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.
dataPARC
dataPARC is a manufacturing analytics software providing real-time data visualization, historical analysis, and performance monitoring tools to help industrial facilities optimize production processes and reduce operational downtime.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ABB Automation Builder | dataPARC |
|---|---|---|
| Website | abb.com | dataparc.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 | Vancouver, USA |
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.
dataPARC
dataPARC gives you a comprehensive window into your industrial operations by connecting directly to your plant floor data. You can aggregate information from disparate sources like PLC, DCS, and LIMS into a single, unified view. This allows you to monitor production health in real-time and identify bottlenecks before they cause significant delays.
You can perform deep-dive root cause analysis using high-speed trending tools and customizable dashboards. The platform is designed for process engineers and operators who need to make data-driven decisions quickly. By providing clear visibility into KPIs and historical performance, it helps you reduce waste, improve product quality, and maintain consistent output across your entire facility.
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.
dataPARC Features
- High-Speed Trending. View years of high-resolution process data in seconds to identify long-term patterns and immediate anomalies.
- Custom Dashboards. Build personalized displays with drag-and-drop widgets to monitor the specific KPIs that matter most to your role.
- Smart Alarming. Configure automated alerts that notify you via email or SMS when process variables drift outside of safe operating limits.
- Centerlining. Establish and track optimal operating envelopes to ensure your equipment runs at peak efficiency during every shift.
- Excel Add-in. Pull live plant data directly into your spreadsheets for familiar reporting and advanced offline calculations.
- Multivariate Analysis. Compare multiple process variables simultaneously to uncover hidden correlations and solve complex production issues.
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
dataPARC 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
dataPARC
Pros
- Extremely fast data retrieval even with large datasets
- Highly flexible dashboarding and visualization options
- Seamless integration with various industrial data historians
- Powerful Excel integration for custom reporting
Cons
- Initial configuration requires significant technical setup
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Steep learning curve for advanced analytical features