Modularity and Architecture of PLC-based Software for Automated Production Systems: An analysis in industrial companies

TL;DR

This paper introduces SWMAT4aPS, a method to assess the maturity of modular PLC-based software in automated production systems, analyzing industry practices and validating with case studies.

Contribution

It presents a novel approach combining questionnaires and detailed code analysis to evaluate software modularity and architecture in industrial companies.

Findings

Industry shows varied levels of software maturity.

The approach effectively identifies strengths and weaknesses.

Case studies validate the assessment method.

Abstract

Adaptive and flexible production systems require modular and reusable software especially considering their long term life cycle of up to 50 years. SWMAT4aPS, an approach to measure Software Maturity for automated Production Systems is introduced. The approach identifies weaknesses and strengths of various companie's solutions for modularity of software in the design of automated Production Systems (aPS). At first, a self assessed questionnaire is used to evaluate a large number of companies concerning their software maturity. Secondly, we analyze PLC code, architectural levels, workflows and abilities to configure code automatically out of engineering information in four selected companies. In this paper, the questionnaire results from 16 German world leading companies in machine and plant manufacturing and four case studies validating the results from the detailed analyses are introduced to prove the applicability of the approach and give a survey of the state of the art in industry.