Design and Standardisation
From one-off project code to a reusable, scalable and error-free software architecture.
In industrial automation, the wheel is all too often reinvented for each new project or machine. This leads to fragmented code ("spaghetti code"), high engineering costs, long lead times, and systems that are difficult for maintenance services to understand. TECHNITION offers a sustainable solution: Software Standardisation and Library Design.
As a specialist in industrial automation, we realise projects where the end goal is not just a one-off working installation, but a completely reusable, custom-made software library. This lays a robust foundation for all your current and future projects.
The power of a standardised library
A well-designed software library seamlessly connects standardised PLC function blocks to the corresponding SCADA or HMI visualisations (faceplates). At TECHNITION, we employ an object-oriented and modular approach, leaning on proven industrial standards such as ISA-S88.
Whether you are working with Siemens (Step 7 / TIA Portal), AVEVA System Platform or other leading systems; the result is a library that is perfectly tailored to the specific requirements of your company, processes, and machines.
What does software standardisation deliver to your organisation?
- Drastic Reduction of Engineering Costs: Because you build with ready-made, tested software blocks, you save up to several tens of percent on programming time for each new project.
- Shorter Time-to-Market: New production lines or machines can be taken into operation significantly faster. The code is already on the shelf.
- Demonstrable Quality & Fewer Errors (First-Time-Right): The software blocks in the library have been extensively tested and validated. This minimizes bugs during commissioning (FAT/SAT).
- Easy Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Because each machine or process installation is programmed in exactly the same way, your maintenance technicians and operators can locate and resolve faults more quickly. Uniformity is the key to maximum uptime.
- Independence & Scalability: With a clear, proprietary standard, you are less dependent on specific (external) programmers. New engineers are also onboarded more quickly.
Our Approach
Standardising software is a strategic process that goes beyond just programming. TECHNITION guides this process from vision to implementation:
1. Inventory & Vision Development
We start with an analysis of your current projects, machines, and processes. What are the recurring elements (e.g. pumps, valves, PID controllers, motors, sequences)? What are the requirements from your operators and the technical service?
2. Architecture & Naming Conventions
We define the structure of the library. In doing so, we establish clear naming conventions, determine the data structures (UDTs), and implement the modular structure according to ISA-S88.
3. Development of the Library (PLC & SCADA)
TECHNITION develops the standardised blocks. This includes the PLC logic, including alarm handling and interlocks, and the direct connection to the SCADA/HMI faceplates. An object in the PLC is directly a visual and functional object on the screen.
4. Validation, Documentation & Pilot
In critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals (GAMP), validation is essential. The library is extensively tested (V-Model). We then roll out the library in a first pilot project. Of course, the entire library is provided with clear, accessible documentation.
Why engage us for your standardisation
Designing a library requires a helicopter view that can only be obtained through years of experience across various industries.
- Domain Knowledge: Experience in both the process industry (Food, Pharma, Energy) and the discrete manufacturing industry.
- Proven Track Record: TECHNITION has successfully completed various standardisation projects, from small machine builders to large production plants.
- Focus on the End User: A library is only successful if your own engineers work well with it. Therefore, we involve your team closely in the development and provide the necessary training/coaching (Lead Engineering).