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Introduction: The Rise of Low-Code and No-Code Platforms in Automation
The rise of low-code and no-code platforms is reshaping how businesses approach automation. In the past, implementing automation required advanced programming skills, limiting access to a select group of technical experts. Today, these platforms are opening doors to non-technical users, enabling businesses to embrace automation without deep coding knowledge.
Democratising Automation: Empowering Non-Experts
The goal of democratising automation is to break down traditional barriers and allow broader access to automation tools. Small business owners, general staff, or engineers with minimal programming experience can now leverage intuitive systems. This shift mirrors the evolution of digital platforms like Airtable and Shopify, which empower users to create and manage their systems without the need for complex coding.
In industrial automation, however, the complexity is heightened. Real-time performance and reliability are crucial, and off-the-shelf low-code tools may fall short in meeting the demanding needs of industrial systems. As a result, the industry is increasingly seeking a balance between simplifying user access and ensuring robust system performance.
The Growing Skills Gap: A Challenge for Businesses
A widening skills gap in the automation industry is one of the key challenges. With over 44,000 job vacancies in automation-related fields, businesses are struggling to find qualified professionals. Additionally, the steep learning curve associated with traditional automation tools has limited their adoption, particularly among smaller businesses or those with less technical expertise.
To address this, there’s a need for solutions that simplify the development and deployment of industrial automation systems. This is where the influence of IT practices, such as DevOps, becomes significant. The push towards more agile methodologies is now extending to automation, enabling companies to deploy faster, optimize resources, and boost overall productivity.
The Role of TwinCAT PLC++: A Modern Solution for Simplified Automation
Beckhoff’s TwinCAT PLC++ is an example of a tool designed to bridge the skills gap and simplify industrial automation. By combining IT methodologies with the needs of industrial systems, TwinCAT PLC++ provides a platform that experienced engineers will recognize, but it also reduces barriers for newer developers. Built on the IEC 61131-3 programming standards, it allows for faster code execution—up to 1.5 times faster than its predecessor—and offers an advanced compiler that further enhances performance.
This optimization reduces hardware requirements, allowing businesses to use more affordable industrial PCs. By reducing costs, companies can allocate resources to other critical areas, such as improving system functionality or reducing cycle times. Additionally, by integrating TwinCAT PLC++ with TwinCAT MC3, businesses can efficiently manage complex processes, ensuring that automation solutions remain competitive and adaptable to future needs.
The Future of Industrial Automation: Simpler, Faster, and More Accessible
As industrial automation continues to evolve, platforms like TwinCAT PLC++ are crucial in making automation more accessible to businesses of all sizes. These platforms not only simplify development processes but also meet the stringent demands of machinery control. As the industry adopts more intuitive, high-performance tools, the accessibility of automation will only continue to improve, benefiting businesses that need to modernize and future-proof their operations.
Conclusion: A New Era for Automation Systems
In conclusion, the push toward democratising automation and closing the skills gap is revolutionizing the industrial automation sector. By leveraging advanced platforms like TwinCAT PLC++, companies can modernize their automation systems, reduce complexity, and ultimately improve productivity. The evolution of automation is clear: it’s becoming faster, more accessible, and more efficient for businesses of all sizes.
