Ensure Software Quality

 

Machine development cycles are getting shorter and shorter, whilst high software quality is getting even more important. With TIA-Portal tools this is possible by using a standardized programming guide with naming conventions, comments, etc., which improves readability and code management. A simulation-based function test should also be a key element in the development process, in order to achieve maximum software quality. Based on the module specification, application or unit tests are performed while development is still in progress, to identify errors at an early stage. In addition, the software can be developed and tested in parallel thanks to the principles of Continuous Integration based on individual modules.

Learn more about Ensure Software Quality!

 

In this section, you can download and watch webinar, read articles, and whitepaper to getting more insights about it.

Whitepaper - Ensure Software Quality
How to improve the quality of your software

Programming styleguides

 

We understand that software quality goes beyond flawless and fully functional code. It also encompasses having a clearly structured, understandable, and uniform codebase. We recognize the challenges in achieving this, such as inconsistent programming styles, lengthy code introductions, and extended development and service times.
 
Our comprehensive programming styleguide includes naming conventions, comments, and other best practices that enhance the readability and administration of your code. By following these recommendations and creating your own uniform styleguide, you can ensure consistency across your codebase, making it easier to understand and maintain.

 

To further support your efforts in maintaining code conformity, we provide the TIA Portal Test Suite. This suite includes a powerful Styleguide Checker, which guarantees adherence to the predefined rules in our styleguide. With this tool, you can identify any deviations from the coding standards and receive comprehensive test results and detailed reports.

Programming Styleguide
Ensure software quality: Styleguide checker

Application test and simulation

 

The challenges often lies in achieving fully functional and flawless code, reducing manual testing efforts, avoiding late verification during final commissioning, and minimizing time-to-market delays caused by revisions. 
 
To ensure the highest level of software quality, we believe that function testing should be an integral part of the development process. With our solution, you can incorporate application or module tests into your development workflow, enabling you to identify errors early on. Based on the module specification, test cases can be created using the TIA Portal Test Suite within the user-friendly TIA Portal interface. By performing these tests during development, you can maintain short feedback loops to your development and improve the quality of your software.
 
For a more sophisticated approach to achieving top-notch software quality, we offer comprehensive simulation capabilities. We understand that functions should be tested and simulated during the engineering phase. With S7-PLCSIM Advanced, you gain access to a digital twin of the S7-1500 controller and its API, which allows for operator control and monitoring of tags. This means you can conduct automatic testing, operator training, and even simulate real-world scenarios without the need for physical hardware. By leveraging this powerful simulation tool, you can enhance the quality and reliability of your software – even before the machine is physically built - while minimizing the time and resources required for manual testing.

Application Test and Simulation
Ensure software quality: functional testing
Ensure software quality: Simulation of PLC code

Continuous Integration

 

In the IT sector, there are many methods and processes for optimizing software development while also improving the quality of the results. One such process is Continuous Integration, which can also be applied to engineering in automation projects with TIA Portal and offers numerous benefits.
 
Multiple programmers work together as a team on one TIA Portal project. All developers process the software modules specifically assigned to them based on a standardized programming guide. Thanks to integrated workflows, TIA Portal systematically supports collaboration and increases the transparency of software changes.
 
Version management serves to record changes to software objects and documents throughout the machine development as well as machine lifecycle. The most important benefits include the coordination of joint access to objects by multiple developers, transparency over changes, and the simultaneous processing of a project via several development branches.
 
A Continuous Integration server can automatically generate a build from the individual software modules and automatically test the software functions. The results of the test are fed back to the programmers as a report so that they can perform any corrections that may be necessary.

Continuous Integration
Agile Development with Continuous Integration
Ensure software quality: Continuous Integration
Continuous Integration - Highlights in TIA Portal
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Ensure Software Quality

 

Get more insights in increasing quality while maintaining development speed!

The following section provides you with everything you need to get started.
See also further articles and how our customers already benefit today by integrated testing, simulation and Continuous Integration workflows.

 

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