CODESYS Automation Server Article no. 2315000005
Use cases
The CODESYS Automation Server covers two main use cases:
PLC management
The PLC Management features are designed for machine and
plant operation on site (e.g. in production). Different views provide an
overview of the status of all controls. Applications can be rolled out and
parameterized by means of mass operations. The CODESYS Automation Server offers
important tools such as the integrated ticket system for commissioning and
maintenance.
Engineering
The engineering features of the CODESYS Automation Server are
aimed in particular at developers and application engineers. Thus, projects can
be synchronized with the CODESYS Automation Server via an add-on of the CODESYS
Development System and thus enable cooperative work on projects.
Reference projects
Inasoft GmbH „The CODESYS Automation Server simplifies
the development, maintenance, and management of control applications
considerably. Our customers benefit from reduced costs and a skyrocketing
competitive edge!” (Roger Kunz, Chief Executive Officer, Inasoft GmbH)
Fliegl GmbH „It takes me less than 4 minutes to update
multiple controllers – ingenious!” (Franz Höpfinger, Application Engineer,
Fliegl GmbH)
Packsize Technologies AB „The Automation Server allows
us to manage our fleet of machines worldwide in a simple and cost effective
way.“ (Jochen Wendebaum, Head of Control System Engineering, Packsize GmbH)
Functions
Infrastructure
The CODESYS Edge Gateway enables communication with one or
more controllers. It can be installed on dedicated hardware or directly on a
controller. The CODESYS Edge Gateway encapsulates the control world externally
and ensures secure communication via TLS connection to the CODESYS Automation
Server.
Access
An access is required in order to use the CODESYS Automation
Server. Accesses are created and managed via the CODESYS Store. The result of
creating an access is administrator access to the CODESYS Automation Server,
which is used for central administration of all data and user rules within the
CODESYS Automation Server. An access can also be terminated via the CODESYS
Store and can be done monthly. Upon termination, all stored data within the
access on the CODESYS Automation Server will be permanently deleted.
PLC management
PLC management enables the management of control tasks during
the entire life cycle of a controller (application development, commissioning,
operation, maintenance). The “PLC Management” product option is available for
all controllers registered in the CODESYS Automation Server. For these, a
digital twin is created in the cloud to correctly assign orders and messages
(status, alarms, etc.). Available functions:
Views of the controller landscape
List view
In addition, information is displayed on the status, boot
application, and application parameters.
Controller-specific functions
Roll-out of applications on many controllers
Linking applications to controllers
Parameterization of generic applications
Backup/Restore of the application software
Application exchange
Display of the web visualization
Ticket system
The ticket system optimizes the workflow between application
engineer and service technician in four steps:
The application engineer creates a valid order (ticket) in
the CODESYS Automation Server to roll out a specific application on a specific
device.
dispatch of the ticket via the CODESYS Automation Server
(e.g. by e-mail).
installation of a new device or replacement of a defective
one by a service technician on site.
redemption of the ticket (e.g. scanning of the serial number)
by the service technician on the device.
No programming knowledge is required for the exchange. The
mechanism decouples application development and machine service in terms of
time, space and function, thus reducing the risk of operating errors.
Engineering
CODESYS Automation Server connector
The CODESYS Automation Server Connector is an Add-on for the
CODESYS Development System that enables the synchronization of projects on the
CODESYS Automation Server. Simple merge mechanisms allow several application
engineers to work together on a project and secure the last work status in a
revision-proof manner.
First steps can be found in the Online Help.
Further information on the features of the CODESYS Automation
Server can be found at www.automation-server.com.