ABB Automation Builder
ABB Automation Builder is an integrated software suite providing a unified development environment for configuring, programming, and managing PLC, safety, drive, and control components in industrial automation systems.
zenon
zenon is a modular industrial automation software platform that connects machines, sensors, and systems to provide real-time data visualization, process control, and advanced analytics for manufacturing and energy sectors.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ABB Automation Builder | zenon |
|---|---|---|
| Website | abb.com | copadata.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Custom |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1988 | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Zurich, Switzerland | Salzburg, Austria |
Overview
ABB Automation Builder
ABB Automation Builder provides you with a single, integrated software environment to manage your entire automation project. Instead of switching between multiple tools, you can configure, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, safety controllers, drives, and control panels from one interface. This unified approach helps you reduce engineering time and minimize the risk of integration errors during complex machine builds.
You can streamline your development process using standardized CODESYS programming and extensive libraries for motion control and robotics. Whether you are building a standalone machine or managing a large-scale industrial plant, the software scales to meet your technical requirements. It helps you maintain consistency across your hardware lifecycle while ensuring your safety and motion parameters are perfectly synchronized.
zenon
zenon is an industrial automation platform that helps you take full control of your manufacturing or energy production environments. Instead of dealing with fragmented data, you can connect everything from simple sensors to complex PLC systems into a single, unified interface. You can monitor your entire facility in real-time, identify bottlenecks instantly, and ensure your operations meet strict compliance standards through automated reporting and audit trails.
The platform scales with your needs, whether you are managing a single machine or coordinating multiple global production sites. You can reduce engineering time by using pre-configured components and templates rather than writing complex code from scratch. It is particularly effective for highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and automotive manufacturing where precision and data integrity are non-negotiable.
Overview
ABB Automation Builder Features
- Unified Engineering Configure your PLCs, drives, and control panels within a single project file to ensure data consistency across your system.
- Standardized Programming Write your logic once using CODESYS-based languages and reuse code across different hardware platforms to save development time.
- Virtual Commissioning Test your automation logic against a digital twin before physical hardware arrives to catch errors early and reduce site risks.
- Integrated Safety Design and verify your functional safety requirements directly within the suite to meet strict industrial compliance standards easily.
- Drive Integration Set up and tune your industrial drives directly from the PLC environment without needing separate serial cables or software.
- Extensive Libraries Access pre-built function blocks for motion control, water treatment, and solar tracking to accelerate your specific industry applications.
zenon Features
- Universal Connectivity. Connect to any hardware using over 300 native communication protocols to sync your entire shop floor seamlessly.
- Smart Reporting. Generate automated reports on production quality and energy consumption to identify savings and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Visual Process Control. Create intuitive HMI screens with drag-and-drop elements so your operators can monitor complex processes at a glance.
- Predictive Maintenance. Analyze historical data trends to predict equipment failures before they happen and reduce your unscheduled downtime.
- Multi-Project Administration. Manage and update multiple projects across different locations from a central station to maintain global operational standards.
- Alarm Management. Receive instant notifications about system deviations so you can react quickly and prevent costly production errors.
Pricing Comparison
ABB Automation Builder Pricing
- Engineering for AC500-eCo PLCs
- Drive configuration tools
- Control panel programming
- Standard CODESYS editors
- Basic hardware configuration
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Full AC500 PLC support
- Integrated safety configuration
- Advanced network diagnostics
- Productivity library access
zenon Pricing
Pros & Cons
ABB Automation Builder
Pros
- Single environment reduces software management overhead
- Excellent integration with ABB hardware ecosystems
- CODESYS foundation makes programming familiar for engineers
- Strong virtual commissioning tools reduce startup time
Cons
- License management can be complex for teams
- Hardware requirements for the software are high
- Steep learning curve for the professional features
zenon
Pros
- Extensive library of native drivers for hardware compatibility
- Object-oriented engineering significantly reduces project development time
- High level of security and compliance for regulated industries
- Excellent scalability from local HMI to enterprise-wide SCADA
Cons
- Initial learning curve due to the vast feature set
- Premium pricing reflects its enterprise-grade industrial capabilities
- Documentation can be technical and dense for new users