Mr. Greising, in a nutshell: What exactly is behind the 'Codesys Automation Server'?

Samuel Greising: The Codesys Automation Server is a cloud-based platform for managing control tasks. This includes device management, data recording and analysis, as well as engineering. Users of PLCs, i.e. machine builders and in particular operators of machines and systems, benefit immediately from such an Industry 4.0 platform because it considerably simplifies daily tasks such as application updates or device replacement. The Automation Server also turns all connected controllers into an intelligent 'thing', connected to IIoT.

You released the Automation Server at the end of October. What's new compared to the initial presentation at SPS 2018?

Samuel Greising: The prototype that we presented last year has become a mature Software-as-a-Service product. The main work in 2019 went into the migration to the cloud. This has the advantage for users that they can conveniently create a cloud-based account for PLC administration and do not have to worry about their own server structure. In addition, they can now create customizable and configurable topology views and secure access to their server account with a 5-level authorization concept in Automation Server.

At SPS 2019, you will be demonstrating the integration of controllers from different networks and locations: How does this work in concrete terms?

Samuel Greising: Quite simply via the Codesys Edge Gateway, a communication service between control networks and the Automation Server. An Edge Gateway is installed for each network or location in order to gain control over the controllers underneath. In terms of security, this has the effect that not every controller has to be directly connected to the 'Internet', but there is precisely defined access that the user controls.

Do you already have concrete experience in the field?

Samuel Greising: In addition to over 200 beta testers who tested the Automation Server from May to October, there are now concrete applications. Together with the company Inasoft, for example, we are connecting the car wash systems of Autowaschtechnik AWT AG, which are distributed throughout Europe, to the Automation Server. Among other things, the control systems used in them can now be supplied with application updates centrally much more easily.

What are the next development steps?

Samuel Greising: We are currently working on a solution for data recording and analysis. This will be available in spring 2020. Before that, we will bring the Codesys web visualization of compatible controllers to the Automation Server. And another feature that will make work easier for users: we will create a way to debug remote controllers via the Automation Server - completely without VPN or other remote maintenance solutions.