Discover engineering productivity

Automation Builder is ABB’s unified automation platform for PLCs, safety, drives, motion, and control panels — providing one engineering environment for the entire automation project.

 

Built on CODESYS and fully compliant with IEC 61131-3, it standardizes development across applications to simplify workflows and accelerate engineering.

The Automation Builder platform

  • Engineering productivity
    Automation Builder is ABB's integrated programming, simulation, commissioning and maintenance environment for PLCs, safety, drives, motion and control panels.
  • One tool for all devices
    Automation Builder is used for all of our AC500 PLCs and CP600 control panels, no matter if you have purchased the cost-efficient, high-end or safety versions.
  • Free license option
    ABB offers three different licenses, starting with the Basic license which is free of charge, and scaling up to the Standard and Premium licenses for more functionality and efficiency.

Lifecycle engineering in one platform

Device integration and programming

Configure and program all devices in your automation solution within a single project, including third-party controllers and drives. Four IEC 61131 programming languages give engineers full flexibility and allow them to start programming immediately. State-of-the-art software development features, such as object-oriented programming, maximize engineering efficiency. The integrated version control system supports multi-user collaboration and advanced scenarios like product-line management.

Simulation and commissioning

Before any hardware is involved, switch to simulation mode to verify function blocks, remove bugs, and ensure a smooth commissioning process. On-site, easily scan connected field devices and use fieldbus-specific diagnostics to monitor network performance and device status. The integrated debugging tool helps you quickly identify and resolve remaining programming errors.

Remote access, diagnostic and maintenance

Connect to your devices from anywhere to enable remote support and maintenance without compromise. Comprehensive diagnostics provide everything from a simple traffic-light overview of devices and subsystems to detailed insights into the type and source of each issue. Diagnostic information is accessible not only through the engineering environment but also via the AC500 display, the PLC application, or control panels.

Key benefits of Automation Builder

One unified engineering environment

Create fully integrated automation solutions for PLCs, safety, drives, motion, and control panels — all within a single software package that’s simple to install and maintain.

Streamlined workflow

Configure, program, test, and maintain your projects through one intuitive interface — on-site or remotely.

Reusable libraries and function blocks

Accelerate development using ready-made or custom function blocks and libraries for standardized, efficient programming.

Object-oriented programming

Increase flexibility and structure with modern software-development principles designed for scalable automation projects.

Multi-user engineering

Work together efficiently with version control and Subversion integration, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams.

User management and access control

Define profiles, assign roles, and control access rights to protect project integrity.

Secure communication

Implement encrypted data exchange and certificate handling that meet demanding industrial security standards.

Advanced diagnostics and monitoring

Gain insights from traffic-light views and detailed diagnostics on device and subsystem performance.

Flexible licensing options

Start free and scale up with Standard or Premium licenses to add functionality, connectivity, and engineering power as needed.