AWL-Techniek control software reliable through object-oriented approach

The AWL-Techniek control system is characterized by high reliability, which is partly achieved by the use of object-oriented programming. Here a machine’s different functions are handled within defined software blocks.

Because of this object-oriented approach it is much easier to standardize parts. For large parts of the software work therefore shifts from “programming” to “configuration”.
The link between objects is also standardized, making the exchange of objects from a library easy to realize.

The predictable behaviour of the objects makes it easy to determine where a project can use existing objects from the library or where new software needs to be developed. It is thus far better for assessing the risks within a project.

Because the software is divided into distinctive parts it is relatively easy for the building blocks to be developed by several people. The objects can be tested separately as each object has its own specific characteristics and properties which are easy to capture. Also, testing the software without the physical machine is relatively simple. All these characteristics help to ensure that the duration of a project is substantially reduced, especially in the relatively costly testing phase.

By applying the object-oriented approach a platform arises in which integral designing is possible. The mechanical engineering, hardware engineering and software engineering departments are able to use the same standardized objects.

The object-oriented approach helps AWL make the overall design phase more manageable, and it is a tool which ensures the different disciplines in a design process work better together.
This ultimately provides the customer with a reliable, cost effective and stable solution.