Software Defined Automation (SDA) and Its Pillars

URL: https://lnkd.in/gNMvpuGw

Pillar 1: Decoupling of Hardware and Software

Software runtimes can now operate on any hardware, reducing dependency on specific hardware. This is evident in DCS systems moving towards Open Process Automation and PLC systems being virtualized. For example, ExxonMobil’s lighthouse project and AUDI AG’s recent advancements highlight this trend.

Pillar 2: Unlocking Control Programs from Proprietary Tools

Control programs often contain critical IP and functionality. Moving away from binary formats to human-readable text files (avoiding XML unless necessary) and managing them in private Git repositories can unlock Industrial DevOps. Tools like Siemens’ Simatic AX, CoDeSys go!, Beckhoff’s TwinCAT PLC++, and B&R Automation Studio Code are leading this change.

Practice Verified Commands and Codes:

1. Git Commands for Version Control:

• Clone a repository:

  git clone <repository-url> 
  

• Commit changes:

  git add . 
  git commit -m "Your commit message" 
  

• Push changes:

  git push origin main 
  

2. Linux Commands for File Management:

• Create a human-readable text file:

  echo "Your configuration data" > config.txt 
  

• View file content:

  cat config.txt 
  

• Search for specific content in files:

  grep "search-term" config.txt 
  

3. Windows PowerShell Commands:

• Create a new file:

  New-Item -Path "C:\path\to\file.txt" -ItemType File 
  

• Read file content:

  Get-Content -Path "C:\path\to\file.txt" 
  

• Search for text in files:

  Select-String -Path "C:\path\to\file.txt" -Pattern "search-term" 
  

What Undercode Says:

Software Defined Automation (SDA) is revolutionizing industrial automation by decoupling hardware and software, and unlocking control programs from proprietary tools. This shift allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in managing industrial processes. By adopting human-readable text files and version control systems like Git, organizations can better manage their IP and streamline their DevOps practices. Tools such as Siemens’ Simatic AX, CoDeSys go!, and Beckhoff’s TwinCAT PLC++ are paving the way for this transformation.

For further reading, explore the interview with Mike Bacidore in Control Design: https://lnkd.in/gNMvpuGw.

To enhance your skills, practice the following commands:

• Linux: Use cat, grep, and `echo` for file management.
• Windows: Utilize PowerShell commands like New-Item, Get-Content, and Select-String.
• Git: Master clone, commit, and `push` for version control.

By integrating these practices, you can stay ahead in the evolving landscape of industrial automation and IT.

References:

initially reported by: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/demeyerdavy_the-topic-of-this-week-was-sda-software-activity-7301291192275677184-jz2p – Hackers Feeds
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