MTP Library for Modular Automation

How A4BEE developed a standardized MTP library for a global Life Sciences leader. Discover how we enabled modular automation, vendor independence, and rapid scalability using NAMUR standards and CODESYS.

Solution

Digital CDMO

Industry

Industrial Automation / Life Sciences

Scope

Modular Automation / PLC Library Development / MTP Standard (NAMUR) / Object-Oriented Programming

Timeframe

3 months

OT Engineer

Project phase

The client

A global leader in science and technology, operating across Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics sectors, requiring advanced standardization for its global automation assets.

Business needs

The client required a unified library based on the MTP (Module Type Package) standard. The objective was to simplify programming processes and significantly reduce the costs associated with the development and deployment of new automation systems across different production sites.

The challenge

01

MTP Standard Implementation — Adopting and implementing the strict MTP standard from NAMUR within the existing automation infrastructure.
02

Object-Oriented Programming — Shifting the traditional PLC programming approach towards a more efficient, object-oriented methodology.
03

Testing Environment Setup — Creating a dedicated environment for rigorous testing and simulation without requiring physical hardware.
04

System Scalability — Designing a system that prioritizes future growth and adaptation without requiring significant reinvestments in new technology.

Our solution

Unified MTP Library

Developed a comprehensive library compliant with NAMUR MTP standards, facilitating the rapid creation of modular automation skids.
Extensive Testing & Simulation

Performed multi-application simulations and tests to ensure the library's reliability across various production scenarios.
Closed-Code Documentation

Delivered fully documented, secure code in the form of a closed library for long-term maintenance.
Agile SAFe Methodology

Utilized the Agile SAFe framework for project execution to ensure alignment with stakeholder demands and evolving requirements.

MTP Standard (NAMUR)
PLC Programming (CODESYS)
Object-Oriented Automation
OPC-UA Connectivity
SCADA/Aveva System Platform
Java (SpringBoot)

The outcome

The implementation provided a future-proof foundation for modular manufacturing. By decoupling the process logic from specific hardware through the MTP standard, we enabled the client to achieve true vendor independence and seamless interoperability across diverse production sites. This strategic shift not only optimizes operational costs but also significantly accelerates the Time-to-Market for new products, allowing for rapid reconfiguration of production lines in response to shifting global demands.

Engineering Efficiency — Drastic reduction in time required to program new automation skids.
Cost Reduction — Lower development costs through the reuse of standardized, pre-tested MTP objects.
High Scalability — Ability to adapt and grow production lines without significant reinvestments in new core technology.
Improved Quality — Adherence to international standards and rigorous virtual validation prior to deployment.

What we implemented

Core MTP Library — Developed a centralized library in CODESYS containing standardized blocks for all process equipment (valves, pumps, sensors), fully compliant with VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658.
Object-Oriented Framework — Built an architecture where each physical module is represented as a digital object, allowing for easy "instantiation" of new equipment without writing new code from scratch.
Automated MTP Export — Integrated tools to automatically generate MTP files, which act as "drivers" for the Process Orchestration Layer (POL), ensuring seamless communication between different vendors' hardware.
Simulation Layer — Implemented a twin-logic system within the PLC, allowing the library to switch between "real-world" and "virtual-test" modes for instant validation.