Insights into Navigating Version Control in Industrial Automation

Insights into Navigating Version Control in Industrial Automation

May 22, 2025

Challenges in Version Control for Industrial Automation Systems

Learn to Ensure Reliable & Secure PLC Program Management

In the rapidly evolving world of industrial automation, version control remains a critical aspect of maintaining reliable and efficient operations. The wrong version control system can lead to increased troubleshooting time, security vulnerabilities, and unnecessary costs. For instance, an expensive cloud-based solution might be overkill for a machine that rarely changes, while a redundant PLC setup might not suffice for complex, frequently updated systems.

The Importance of Selecting the Right Version Control System

Selecting the right version control system for specific factory needs is crucial. The wrong system can lead to a host of issues, including increased downtime and security risks. Understanding the unique requirements of each application, such as the frequency of updates, network connectivity, and cybersecurity needs, is essential. For example, a simple backup on an hard drive might be sufficient for a stable, long-running machine, while a more sophisticated cloud-based solution is necessary for systems with frequent changes.

Early Methods of Version Control in Industrial Automation

The evolution of version control in industrial automation has seen significant advancements. Early methods often involve manual backups on engineering servers or SD cards within the PLCs themselves. These methods are practical for isolated, long-running systems but lack the robustness needed for modern, interconnected environments. Today, version control systems are more integrated, leveraging technologies like Git and cloud platforms.

Modern Technologies for Version Control in PLCs & Automation Systems

Modern version control systems like Git offer several benefits in industrial automation. They can track changes in PLC programs, firmware, hardware, and documentation, ensuring that all system aspects are validated and compliant. This comprehensive tracking reduces downtime and improves production efficiency. Additionally, the potential future use of digital twins could simulate and validate code performance offline, further enhancing reliability.

Version Control for Industrial Automation

By carefully considering the specific needs of your factory floor and leveraging modern technologies, you can ensure that your version control system is both practical and effective. No matter scale of version control required, the Sysmac platform offers version control from on-PLC SD cards, without stopping production, to team licenses for integrated development environments.

Insights into Navigating Version Control in Industrial Automation

Source

Related Articles

Changing Scene

  • Laurentide Controls Chooses Bécancour for Its 6th Centre

    Laurentide Controls Chooses Bécancour for Its 6th Centre

    With more than 50 years of industrial optimization experience in Eastern Canada, Laurentide Controls is officially opening its 6th centre, located in Bécancour. The objective is clear: bring expertise closer to industrial plants, speed up interventions, and generate measurable gains in reliability, productivity and energy performance – all directly benefiting businesses in the region and,… Read More…

Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.

ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More

Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More

Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More

JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • Convergix: 4 Ways Factory Automation Improves Supply Chain Management

    Convergix: 4 Ways Factory Automation Improves Supply Chain Management

    Although the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic revealed the fragility of global supply chains, factory automation has stepped up to mitigate many of those shortcomings. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, manufacturers worldwide have become acutely aware of the interconnectivity of supply chains. More recent issues such as international trade disputes and labor… Read More…

  • Panduit: A Brief Evolution of Field-Terminated Fiber Connectors

    Panduit: A Brief Evolution of Field-Terminated Fiber Connectors

    Field termination of fiber optic cable connectors is nothing new, and while there have been various products to address field termination needs over the decades, the products discussed here are: field polish, mechanical splice, and fusion splice. Each of these has had time in the spotlight, and there are commonalities that hold true across all three. Chief… Read More…