Siemens’ new software engineering framework – the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal – has been launched in the UK, just months after its public debut at the SPS/IPC/Drives Show in Germany late last year.

The Portal, which is suitable for first-time or experienced users, allows all of Siemens’ PLCs, HMIs and drives to be configured using the same development environment. It will form the basis for all of Siemens’ future software packages for configuring, programming and commissioning automation and drives products.

It allows users to develop and commission automation systems quickly and intuitively, reducing the traditionally time-consuming and costly integration of separate software packages, and accelerating the progress of products from the drawing board to the market.

During the development of the TIA Portal framework, Siemens spent several years studying a variety of engineering applications around the world, and analysing customer requirements.

“Its development has been based upon significant research to ensure that it will meet the needs of users, and can measurably play a central role in linking together the varied elements of the product lifecycle – from product development and planning through to engineering, commissioning and operation,” says Simon Keogh, Siemens IA&DT’s business manager for factory automation.

“At a time when companies are facing increasing competitive pressures, the ability to speedily create, manufacture and deliver products to market will be crucial to success,” he adds. “We believe the TIA Portal offers significant advantages in terms of operational efficiency gains and cost reductions to support modern automation and drive technology applications.”