Rockwell Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB) is a free software tool provided by Rockwell Automation for designing, configuring, and generating bills of materials (BOMs) for industrial automation control systems.
It is a rules-based product selection and configuration tool that validates system designs to ensure all components, such as controllers, input/output (I/O) modules, power supplies, and networks, are compatible and appropriately specified.
The software streamlines the design process for engineers, system integrators, and consultants by providing a graphical interface for laying out both physical hardware and logical network architectures. IAB operates within the larger framework of Rockwell's Integrated Architecture, a unified system that integrates control and information across an entire enterprise.
Core capabilities and features of IAB
System design and validation
IAB's primary function is to simplify the complex process of designing industrial control systems.
- Intelligent configuration: The software uses built-in rules to guide users through component selection, automatically ensuring compatibility between devices. This prevents errors that can arise from manually selecting incompatible parts.
- Wizards and design assistants: Wizards guide users through the process of building a system from scratch. For example, a wizard for a ControlLogix system walks users through selecting a chassis, power supplies, I/O modules, and networks. Project design assistants can also perform a side-by-side comparison of different controller platforms.
- Rules-based validation: The software validates the system design in real-time, checking for common configuration issues. This includes:
- Verifying that power supplies can adequately handle the load.
- Confirming that controllers are not overloaded with too many I/O devices or remote racks.
- Flagging incompatible device combinations.
Network architecture and design
As manufacturing becomes more connected, the design of the industrial network is as important as the control system itself.
- EtherNet/IP network design: IAB is particularly strong in designing Ethernet/IP networks. It allows users to design network architectures based on the Converged Plantwide Ethernet (CPwE) design guidelines developed by Rockwell Automation and Cisco.
- Network capacity analysis: An integrated Ethernet/IP capacity wizard allows users to analyze network performance data and evaluate the capacity of their proposed network design.
- Visual network layout: The software provides a graphical interface for laying out networks and placing devices, offering a visual representation of the final architecture.
Project documentation and migration
IAB significantly reduces the time and effort required to document and plan a project.
- Bill of materials (BOM) generation: A key output of IAB is a detailed BOM that lists all the required components, including not only major hardware but also ancillary parts like terminal blocks, end caps, and cables. This list can be exported to Excel or used to generate a quote from a Rockwell distributor.
- Proposal generation: IAB can create comprehensive, exportable project reports in Microsoft Word format. These reports include architectural views, performance data, and the final BOM, which can be shared with clients or for internal review.
- Migration planning: IAB includes wizards to assist in migrating legacy systems, such as PLC-5 and SLC controllers, to modern Logix-based platforms.
How IAB fits into the Rockwell Automation ecosystem
IAB is one of several free design and configuration tools offered by Rockwell Automation.
- Part of the Product Selection Toolbox (PST): It is available as part of the downloadable PST, which also includes other tools like ProposalWorks and CrossWorks.
- Complementary to ProposalWorks: IAB projects can be exported to ProposalWorks, a tool used to generate and manage customer proposals.
- Mobile version: A mobile app is available for sketching initial system designs on the go. These designs can then be exported to the desktop version for full validation and refinement.
- Integrated Architecture framework: As the "Builder" for the Integrated Architecture system, IAB helps users implement Rockwell's strategy of a unified control and information platform. This results in seamless integration of Logix controllers, PowerFlex drives, and other smart devices across a single industrial network.
Benefits of using IAB
Using Rockwell IAB provides numerous benefits for automation professionals.
- Reduced design time and costs: By automating the selection process and validating the design in a digital environment, IAB minimizes engineering effort and shortens project timelines.
- Increased accuracy: The built-in rules and validation checks reduce the risk of ordering incompatible components, preventing costly mistakes and rework.
- Enhanced productivity: The ability to generate comprehensive documentation and accurate BOMs automatically frees up time for higher-value engineering tasks.
- Improved project planning: IAB allows for rapid evaluation of different architectural options and hardware configurations, enabling better-informed decisions during the planning phase.
- Support for modern and legacy systems: The tool's migration capabilities make it an invaluable asset for companies looking to upgrade their legacy equipment to modern platforms.