Here are nine reasons you need to upskill to CODESYS by 2024: ABB, Beckhoff, Bosch, Eaton, Lenze, Omrow, Phoenix, WAGO, Weidmüller. These 9 companies are few of many that have and are using CODESYS as a base for their development, automation, PLC programming, or engineering environment.
Table of content:
- About CODESYS
- Upskilling to CODESYS
- 9 Companies – Hand in Hand with CODESYS
- Conclusion: How To Upskill To CODESYS
CODESYS
CODESYS started gaining significant traction in the industrial automation industry in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was developed by the German company 3S-Smart Software Solutions and initially released in 1994. However, it took some time for CODESYS to establish itself as a widely adopted platform.
The pivotal moment for CODESYS was when it began to conform to the IEC 61131-3 standard, which standardised the programming languages and environment for PLCs. This compliance with an international standard boosted its credibility and made it an attractive choice for automation engineers and manufacturers around the world.
Since then, CODESYS has continued to evolve and expand its capabilities, solidifying its position as one of the leading development environments for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and automation devices. Today, it’s used in various industries across the globe, from manufacturing and energy to automotive and beyond. Its versatility, adherence to standards, and active community support have contributed to its ongoing success in the industry.
Upskilling to CODESYS
CODESYS is a widely used development environment for programming industrial automation controllers, particularly those based on the IEC 61131-3 standard. It allows for the creation of applications for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and other automation devices.
Given the increasing automation in various industries, proficiency in CODESYS can indeed be a valuable skill. Here are some reasons why upskilling in CODESYS could be in high demand:
- Industrial Automation Demand: Industries like manufacturing, process control, and logistics are heavily reliant on automation. CODESYS is a prominent tool in this domain, making proficiency in it a valuable skill.
- Standardisation in Automation: IEC 61131-3 is an international standard for programmable controllers. CODESYS is one of the major development environments that adheres to this standard. Learning CODESYS means being able to work with a wide range of PLCs that comply with this standard.
- Diverse Application Areas: CODESYS is used in various sectors including manufacturing, energy, automotive, and more. This broad application range means there’s a wide demand for professionals skilled in this platform.
- Flexibility and Scalability: CODESYS supports a wide range of PLCs from different manufacturers, providing flexibility in choosing hardware. It also allows for scalability, enabling automation solutions for both small-scale and large-scale operations.
- Integration Capabilities: CODESYS can integrate with other systems, including SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) panels, providing a comprehensive solution for control and monitoring.
- Industry 5.0 and IoT: With the rise of Industry 5.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), there’s an increasing need for professionals who can program and integrate PLCs into smart and interconnected systems, which CODESYS facilitates.
- Maintenance and Support: As more companies adopt CODESYS, there’s a growing need for professionals who can maintain and troubleshoot systems developed with this platform.
- Global Reach: CODESYS is used worldwide, so proficiency in it can open up opportunities in various regions and industries.
- Continuous Development: The CODESYS platform is actively developed and updated, which means there are ongoing opportunities for learning and staying up-to-date with the latest features and best practices.
- Competitive Advantage: Having CODESYS proficiency can be a valuable differentiator in the job market, making you a more attractive candidate for roles in automation and control engineering.
Upskilling in CODESYS can be a valuable investment in your career, especially if you’re interested in working in industries that heavily rely on automation and control systems. The next section talks more about 9 reasons why you want to upskill to CODESYS.
9 Companies – Hand in Hand with CODESYS
- ABB
Yes! ABB Automation Builder is indeed based on the CODESYS platform. ABB Automation Builder is an integrated software suite used for configuring, programming, and maintaining ABB automation products, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motion controllers, and other automation devices. It leverages the capabilities of CODESYS as the underlying development environment. This means that Automation Builder provides an interface and toolset that is compatible with the IEC 61131-3 standard, making it a powerful platform for creating automation solutions. By utilising CODESYS as its foundation, ABB Automation Builder benefits from the standardised programming languages and environment specified by IEC 61131-3. This allows engineers to use familiar programming languages like ladder logic, function block diagram (FBD), structured text (ST), and more, facilitating the development of complex automation applications.
- Beckhoff Automation
Beckhoff is a German manufacturer of PC-based control systems and automation technology. They use TwinCAT, which is based on the CODESYS platform, for their development environment.
- Bosch Rexroth AG
Bosch Rexroth, a division of the Bosch Group, is a global supplier of drive and control technologies. They use CODESYS as the programming environment for their automation solutions.
- Eaton Corporation
Eaton is a multinational power management company that provides electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power solutions. They offer an engineering environment called “Eaton Automation Studio,” which is based on CODESYS.
- Lenze SE
Lenze is a global manufacturer of drive and automation technology. They use CODESYS as the foundation for their development environment.
- Omron Corporation
Omron is a Japanese electronics company that specialises in automation, sensing, and control technology. They have their own development environment called Sysmac Studio, which is based on CODESYS.
- Phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact is a German manufacturer of industrial automation, interconnection, and interface solutions. They use CODESYS for their PLC programming environment.
- WAGO Kontakttechnik GmbH & Co. KG
WAGO is a German company that produces components for electrical connections and automation. They use CODESYS for their development environment.
- Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
Weidmüller is a German manufacturer of electrical connectivity and automation products. They offer an engineering environment based on CODESYS.
It’s worth noting that while these companies use CODESYS as the basis for their development environments, they often add their own specific features, libraries, and tools to tailor the platform to their particular hardware and solutions. This allows them to offer specialised programming environments that are optimised for their products and applications.
Conclusion: How To Upskill To CODESYS?
Upskilling in CODESYS involves a combination of learning resources, hands-on practice, and real-world application. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you upskill in CODESYS:
- Access Learning Materials: Utilise online resources, such as tutorials, video courses, and documentation. There are many CODESYS tutorials available on platforms like YouTube, Udemy, and official CODESYS websites.
- Enroll in Courses: Consider enrolling in formal CODESYS courses, either online or at a local institution. Look for courses that cover various aspects, from basic programming to advanced features.
- Download and Install CODESYS: Download the free version of CODESYS from the official website and install it on your computer. This will allow you to practice and experiment with the software.
- Explore the User Interface: Familiarise yourself with the CODESYS interface, including the editor, project tree, and different programming languages supported (ladder logic, function block diagram, structured text, etc.).
- Follow Guided Exercises: Start with basic exercises provided in tutorials or courses. Work through simple projects to get a feel for programming in CODESYS.
- Work on Personal Projects: Create small automation projects on your own. This could include tasks like controlling a motor, simulating a manufacturing process, or automating a simple system.
- Experiment with Simulations: Utilise the simulation capabilities within CODESYS to test your programs without the need for physical hardware. This allows for safe and controlled experimentation.
- Read Documentation and Manuals: Study the official CODESYS documentation and manuals. These resources provide in-depth information about the platform’s capabilities, best practices, and advanced features.
- Participate in Forums and Communities: Join online forums, groups, or communities dedicated to CODESYS. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and learn from experienced users.
- Attend Workshops and Webinars: Look for workshops, webinars, or seminars related to CODESYS. These events can provide valuable insights, tips, and networking opportunities.
- Keep Practicing and Experimenting: Continuously work on projects, try out new features, and challenge yourself with more complex tasks. This hands-on experience is crucial for gaining proficiency.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of new features and updates in CODESYS. This platform evolves, and staying current will help you leverage the latest capabilities.
Remember, upskilling in CODESYS is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn. Start with the basics and gradually progress to more complex projects. With persistence, you’ll become proficient in using CODESYS for industrial automation programming and stay as an expert in the automation industry.
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