GX Works3 from Mitsubishi Electric’s is the programmable logic controller (PLC) engineering software for programming and maintenance of its MELSEC iQ-R and MELSEC iQ-F Series control system, which are widely used at manufacturers around the globe.
MELSEC iQ-R Series has been designed from the ground up as the core of a next-generation automation environment, using a three-point approach: reducing total cost of ownership (TCO), increasing reliability, and enabling the reuse of existing assets. It addresses common challenges across seven key areas: productivity, engineering, maintenance, quality, connectivity, security, and compatibility.
MELSEC iQ-F Series is an evolution of the MELSEC-F Series, offering enhanced high speed bus, expanded built-in functions, advanced SSCNETIII/H support, and improved engineering environment. Whether for standalone use or networked system applications, the MELSEC iQ-F Series takes businesses to the next level of industrial automation.
Why Mitsubishi Electric bet on SDA?
Founded by manufacturing, industrial software, and cloud experts, Software Defined Automation represents a new approach to the automation industry, delivering effective tools for improving scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. It is a comprehensive environment that simplifies PLC management and development, while increasing machinery uptime and operational efficiency.
It addresses key challenges faced by modern industry, including a shortage of skilled workers, unstable markets and supply chains, the need for resource-efficient and sustainable production, and growing demands for product customization, smaller batch sizes, and flexible production.
A partnership for the benefit of all
Mitsubishi Electric Europe and SDA have partnered to deliver Automated Backup, code version control, and browser-based engineering for GX Works3. This solutions is available now. With cloud-based access, customers and OEMs can securely manage PLCs – make changes, save, deploy, and backup their PLCs – from anywhere using a web browser.
“The programming/monitoring environment is accessible from wherever engineers are in the world,” said Daniel Sperlich, Strategic Product Manager Controllers EMEA, Mitsubishi Electric Europe, Factory Automation. “There is no need for installation on the PC, and it can even be used on portable devices, such as a tablet. This can be a great help on the shop floor, as well when you have to remotely access a site.”
Key benefits of SDA’s Industrial DevOps
- Browser-based access – engineers can program, test, and monitor PLCs on any device, including smartphones, without installing engineering software.
- Automated backup – secure, non-intrusive backups can be scheduled to detect changes and create new versions. Centralized management enables monitoring and restoring systems across multiple factories, reducing recovery times to minutes in case of disruptions.
- Version control – track every change with detailed records of who, what, when, and why. Roll back to previous versions when needed, and compare sequential function charts, ladder logic, function block diagrams, or structured text directly in a browser.
- Browser-based engineering – secure access to the latest GX Works3 version is provided through a VPN, with fresh sessions launched for every user. Fine-grained permissions enable project- or device-level control over read and write access.
By applying IT best practices in development, operations, and security to industrial automation, Software Defined Automation and Mitsubishi Electric Europe are revolutionizing how engineers interact with and maintain their control systems. PLC management and development becomes simple, secure, and efficient, so that manufacturers can increase factory uptime, reduce mean time to recover, and maximize the productivity of their assets.