Software Development for Special-Purpose Machine Engineering: The BBS Automation Designer

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case study

11.06.2024

BBS Automation is one of the leading technology companies in the field of high-performance automation for the plastics industry. Together, we developed an innovative software solution that significantly accelerates and simplifies the development process for special-purpose machines: the BBS Automation Designer.

This case study shows

How we optimized the software development process in special-purpose machine engineering through standardization and automation.

How a desktop application based on modern web technologies (Electron, React, Node.js) revolutionizes the engineering workflow.

How data-driven tools contribute to greater efficiency and scalability in industrial environments.

The Challenge: Making Complexity in Special-Purpose Machine Engineering Manageable

BBS Automation, based in Hallbergmoos near Munich, develops high-performance systems for the plastics industry — each one a unique technical solution. Since the structure, components, and workflows of the machines vary significantly depending on the application, enormous effort is required for software preparation and commissioning. Unlike standardized serial machine manufacturing, special-purpose machine engineering requires customized software solutions that are precisely tailored to the respective production process. The result: high development effort, limited reusability, and a highly complex engineering process.

Our Mission: Driving Efficiency Through Digitalization

The goal was to simplify the software development process through intelligent standardization without sacrificing the necessary flexibility. Together with the BBS Automation team, we analyzed existing workflows and developed a concept to identify recurring patterns in machine design and make them usable through automation.

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Our Solution: The BBS Automation Designer

In close collaboration with the experts at BBS Automation, a desktop application was developed that enables engineers to digitally model systems and assemblies — including components, safety systems, and alarm logic. Based on these models, the Automation Designer automatically generates executable PLC control code, significantly reducing development time. In addition, custom file formats and an automated update mechanism were implemented to efficiently share data between team members and quickly roll out new features.

Technological foundation:

Electron

React & Node.js (JavaScript / TypeScript)

TIA Openness API

The result: 20% time savings in software developmentSince its introduction, the Automation Designer has become a central tool in the software department at BBS Automation. Already after the pilot phase, a time saving of around 20% was achieved compared to the previous development process — while also improving quality and traceability.Today, the tool is continuously being enhanced: new TIA versions, additional modules, and improved integrations ensure long-term value across the entire engineering process.

Why typedigital was the ideal partner

This project allowed us to fully leverage our strengths as a digital product agency:

Scalable Software Innovation:

From bespoke development to future-ready automation – we spearheaded BBS Automation’s strategic transition toward a highly scalable product solution.

Interdisciplinary Synergy:

By seamlessly merging deep engineering expertise with cutting-edge software development and UX design, we created a technical design system tailored for industrial excellence.

Industry Benchmark:

This solution sets a new standard in special-purpose machinery, intelligently combining technological power with intuitive usability and maximum efficiency.

References

what BBS Automation says about us

The quick understanding of our complex, industry-specific requirements and the confident implementation of a sophisticated software generator truly convinced us. Both professionally and personally, the collaboration was highly rewarding.