over time only if developers can simply manage the evermore complex programs». Automation Studio by B&R is in line with maximum software usability criteria.

With Automation Studio 4, B&R has drawn a whole new path for so-called smart engineering. Many automated functions, a structured modelling adherent to the real life of a project, a sophisticated version control, support for joint projects and the native integration of programming in object-oriented languages lead to the development of programs with a truly high efficiency level.

«The only way that a development system  can made to be successful over time, is to give developers an easy way to manage increasingly complex programs», explains Dr. Hans Egermeier, manager of the Automation Studio Business Unit in B&R. For this reason the B&R team is working with several experts to make sure that Automation Studio also responds to important software usability requirements.
 
Parallel development accelerates time to market The modularization of projects is one of the highlights of Automation Studio 4. A well structured program can be better managed by those who develop, change and maintain  the code and configurations. This subdivision also enables the totally independent development of the different modules, using multiple developers working in parallel, supported by a powerful new integrated version control ensures stability and consistency of the project. The hardware configuration is often the first step in developing a system and, thanks to the new Automation Studio System Designer, this is done by simply organizing the realistic images of the hardware components on the screen. The automatic setting of the configuration, at this stage, enables  much time-saving, and the avoidance of configuration errors.
 
The mechatronics support as standard To have a harmonious and coherent development of the mechanical, electrical and software parts of a system, Automation Studio 4 includes an interface with EPLAN Electric P8, which allows you to synchronize the ECAD projects with the hardware configuration in Automation Studio. Other similar interfaces for simulation programs enable the verification and validation of the results of the development or, conversely, use the simulation data as a basis for the design of the system.
Thanks to the standard communication via OPC Unified Architecture compatibility with many third party systems is guaranteed, while the direct support that leverages web technologies simplifies the development of the display parts, process monitoring and remote diagnostics.
 
Programming languages and smarter templates The presence of advanced functions for object-oriented programming in C++ makes the use of classes and objects really convenient. An intelligent editor uses function libraries and sections of code already available in the program to provide context-sensitive hints. Moreover, during development, the availability of display models significantly accelerates the development of operator interfaces.

Smart Engineering makes it possible to minimize time to market, while keeping development costs low even in the face of a growing complexity of projects. "Automation Studio 4 - explains B&R Automation Studio Business Unit head Dr. Hans Egermeier, - not only helps to create well-structured software architecture early in development, but is also providential at later stages when designing variants and options or during maintenance. Its capabilities provide great support in achieving sustainable software solutions quickly and easily».