Knapp: From Beta Tester to Satisfied User.
Complex logistics systems depend on numerous PLC programs and project files. During development, commissioning, and service, teams need to know which version is current and how it differs from previous states.
KNAPP uses an AMDT software solution to version, archive, and compare its automation projects. Central access gives authorized employees a structured overview of available versions and provides reliable project data when an automation component needs to be restored.
The challenge: Managing proprietary automation projects.
Knapp, a leading intralogistics specialist, faces the challenge of developing and maintaining complex logistics systems for its customers. Werner Schauer, head of PLC development at Knapp, remembers the early days: “There was no room for experimentation with the beta version.”
In 2009, the software landscape for data and version management was still in its infancy, and the selection of suitable solutions was limited. Still, it was critical for Knapp to find an efficient way to manage projects and versions to best meet the needs of its customers.
The solution: Automated versioning and archiving.
The implementation of AMDT proved to be the solution Knapp needed to revolutionize its data and version management. The software enabled automatic versioning and archiving of projects and versions. “The software compresses versions and ensures that older versions are not lost.” Werner Schauer, Head of PLC Development department at Knapp AG
This was a significant relief compared to the previous tedious and time-consuming methods based on number and letter combinations.
Most importantly, only the changes are saved, minimizing the amount of data. Knapp uses the software primarily for versioning and archiving customer projects. It’s also worth noting that customers have access to the source code, creating a transparent and collaborative development environment. In addition, the ability to directly synchronize programs allows for rapid data recovery in the event of an automation component failure, without delay and with the highest level of security.
Thanks to the AMDT solution, all of our projects are stored safely and we can compare versions at any time.
Werner Schauer, head of PLC Development department at Knapp AG
The Result.
The implementation of AMDT has led to a significant improvement in data and version management at Knapp. No less than 1,429 projects with more than 5,720 versions are now monitored with the software. This demonstrates the considerable efficiency gains achieved by the solution. Personalized access for employees and the parallel server license have simplified and optimized access to all versions. “Everyone can easily access all versions with their Windows user name and password,” says Werner Schauer, Head of PLC Development department at Knapp AG
Data is stored either on-site on dedicated servers or in a secure cloud environment, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access it. By extending the server license, the Leoben and Sweden sites can now also benefit from the software’s advantages. Overall, AMDT has optimized the process of data and version management at Knapp and significantly increased efficiency.
