Automation technology in mechanical and plant engineering

Why modern automation software is crucial for machinery and plant

ITQ develops automation, PLC and embedded software for highly complex machinery and plant. In modern machinery, software plays a decisive role in determining efficiency, quality and future-proofing. Automation technologies combine mechanics, electronics, embedded systems and IT, IoT and cloud technologies into a single, integrated system, thereby enhancing the efficiency, flexibility and quality of machines and plant.

What is crucial here is not just the function itself, but the ability to manage the system throughout its entire lifecycle – from software architecture, through testing and simulation, to stable operation and integration into IoT and cloud platforms. Modern control and automation technologies reduce engineering costs, enable data-driven services and shorten time-to-market.

Your benefits at a glance:

Reduced development and operating costs
Early assurance through testing, simulation and virtual commissioning
Shorter time-to-market
High-quality software right from the start
Maintainable, scalable and flexible control architectures
Less reliance on individuals or manufacturers

Finding the right solution together

Your personal contact for software engineering will be happy to advise you on your specific enquiry.

Get in touch now for a no-obligation consultation.

Thomas Laschet

ITQ Branch Manager, North Rhine-Westphalia

„Complexity arises automatically. A structure, however, must be created deliberately.“

Sophisticated automation technology for complex machines

The control software used in modern machines is becoming increasingly complex. In many companies, systems have evolved that combine PLCs, embedded software, and IoT and cloud technologies. Interdependencies are often difficult to trace, changes result in a significant amount of coordination work, and maintainability suffers throughout the lifecycle.

Increasingly demanding requirements, networked production environments and short innovation cycles therefore call for an approach that takes the entire life cycle into account. Well-thought-out automation addresses precisely this need and creates a structured foundation – from system architecture and implementation right through to the long-term maintainability and scalability of the software.

Automated solutions using the right technology

Typical challenges within a company:

Only an architecture designed for extensibility, testability and maintainability can ensure long-term software quality.

Services relating to automation technology and control software

ITQ supports companies throughout the entire software lifecycle of industrial automation and control systems – from PLC software and embedded development to IoT and cloud integration. It is vendor-neutral and technology-agnostic.

An overview of our services

Analysis and evaluation of existing automation software
Development of new control software and system architectures
Modernisation and further development of existing systems
Selection of suitable communication, IoT and integration concepts
Quality assurance, testability, simulation and virtual commissioning

Technological expertise

Control platforms: Siemens, B&R, Beckhoff, Rockwell, CODESYS
Programming languages & standards: IEC 61131-3, C/C++, embedded real-time systems
Communication: OPC UA, OPC Classic, custom protocols
IoT & Cloud: Integrating machines and plant into cloud and edge platforms
Safety-critical and real-time-critical applications

Procedure for automation projects

A successful start to the development of automation projects begins with a clear concept and a solid technical foundation. ITQ follows a structured, software-driven approach. This approach ensures robust and scalable systems – even as the complexity and interconnectedness of industrial plants increase and their life cycles lengthen.

Project phases

Selection of the control system manufacturer

Choosing a control system manufacturer – influenced by the hardware components used, such as sensors, actuators, communication interfaces and IoT technologies.

Definition of the communi&shycation strategy

Defining how the controller communicates with external systems (e.g. HMIs, MES systems, cloud platforms or other controllers) and which communication protocols are used.

Clarification of interfaces and modulari&shysation

Once the interfaces have been defined, the machine is modularised and constructed in a structured manner. Clear modularisation facilitates the maintenance, extension and reuse of software components.

Software architecture design

Development of a suitable, application-specific software architecture for PLC, embedded and networked systems. Application of modern software architecture principles and patterns from high-level language development to manage complexity and ensure testability.

Ongoing testing during implemen&shytation

Continuous testing of the control software whilst it is being implemented – for example, through simulation, automated tests or virtual commissioning.

Automation technology in practice

Sector: Logistics, Mechanical Engineering

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Further ITQ solutions

The services described form part of ITQ’s comprehensive service portfolio. ITQ combines technological expertise, a methodical approach and a deep understanding of processes to deliver sustainable solutions throughout the entire life cycle.

FAQs – Automation Technology

What are automation technologies in mechanical and plant engineering?

Automation technologies combine control systems, embedded software, industrial communication and IoT and cloud connectivity to form a single, integrated system. They enable efficient, flexible and networked production processes.

What role does software play in modern automation systems?

Software is the central component of modern automation. It controls processes, connects machines and enables data-driven functions. ITQ relies on structured software architectures to ensure long-term maintainability.

What challenges are involved in developing automation solutions?

Typical challenges include high system complexity, numerous interfaces and a variety of technologies. A clear structure and well-thought-out architecture are crucial for stable systems.

How does ITQ provide support for automation technologies?

ITQ develops technology-neutral and manufacturer-independent solutions. This enables automation systems to be optimally tailored to the specific application.

Any further questions ...

When is it worth undertaking an automation project with ITQ?

Particularly in the case of complex systems, numerous interfaces or increasing requirements, collaboration is worthwhile in order to ensure structure, scalability and future-proofing.

How does an automation project get started?

The process begins with an analysis of requirements and the existing system landscape. Building on this, the architecture, technologies and approach are defined.