The FUTURE of PLC Programming is HERE! Siemens Mind-Blowing New Tool!

[@ultragigachader]

Wow, it's 2024 and automation engineers only now discover version control? How are they maintaining their code? xD

[@EliteAutomation]

No we've been doing it for years. But we've been hating it for years.

[@marekpruski2668]

Yeah, it is very funny 🤣. Many folders with names _copy of copy. Automation is many decades behind of IT.

[@MaxMustermann-bm7qt]

Bare metal git bash. No refactoring in the ide (xae). Or git is like, where file?

[@IngVasiu]

Siemens already has Multi User Server version control

[@manuelhofmann1579]

@@IngVasiu: I hate siemens TIA Portal so much for their old fashioned IDE. It`s not only the version control system which could be easily done with git and multiple plattforms (Github, Azure etc.). You also need a license for multi user. That's embarrasing. Also the testing approach. You need an extra license for the testing suite??? And how the heck is TIA Portal not able to include ST as programming language?? Challenge: Try to include your TIA developement in an Azure pipeline where you execute your unit tests etc. Don't forget to pay for PLCSIM Adv if you want to communicate with the virtual PLC. And the most funniest part: the library handling. Mastercopies and types :D. WHY in the world do I have to copy a type from a library into my project instead of referencing it like in every other language??? And that doesn't even work correctly. TIA Portal is unacceptable for modern development.

[@EManime25]

Is it possible to do safety programming in simatic AX? Seeing as graphical programming is not supported

[@EliteAutomation]

Yes, it is possible to do safety programming in Simatic AX, even though it doesn't support graphical programming. Simatic AX supports structured text (ST) programming, a powerful text-based language that allows for complex safety logic implementation. While it may not be as visually intuitive as graphical programming, ST offers the flexibility and precision needed for safety-critical applications.

[@zwei929]

Can Simatic AX do the graphical programming methods, such as using Ladder or Function Block?

[@EliteAutomation]

Simatic AX does not currently support graphical programming methods like Ladder or Function Block diagrams. It primarily relies on text-based Structured Text (ST) programming, which is a more traditional approach to PLC programming. However, it's important to note that Siemens is continuously developing Simatic AX, and future updates may introduce additional programming paradigms. While Simatic AX may not offer the same visual programming options as traditional PLC development environments like TIA Portal, it provides a modern, code-centric approach with benefits such as: Faster development: The text-based approach can be more efficient for experienced programmers. Increased flexibility: ST offers more flexibility and control over complex logic. Improved code readability: Well-structured ST code can be easier to understand and maintain. Integration with modern development tools: Simatic AX is based on Visual Studio Code, providing a familiar and powerful development environment. If you are more comfortable with graphical programming methods, you may want to consider using other Siemens automation tools like TIA Portal, which supports Ladder, Function Block, and Structured Text programming. However, if you are open to learning a new approach and value the benefits of text-based programming, Simatic AX could be a good option for your automation projects.

[@ItsNotAllRainbows_and_Unicorns]

I think version control is something more recent. PLCs were not built from the ground up with version control in mind according to a source. I am sure automation engineers have thought about version control, tired to implement it with great difficulty. It seems as of recent, it's much easier to do. Unlike the world of software PLCs seem to go a lot slower. If it isn't' broken, then there is no need to fix it mentality. (I hate that type of old school mentality.)

[@EliteAutomation]

Yes. And it's so antiquated. Even simple things like add a link to the direct download and instructions of the firmware upgrades or software. Even then though they're always challenges where it should just go through and work and it doesn't.