If there is anything certain concerning the near future of automation, it is that we’re facing a drastically changing workforce. Tools that bring new engineers, operators and technicians up to speed quickly will become an essential part of a supplier’s portfolio.
When I took my first class regarding determining safety SIL levels and evaluating a machine for its various risks and hazards, I knew that engineering help would be useful. Rockwell Automation has released two new tools to help machine and equipment builders (OEMs), and manufacturers save time when designing machinery safety systems. The Rockwell Automation Safety Automation Builder (SAB) configuration software and Safety Functions pre-engineered design documents help users navigate the safety-system design process and apply best practices.
The SAB tool is available as a free download from the Rockwell Automation website. It guides manufacturers through the safety-system design process by providing options for layout, safety performance level (PL) analysis based on ISO 13849-1 using IFA’s SISTEMA (Safety Integrity Software Tool for Evaluation of Machine Applications), and product selection using Allen-Bradley safety-automation products.
Follow this link to Rockwell’s Safety Automation Builder Website to learn more.
