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.
GX Works3
GX Works3 is a comprehensive configuration and programming software designed to simplify the setup, maintenance, and operation of Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-R and iQ-F series programmable logic controllers.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ABB Automation Builder | GX Works3 |
|---|---|---|
| Website | abb.com | mitsubishielectric.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | One_time |
| 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 | 1921 |
| Headquarters | Zurich, Switzerland | Tokyo, Japan |
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.
GX Works3
GX Works3 is the latest generation of system design and programming software from Mitsubishi Electric, specifically built for the MELSEC iQ-R and iQ-F series. You can manage your entire automation lifecycle—from initial system design and hardware configuration to complex programming and long-term maintenance—within a single, integrated environment. The software focuses on reducing engineering costs by providing a highly intuitive, graphics-based configuration tool that lets you visualize your hardware setup instantly.
You can choose from multiple programming languages like Ladder, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram to suit your specific project needs. The platform includes a powerful simulation engine, allowing you to test your code and hardware logic in a virtual environment before deploying to the factory floor. This helps you catch errors early, reduce commissioning time, and ensure your industrial processes run smoothly from day one.
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.
GX Works3 Features
- Module Configuration. Drag and drop hardware components to create a visual representation of your system while the software handles internal addressing automatically.
- Integrated Simulation. Test your program logic and monitor device states in a virtual PLC environment without needing any physical hardware on your desk.
- Multi-Language Support. Write your code using Ladder, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagrams, and even mix different languages within the same project.
- Global Label Management. Create and share labels across different program parts and even other software like GT Works3 to ensure data consistency.
- System Monitor. Troubleshoot your system in real-time with detailed diagnostic tools that highlight errors and provide suggested solutions for quick recovery.
- Safety Configuration. Set up and manage your safety CPU and remote I/O modules within the same interface to simplify your safety logic implementation.
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
GX Works3 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
GX Works3
Pros
- Intuitive graphical interface simplifies complex hardware configuration
- Powerful simulation tools reduce on-site commissioning time
- Seamless integration with other Mitsubishi Electric automation hardware
- Extensive library of pre-built function blocks saves time
- Robust diagnostic tools make troubleshooting significantly faster
Cons
- Large installation size requires significant disk space
- High initial license cost for small shops
- Learning curve when transitioning from older GX Works2