Automation Direct Software - Strengths and Weaknesses

 When most people think of PLCs, HMIs and machine controls they usually have in mind companies like Allen Bradley or Siemens. Some might also consider Omron, Mitsubishi or Beckhoff. But there is a underdog in the race and that is Automation Direct.

Automation Direct mail Strengths has a huge selection of in-house products that are affordable and well built. They also have excellent customer service. The company has made it a priority to provide an environment that allows its employees to work independently, solve problems and take ownership of their work.

The company has also worked to provide a large number of free software packages for students. These can be downloaded from their Web site and loaded on as many PCs at a school as needed. This enables students to work outside of the lab and become more mobile when doing their projects.

One new software package that deserves special mention is the CLICK Modbus Gateway. This single application device converts either way from Modbus TCP to Modbus RTU or ASCII. It is easy to program and a great option for small control applications. Another piece of new software that is a real improvement is the Productivity Suite programming tool. Version 2.4 includes two new software communications enhancements for the Productivity series CPU that allow the programmer to create their own hex-based communications protocol between the CPU and third party Ethernet devices or networked Productivity series CPUs. The software also introduces Intelligent Boxes that are essentially the equivalent of Function Blocks in the Allen Bradley world.