Embedded Software Development
Future-proof Embedded Systems developed by SALZ Automation
We offer holistic solutions for embedded software development - from software architecture and interface customization to functionally secure implementation. Our expertise includes the development and auditing of software architectures for Windows and Linux systems as well as the adaptation and development of interfaces between different systems. We take into account functionally secure development processes in accordance with IEC 61508. In addition, our development processes meet the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and IEC 62443 for secure and resilient systems. With our in-depth expertise and practice-oriented solutions, we ensure high-performance, secure and future-proof embedded systems.
PROCESS. SECURITY. TECHNOLOGY.
There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Development Process
Modern automation goes beyond hardware – it's driven by software, systems, and complexity. That’s why structured development processes are essential to ensure safety, quality, and scalability.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. We tailor our methods based on:
- Safety and Security requirements
- Level of innovation
- Team structures and available tools
- Lifecycle and maintenance strategies
We develop advanced hardware and software solutions and apply a tailored set of development methodologies to match each project’s needs.
For functional safety, we follow IEC 61508 with V-model, FMEA, and HAZOP. For dynamic projects, we use agile frameworks like SCRUM or Kanban – combining speed with structure.
FOCUS SECURITY
EU Cyber Resilience Act
Cybersecurity is now mandatory. With the EU Cyber Resilience Act, the European Commission has introduced binding security requirements for all digital products, including industrial automation and control systems. This marks a shift from optional to essential – security must be integrated by design and by default.
We actively embrace this responsibility and adapt our development and compliance strategies to meet the new standards for cyber resilience in industrial environments.
Basic CRA Requirements
We ensure that security is integrated at every stage – from the initial concept and development through to deployment. The device must be secure from the moment it is delivered, meeting the highest standards of cybersecurity.
Interfaces must incorporate mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access, manipulation, and ensure operational readiness. This ensures that the integrity and availability of the system are maintained at all times.
We are committed to monitoring, reporting, and promptly addressing security vulnerabilities throughout the entire product lifecycle. This includes providing regular, free security updates to ensure continuous protection and system integrity.
We already document the software packages used in our control systems. This practice enables us to efficiently identify and address potential vulnerabilities, ensuring continuous system security and compliance.
Our Control System meets CRA Requirements
The control system of SALZ Automation is fully compliant with the EU Cyber Resilience Act. We have integrated robust cybersecurity measures to ensure that all our industrial control systems meet the binding security requirements set by the EU.
We are committed to providing secure, resilient automation solutions that comply with the latest regulatory standards, safeguarding your operations against emerging cyber threats.
Get to know the SALZ Control System
Industrial communication standard OPC UA
With OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture), we rely on the leading industrial communication standard for secure, manufacturer-independent data exchange across machines, devices, and systems.
Whether it is machines, PLCs, sensors, or cloud-based applications, OPC UA ensures seamless interoperability through a reliable data model with standardized syntax and semantics. The OPC UA server exposes its entire dataset via an information model, which can be analysed by OPC UA clients to efficiently read and write industrial data.
This open architecture makes OPC UA ideal for Industry 4.0, IoT integration, and smart manufacturing, enabling future-proof and scalable communication across diverse systems.
Why OPC UA?
In flexible and rapidly adaptable automation systems involving components from multiple manufacturers, standardized communication is key to success. The great strength of OPC UA lies in its ability to unify both syntax and semantics. This transforms simple data exchange into true information exchange – enabling consistent understanding across all systems.
From Windows and Linux to VxWorks and cloud environments, OPC UA ensures seamless communication across all platforms.
OPC UA features integrated encryption, user authentication, and fine-grained access control, delivering trusted communication for Industry 4.0 environments.
OPC UA is implemented in C, C++, Java, and other languages, leveraging open standards such as TCP/IP and WebSockets. This ensures seamless integration into both IT and OT environments – today and tomorrow.
OPC UA FX - Real-Time Communication for the Field Level
With OPC UA FX (Field eXchange), the proven OPC UA technology is extended to the field level. This means real-time, deterministic communication for advanced industrial automation tasks – including Plug & Work functionality.
- Real-Time Communication: Leveraging Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), OPC UA FX enables deterministic and time-synchronized data exchange.
- Standardized & Interoperable: Controllers from various manufacturers can exchange information seamlessly (Controller-to-Controller / C2C model). In the future, communication with sensors and actuators (Controller-to-Device / C2D model) will also be supported.
The goal of combining OPC UA with UAFX is to enable uniform data exchange and a consistent information model across all levels of production – from the shop floor sensor to the cloud. This ensures seamless IT/OT integration and paves the way for truly connected, future-ready manufacturing.
Our embedded services at a glance
- Software architecture development and audits in Windows and Linux.
- Interface development and customization between systems.
- Know-how in technology stacks, e.g. MQTT, Zenoh, OPC UA, Profinet, CAN, LoRa, Docker, and Kubernetes.
- Setting up CI / CD development and build pipelines.
- Device development with single- and multicore architectures in ARM and X86.
- Functionally safe development processes in accordance with IEC 61508.
- CRA (Cyber Resiliant Act) and IEC 62243-compliant development processes.
