Virtual PLC Automation with SALZ Control System and logiccloud
Our Competences in this Project
SALZ Control System
logiccloud Admin App
Application Integration
Docker
Virtualization
Virtual PLC Automation with SALZ Control System and logiccloud
Description of the Use Case
This use case highlights the transformation of industrial automation through the integration of SALZ Automation’s open control platform with logiccloud’s containerized virtual PLC (vPLC) solution. The project showcases how multiple, fully independent PLC instances can be deployed as containers on a single hardware platform, each configured with dedicated resources, accessible remotely, and supplemented with intuitive web-based management.
With this approach, logiccloud AG streamlines the administration, scalability, and reliability of automation projects. Engineers and system integrators benefit from rapid deployment—downloading the logiccloud Control software, instantiating and parameterizing containers in minutes, and securely managing all PLC operations via a browser interface. Real devices on the factory floor communicate seamlessly with virtualized devices created in the logiccloud IDE and connected to physical SALZ Controllers.
About our partner logiccloud AG
logiccloud AG stands out as a technology leader specializing in virtual PLC (vPLC) and web-based engineering solutions designed for the demands of modern industrial automation. Their vision centers on flexibility, scalability, and rapid deployment—offering customers the ability to virtualize control logic, scale projects instantly, and manage everything through a user-friendly, browser-based interface.
For SALZ Automation GmbH, logiccloud AG was the ideal customer and development partner because their software-first approach was a perfect match for the open, container-ready SALZ Control platform. logiccloud’s strong commitment to open standards and interoperability aligns tightly with SALZ Automation’s philosophy, making technical integration both seamless and efficient. By collaborating, SALZ Automation could showcase how its control system provides an optimal foundation for logiccloud vPLC deployments—enabling not just one, but multiple independent PLC instances to run securely and efficiently on a single device.
At SALZ Automation, we offer a versatile platform designed for innovative partners like logiccloud—enabling them to deploy, run, and scale multiple virtual PLCs seamlessly on a single hardware system.
Logiccloud’s container-based vPLC technology matches seamlessly with SALZ Automation’s open hardware. The result of this partnership is a flexible, truly scalable automation system that anyone can configure, manage, and expand directly from their browser.
Performance Requirements
Deploy a flexible, scalable control system allowing multiple virtual PLCs—each isolated within containers—to run on the same industrial hardware and control both virtual and real devices.
Requirement
Must support downloading logiccloud Control, creating parameterizable containers (e.g. using different ports for each instance), and securely managing each vPLC through a dedicated admin interface.
Integrate virtualized control with real SALZ Automation hardware for reliable, real-time data exchange.
Requirement
Must provide simple creation and linking of virtual devices in the logiccloud IDE to physical SALZ Controllers, requiring only minimal manual steps (copy-paste and connect).
Enable secure, user-friendly administration for configuring, monitoring, and accessing all PLC instances.
Requirement
Must use a web-based admin app accessible after container startup, with secure login functionality to control access and allow immediate configuration from any authorized location.
1. Download logiccloud Control from the FLECS store
- Download the latest logiccloud Control version from the FLECS store.
- Ensure compatibility with your hardware architecture (e.g., ARM, x86).
2. Create and Parameterize a New Container
- Set up a container to host logiccloud Control.
- Assign unique ports for each container to allow multiple instances.
3. Access the logiccloud Admin App
- Open the Admin App via container IP and assigned port.
- Use the web interface for management.
4. Create and Connect a Virtual Device in the logiccloud IDE
- Create a virtual device in the IDE.
- Link it to the SALZ Controller via copy & paste and connect.
5. Log in to the logiccloud Admin App
- Log in with Username: admin and Password: logiccloud.
- Secure access to manage the container.
6. Install the logiccloud virtual PLC (vPLC)
- Install the vPLC inside the container.
7. Start the logiccloud virtual PLC (vPLC)
- Start the PLC runtime to execute control logic.
Advantages of the solution
- Deployment of multiple vPLCs on a single hardware platform maximizes hardware utilization and scalability.
- Web-based toolsets simplify project management, programming, HMI development, and system monitoring.
- Fast setup and modifications reduce engineering time and onsite intervention requirements.
- Platform independence allows use on various architectures (ARM32, ARM64, x86-64, AMD64), supporting diverse industrial installations.
- Eliminates vendor lock-in and enables seamless integration with existing and future automation projects.
Result
- Achieved a scalable, flexible automation environment where several vPLC instances run independently and reliably.
- Reduced initial setup and long-term maintenance time by centralizing and virtualizing the control architecture.
- Empowered engineers and integrators with easy system expansion and immediate changes without hardware constraints.
- Proved that container-based automation significantly cuts costs and increases readiness for Industry 4.0 advancements.
Discover SALZ Control System
Customers can now easily discover the SALZ Control System through its intuitive web interface, flexible downloads from the Flexstore, and modular integration options—enabling quick evaluation and rapid deployment for modern automation needs.
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