Controls News 13
31
Focus issue:
The new class of devices combines strengths, eliminates weakness
Complexity
Standard
functions
Project
specific
Individual user, operator,
adaptation and
optimization functions
Complexity
Standard
functions
Project
specific
Individual user, operator,
adaptation and
optimization functions
The area under the curve represents the effort it takes to create the appli-
cation software for an automation solution.
The basis of this analysis is the average overall cost of creating application
software for a project – regardless of the technology. This is shown as the area
under the curve of complexity. Complexity includes the programming exper-
tise required to perform a function. Initially there are some tricky functions
requiring a lot of system and programming skills. These are mostly the general,
standard features used in many applications. The project and target group-
specific functions are often technically less sophisticated, but from the perspec-
tive of users and operators they are all the more important. Thus less extensive
programming and system expertise is required.
Dedicated controllers do not allow for the implementation of project-
specific functions. Adjustments to individual target groups and specific
optimizations are not possible.
In a solution with dedicated controllers, all possible applications have been
included as standard by the manufacturer. There is no programming effort.
That means that operators and users must content themselves satisfied with
the existing functions of the automation solutions. Specific adaptations are
not possible. In terms of lean automation, only «Basic Fit» can be achieved.
Freely programmable modular automation stations require more
expertise and time than dedicated solutions. The integrator creates
project-specific application software and loads it onto the «virgin»
automation equipment.
With freely programmable, modular controllers of industrial PLC quality the
system dictates that when implementing an automation solution, more time
and expertise is needed than for dedicated controllers. That makes it easier
and safer to achieve «Perfect Fit». The application is fully modifiable and
extensible, so that operators and users get a customized solution.
The Saia®Functions-PCD combines the advantages of a dedicated con-
troller with those of a freely programmable controller. The disadvantages
have disappeared.
With solutions involving the Saia®Functions PCD, basic effort is as low as with
dedicated controllers when the pre-installed functions are optimally adjusted
to the user. Unlike dedicated controllers, a Saia®Function PCD is extensible
and adaptable, but also includes using Saia®standard software tools. The
core application remains the same and further software building blocks can
be added. These can be taken from a standard library or developed for the
purpose.
Complexity
Basic Fit
solution
Standard
functions
Project
specific
Individual user, operator,
adaptation and
optimization functions
No Go
for dedicated controller
Complexity
Basic Fit
solution
Good Fit
solution
Perfect Fit
solution
Standard
functions
Project
specific
Individual user, operator,
adaptation and
optimization functions
Cost curve for automation solutions
that are «Perfect Fit» for operators and users.
Saia®PG5
Controls
Suite
Cost curve for automation solutions that
are «Perfect Fit» for operators and users.
orange =
Expenditure for integrator/service provider
orange =
Expenditure for integrator/service provider
Analysis of application software development effort
Here we consider Saia® Function-PCDs from an integration perspective rather than in terms of workflow:
What is the cost and what control and automation expertise is needed?
Expenditure
for manufacturer
Expenditure
for manufacturer
Expenditure
for integrator/service provider
Expenditure
for integrator/service provider
