Efficient automation processes thanks to standardized software

The Ludwigsburg-based automation specialist presents the entire range of its software solutions at Europe’s leading fair of electrical automation in Nuremberg from 28 to 30 November. The perfectly orchestrated software modules make up an automation platform which meets the high requirements of Industrie 4.0 applications. Steffen Schwips, Head of Innovation Management at Jetter AG, states, "At times of Industrie 4.0, the applied software becomes increasingly relevant to the user – that’s where all automation features concentrate." Jetter splits up the toolchain into individual areas depend-ing on special requirements set by engineers, programmers, HMI designers or support staff. Further, deep integration of the individual tools among each other guarantees a secure data and information exchange.

The central development environment JetSym

JetSym is the central programming environment by Jetter AG. It supports configuration, debugging and diagnostics, as well as commissioning of a machine. JetSym lets the developer create any number of project configurations to enable him or her to set up and test varying machine designs during commissioning. JetSym supports the programmer by input suggestions, highlighting important aspects within the code or by template management. The programmer can create templates based on the projects for further reuse. Connecting additional software and hardware components is no problem: The software automatically recognizes and configures new modules to be applied immediately. Steffen Schwips summarizes the benefits of JetSym: "Standardized software for the entire application significantly reduces programming expense. At the same time, transparent data exchange within the network is supported." Jetter have developed the programming language STX for the development environment. Its syntax is based on IEC 61131-3 ST. STX exactly maps the real processes of a plant, significantly reduces the developing expense and the testing process and eases the teamwork by modular program design.

The JetViewSoft designing tool for high comfort

JetViewSoft is the powerful HMI solution by the specialist for automation solutions located in Ludwigsburg. The editor is very easy to handle. It can also be operated via touch display. The object-oriented approach of JetViewSoft makes creating screens easier. The designers can define the objects once and then change them as often as they like. GUIs are created by using already existent graphic objects which are transferred by drag-and-drop. Being vector graphics, all objects can be scaled to any size. Direct import of SVG files into the visualization system is possible. Laborious conversion belongs to the past. Templates created by the user can be stored to the object library. Further, there are predefined default icons available. The HMI designer can test the look and behavior of the visualization application by means of a simulator during the project phase already. The high performance of the editor allows for refreshing the graphic objects of the HMI surface even during runtime. Dynamic IOs of JetViewSoft make this possible. Additional program code is not needed any more. Safety is guaranteed by rights management and automatic alarm handling. Different users are assigned different rights. In case of a deviation from default values, an alarm message is displayed on the operator’s screen.

JetSafe for creating safety-compliant control programs

In JetSafe, the corresponding sensors and functions of a machine are assigned to inputs/outputs of the devices and the safety PLC. The user can directly select pre-configured control devices and sensors used in safety technology, such as light curtains, door contacts, enabling keys, or emergency stop devices by clicking the corresponding icon and link them on the graphic user interface with logic operators by drag and drop. The functions can be parameterized. This way, the engineer can monitor downtimes, speed, acceleration, position, ranges and directions of several axes. JetSafe automatically creates a terminal diagram and links the elements with exactly the safety module to which they are connected physically. Safety modules that have already been tested are transferred to a library to be managed or kept for reuse in further projects. Once the safety controller JetSafeControl, as well as the sensors and actuators have been configured by the engineer, JetSafe automatically creates a wiring diagram.

Networking by a Cloud-compatible controller for exceeding the limits of specific devices

Industrie 4.0 means that automation features exceed the limits of specific devices. Machines communicate via local networks or via Cloud. The number of interfaces is reduced by use of an integrated communication platform and transparent access over the entire plant is enabled. While most companies rely on additional systems, such as gateways, when it comes to communication between automation components and the Cloud, Jetter offers JetControl 440 MC as a Cloud-compatible solution. "Direct access to the data stored to the controller is a more flexible solution, as there are already all necessary data available – even changes of data types and data volumes occurring during a project phase are being acquired", Schwips explains. "We are sure this is a path-breaking solution we offer."

Highly specialized automation solutions for selected industries

Besides software modules, Jetter AG will present integrated industry solutions of in-dustrial automation for handling and assembly, filling and packaging, which meet all system requirements for visualization, control, motion and motors. The visitors can witness live perfect integration of hardware and software by the example of a capping machine. Mobile automation, especially automation solutions for agricultural imple-ments will be another focus of attention at the trade fair. The package is rounded off by control cabinet manufacturing. The services provided by Jetter AG in this area range from comprehensive engineering to assembling all components in our own pro-duction sites up to installing and commissioning at the customer’s.

Jetter AG will present its software and automation solutions at the sps ipc drives in Nuremberg from 28 to 30 November, 2017 in hall 7, stand 106.