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.
EcoStruxure Machine Expert
EcoStruxure Machine Expert is a professional software solution for developing, configuring, and commissioning entire machines in a single environment to improve your engineering efficiency and reduce time to market.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ABB Automation Builder | EcoStruxure Machine Expert |
|---|---|---|
| Website | abb.com | schneider-electric.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Custom |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 42 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 | 1836 |
| Headquarters | Zurich, Switzerland | Rueil-Malmaison, France |
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.
EcoStruxure Machine Expert
EcoStruxure Machine Expert is your all-in-one engineering environment for designing and programming industrial machinery. You can manage every stage of the machine lifecycle, from initial logic configuration and motion control to HMI design and safety integration, within a single software suite. It simplifies complex automation tasks by providing a unified interface for Schneider Electric’s range of controllers and drive systems.
You can reduce your development time significantly by using pre-defined libraries and functional modules tailored for specific industrial applications. The platform helps you improve machine performance through advanced diagnostic tools and simulation capabilities that let you test your logic before physical deployment. It is designed for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and automation engineers who need to build high-performance, connected machines quickly.
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.
EcoStruxure Machine Expert Features
- Unified Configuration. Configure your logic, motion, HMI, and network settings within a single software environment to eliminate data duplication.
- Application Libraries. Access ready-to-use functional blocks and tested architectures to speed up your machine design and reduce programming errors.
- Collaborative Engineering. Work simultaneously with your team on the same project using integrated version control and multi-user support features.
- Advanced Simulation. Test your machine logic and motion profiles in a virtual environment to identify issues before commissioning physical hardware.
- Safety Integration. Program and configure your functional safety requirements directly alongside your standard control logic for better system integrity.
- Cloud Connectivity. Connect your machines to cloud-based services easily to enable remote monitoring and predictive maintenance for your customers.
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
EcoStruxure Machine Expert 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
EcoStruxure Machine Expert
Pros
- Single environment for logic, motion, and HMI
- Extensive libraries for common industrial machine functions
- Robust simulation tools reduce physical commissioning time
- Seamless integration with Schneider Electric hardware components
Cons
- High system requirements for smooth software performance
- Steep learning curve for users new to CODESYS
- Licensing process can be complex for small teams