Representative End User Clients
Representative Automation Clients
Representative Software Clients
In the spirit of integrated engineering across the product and process lifecycles with bidirectional information and workflows (see also our blog on “closed loop manufacturing”), Siemens demonstrated a prototype of a seamless integration of Teamcenter, where a production process flow is designed; with NX, where production lines and their automation are designed; and with TIA portal, for detail control system engineering, and simulation of a discrete manufacturing process for validation and commissioning.
A key component in this sequence is the “Automation Designer”, now integrated in NX that enables the simultaneous design of the mechanical, electrical and automation of a production line. Further downstream, detailed automation engineering is done in the familiar TIA Portal, where automation code is generated. Electrical wiring could be obtained from ePLAN or also exported to the same application.
The combination of mechanical and electrical information in a single data model can then be used to simulate the mechatronic production system including the automation. If any shortcomings or imperfections are found, the bidirectional interactions show their potential: The designs are shared in their actual state with NX, where they can be updated, controls can be perfected and updated in TIA Portal before a validation step in the simulation environment.
Upon commercial release of the software, clients will be able to shorten machine (or other mechatronic product) engineering and development, share designs with customers for engineering reviews, and pre-commission machines virtually. Times to operational readiness would be shortened and engineering effort decreased.
Any changes made to the controls during operation can be read back into the design tools, enabling an up-to-date as-maintained digital twin at reduced cost.
In my view, the solution will create additional value for clients from digitalization, and such integrated mechatronic engineering for processes should be very positively received by the market.
A key component in this sequence is the “Automation Designer”, now integrated in NX that enables the simultaneous design of the mechanical, electrical and automation of a production line. Further downstream, detailed automation engineering is done in the familiar TIA Portal, where automation code is generated. Electrical wiring could be obtained from ePLAN or also exported to the same application.
The combination of mechanical and electrical information in a single data model can then be used to simulate the mechatronic production system including the automation. If any shortcomings or imperfections are found, the bidirectional interactions show their potential: The designs are shared in their actual state with NX, where they can be updated, controls can be perfected and updated in TIA Portal before a validation step in the simulation environment.
Upon commercial release of the software, clients will be able to shorten machine (or other mechatronic product) engineering and development, share designs with customers for engineering reviews, and pre-commission machines virtually. Times to operational readiness would be shortened and engineering effort decreased.
Any changes made to the controls during operation can be read back into the design tools, enabling an up-to-date as-maintained digital twin at reduced cost.
In my view, the solution will create additional value for clients from digitalization, and such integrated mechatronic engineering for processes should be very positively received by the market.