1. Structuring the system
The Selmo OT strategy represents an innovative approach to industrial automation. Instead of concentrating on hardware, it relies on software-defined, behavior-oriented engineering. This means that processes are first analyzed and modeled in detail. This is followed by an automatic conversion into PLC code. This structured approach enables precise, efficient and error-free implementation of automation solutions.
Classic manual programming is replaced by an automated, model-based process. This minimizes sources of error and significantly reduces development times. The Selmo OT strategy ensures a seamless connection between planning, implementation and operations, enabling companies to implement their automation solutions faster and more reliably.
This strategy consists of four key phases:
1. Pre-engineering:
In the pre-engineering phase, the focus is on a detailed analysis of the process. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on hardware, Selmo starts with a structured view of operations. Requirements are clearly defined and structured to enable efficient development. By using the Selmo Studio, these requirements are directly translated into functional software models. This results in a seamless connection between analysis and implementation and significantly increases efficiency.
2. Implementation:
After modeling the process, it is automatically translated into PLC code. The generated code is standardized and already contains all the necessary requirements, including error handling. This automation eliminates manual programming, reducing sources of error and ensuring the consistency of the automation solution.
3. Result:
Commissioning is more efficient, as the PLC code is based exactly on the previously defined process model. All requirements and logical processes are fully integrated. Changes or optimizations can be made directly in the model, without the need for additional manual coding. This results in significant time savings and reduces the risk of errors.
4. Impact:
Selmo enables continuous monitoring of machine health. Deviations from the target state are detected in real time and immediately displayed to the operator with clear indications of the cause of the fault. This allows for quick and targeted troubleshooting. The standardized definition of all machine states eliminates unclear sources of error. In addition, the generated data is in the direct context of the process, which enables precise analysis and increased efficiency.
2. The PTF approach
The P-T-F (Process, Technology, Function) approach is the basis for the behavioral engineering of the Selmo OT strategy. It offers a structured approach to the development and optimization of machine and plant processes. The three areas, process, technology and function, work hand in hand to efficiently design a system and implement it in the OT platform. Each area has a specific role and supports the others to enable end-to-end process modeling.
The basis of the Selmo OT strategy is the P-T-F approach. It consists of three main areas:
1. Process :
Machine sequences are precisely analysed and divided into standardised elements:
- Plant: The entire machine or plant.
- Hardware Zone (HWZ): Areas with their own safety and operating modes.
- Sequence: Smallest logical unit within a hardware zone.
Important questions in this phase are:
- How is the material flow organized?
- What process steps are necessary?
- What dependencies exist between the processes?
- What parameters and limits are crucial for process execution?
This phase ensures that the process is fully understood and precisely modeled before looking at any technological or functional details.
2. Technology:
Based on the defined process, the necessary technology is identified in this phase. Important considerations are:
- What technologies are required to implement the defined process?
- Can existing technologies be integrated, or are new components necessary?
- Which sensors and actuators are needed?
- What interfaces are required to ensure smooth communication between the components?
This analysis helps to select the appropriate technological solutions to implement the process in the best possible way.
3. Function:
In the last step, it is defined which functions are required to implement the process. The functional analysis includes:
- Standard and special functions: Which functions can be covered by standard modules, and which require specific adjustments?
- Interface logic: How are sensors and actuators logically integrated?
- Process logic: What calculations, filters or specific processes are necessary?
The aim is to create a complete list of functions and provide clear solutions to ensure a smooth process.
Interaction of P-T-F
The three areas of the P-T-F approach are intertwined:
- The process defines the requirements and procedures.
- The technology ensures that the right tools and components are available for implementation.
- The function implements the process logic with the selected technology.