Operation

Identical device connection and standardised PLC code on every machine in every plant - regardless of the machine manufacturer!

This works with the Control plus software and the huge library of reusable device objects, which already contain the device connection, the HMI visualisation, various add-ons and much more. From an empty project to functional manual operation with a finished HMI - all without writing a single line of code. Even the individually programmed step chains are subject to programming guidelines and can be checked for these guidelines using our Code Checker software. The aim is to enable programmers and maintenance staff to familiarise themselves quickly and easily with any machine - at any location.

The same HMI on every machine - generate instead of programme. The HMI visualisation of each individual device in the machine is already available in the device objects of the Control plus software. In addition, the Control plus software contains the standardised HMI basic functions and displays, which enables the complete generation of a functional, visually appealing HMI. An existing toolbox can be used to fulfil the customer's individual requirements. The generated HMI not only saves programming effort, but also enables a standardised display and functionality for the operator and maintenance.

Diagnostic functions are playing an increasingly important role in machine maintenance, commissioning and troubleshooting. Every second counts, especially during machine downtimes. The Control plus software provides ready-to-use add-ons for this purpose. Like the PLC code and the HMI, these are standardised and are therefore visually and technically identical on every machine. These include EtherCAT diagnostics and step chain diagnostics, for example. There are also UPC-UA-capable assistance systems such as cycle time analysis and Virtual Assist. With Virtual Assist, the device that has thrown the error is displayed directly in the 3D model of the machine and provides the operator with instructions on how to react to the individual error code.

Thanks to intuitive error diagnostics, targeted maintenance and repair measures as well as direct insight into even complex machines, Virtual Assist takes the HMI to a new level: This assistance system allows virtual 3D machines to be created from CAD models with little configuration effort. In contrast to common 2D representations, Virtual Assist makes it possible to view the machine from a wide variety of perspectives. By using the intuitive diagnostic application, faulty machine parts can be easily located and displayed. This completely eliminates the time for troubleshooting - which speeds up maintenance work and minimizes machine downtimes.

With Augmented Assist, machine conditions, individual components and hidden processes of the machine can be visualized in real time and realistically by using a tablet or smartglasses. For example, employees can find errors faster, even in complex machines, and quickly eliminate them by following step-by-step instructions. Augmented Assist is very easy to configure – special expertise and programming skills are not required. Augmented Assist then communicates directly with the machine control system via OPC UA.

With the Cycle Time Assist system, you can effortlessly keep an eye on the cycle times of your entire system. In this way, you can quickly detect cycle time deviations in individual machines or entire production lines and take countermeasures at an early stage to avoid productivity losses. To do this, the Cycle Time Assist records the parts cycle of Control plus-based machines and displays it on the machine's user interface in real time. In addition to the parts cycle, the Cycle Time Assist can start a detailed machine recording over a freely selectable period of time. In doing so, the assistance system logs all the activities of the machine – from every single movement up to communication times with other IT systems: Thanks to the Cycle Time Assist and the optimized interface to Cycle Time Analysis, it is easy to find out where the cycle time deviation comes from.

What to do if machines and systems no longer produce within the intended cycle time? Cycle Time Analysis helps you to get to the bottom of the possible causes for a cycle time deviation with the help of long-term data from the machine control unit and to optimize them in the long term. This desktop application offers a clear interface with helpful analysis functions. It thus complements the Cycle Time Assist assistance system, which provides real-time insight into cycle times right on the machine.

The Device Portal is the comprehensive software solution for the uniform management of all IIoT devices in use. For that purpose, it not only provides an up-to-date overview of all devices, it also enables them to be managed centrally – locally and remotely – including their configuration, the installation of updates as well as of additional functions over the entire life cycle. Other devices can be integrated with little effort. The software only operates with the data specified by the device: Sensitive, production-relevant information is not communicated externally, but remains securely at its defined location.