LibraryManagement

Image: Logo LibraryManagement

In many areas of automated production, applications are created based on libraries with reusable blocks, also known as standard libraries. The use of libraries with reusable blocks helps to ensure cost-effective and consistent programming.

However, the blocks used in these libraries do not always stay the same. In the case of products, there are new and further developments. Bug fixes, program add-ons and improvements are just some reasons why blocks have to be changed. The LibraryManagement can be used to track and manage such block changes.

In LibraryManagement, matches and differences between blocks installed in the project and their templates from the standard library are determined and displayed. Any potential inconsistencies can easily be observed and appropriate measures taken to resolve them.

It is not possible to make changes to project data in the LibraryManagement. The different versions of project data are shown in the change history of the LibraryManagement. Special hardware or software is not required to use LibraryManagement.

Practical applications

Here are the three most common use cases of LibraryManagement in our experience:

Scenario 1: Identifying project versions

When configuring a system it is determined that a standard library block has been added to. LibraryManagement can be used to identify which version of the standard library block was used in which projects. Based on this data, further action can be planned, such as updating the affected projects.

Scenario 2: Ensuring that PLC programs are the same

In a production plant, there is a sub-process that has been set up with multiple redundancies in manufacturing. The sub-process is controlled in each case by a controller, for example, a SIMATIC S7. This means that all of the controller programs must be the same (except for the network address). The LibraryManagement can be used to ensure that the programs are the same at block level. In the case of a program update, the LibraryManagement can also be used to monitor the progress of the rollout.

Scenario 3: Check project planning carried out by service providers

The LibraryManagement enables a client to check, when accepting a new plant, whether the specified standard library modules were used in the project planning as agreed. Changes made by the service provider can be immediately identified. Measures can then be taken to ensure consistency.