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.
FlowWright
FlowWright is a high-performance workflow automation software that helps you design, execute, and manage complex business processes through a visual .NET-based environment to improve operational efficiency and compliance.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ABB Automation Builder | FlowWright |
|---|---|---|
| Website | abb.com | flowwright.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Custom |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 30 days 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 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Zurich, Switzerland | Denver, 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.
FlowWright
FlowWright provides you with a robust environment to automate complex business processes without starting from scratch. You can build sophisticated workflows using a visual drag-and-drop designer that integrates deeply with your existing .NET applications. Whether you need to automate simple task assignments or orchestrate intricate enterprise-level data movements, the platform gives you the tools to map out every step clearly.
You can choose between cloud-based access or an on-premise installation to maintain full control over your data and infrastructure. The software is particularly effective for mid-market and enterprise organizations in regulated industries like healthcare or finance, where audit trails and process consistency are non-negotiable. By moving away from manual spreadsheets and disconnected emails, you gain real-time visibility into every stage of your business operations.
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.
FlowWright Features
- Visual Workflow Designer. Create and modify complex business processes using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that requires zero coding for basic logic.
- Form Builder. Design custom web forms to capture data accurately and trigger automated workflows the moment a user hits submit.
- Business Intelligence. Monitor your process performance with real-time analytics and dashboards to identify bottlenecks before they impact your bottom line.
- Document Management. Automate how you generate, route, and store critical business documents to ensure your team always has the latest version.
- Rules Engine. Define complex business logic and decision trees that automatically route tasks based on the specific data entered into your system.
- API & Extensibility. Extend the platform's capabilities by writing custom code or connecting to external systems using a comprehensive set of APIs.
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
FlowWright 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
FlowWright
Pros
- Highly flexible for complex .NET environments
- Excellent visual designer for mapping processes
- Strong audit trails for compliance needs
- Responsive technical support for developers
- Reliable performance even with high volumes
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Documentation can be overly technical at times
- Initial setup requires significant planning time