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.
Pipefy
Pipefy is a low-code business process automation platform that enables you to design, deploy, and manage secure digital workflows to streamline operations and improve efficiency across your entire organization.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ABB Automation Builder | Pipefy |
|---|---|---|
| Website | abb.com | pipefy.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1988 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Zurich, Switzerland | San Francisco, 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.
Pipefy
Pipefy is a powerful low-code platform designed to help you take control of your business processes without needing a team of developers. You can build custom workflows for everything from HR onboarding and procurement to customer service and finance. The platform uses a visual interface that lets you move tasks through different stages, ensuring that no request falls through the cracks and every team member knows exactly what to do next.
You can eliminate manual data entry by setting up smart automations and connecting your existing tools into a single, cohesive system. Whether you are a small team looking to organize your daily tasks or a large enterprise needing to standardize complex operations, Pipefy provides the structure and visibility you need to scale. It helps you identify bottlenecks in real-time so you can constantly refine your processes for better results.
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.
Pipefy Features
- Visual Workflow Builder. Design your ideal process using a drag-and-drop interface to map out every step of your team's journey.
- Smart Forms. Collect standardized information from stakeholders using conditional logic forms that show only the fields you actually need.
- Process Automation. Set up triggers to automatically move cards, send emails, or update fields, saving you hours of manual work.
- Service Portals. Centralize all your request forms in one place so your colleagues can find and submit what they need easily.
- Custom Reporting. Track your team's performance with real-time dashboards that show you exactly where bottlenecks are occurring in your process.
- Shared Inbox. Manage all your process-related emails directly within the platform to keep communication organized and visible to the whole team.
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
Pipefy Pricing
- Up to 10 users
- Up to 3 active pipes
- 100 automation cards per month
- Basic reporting
- Public forms
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- Unlimited active pipes
- 50,000 automation cards per month
- Advanced reporting and dashboards
- Email templates and shared inbox
- Role-based access control
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
Pipefy
Pros
- Highly customizable interface fits almost any business process
- Easy to set up automations without writing any code
- Centralizes communication by linking emails directly to specific tasks
- Visual Kanban boards provide excellent clarity on project status
Cons
- Mobile app functionality is limited compared to the desktop version
- Initial setup of complex workflows can take significant time
- Reporting tools have a slight learning curve for new users