Production Line Controller Update Improves Traceability and Security

Increasing automation and connectivity in manufacturing are raising requirements for secure data exchange, process traceability and flexible line control. In this context, Kontron AIS GmbH released version 5.5 of its FabEagle^®LC line controller software for connected production environments.

Line control software for connected manufacturing environments
FabEagle^®LC is designed to manage communication and process coordination across automated production lines, supporting industries such as electronics manufacturing, semiconductor production and general industrial automation.

The Release 5.5 update focuses on improving process reliability, production transparency and cybersecurity, reflecting growing requirements for traceable manufacturing workflows and secure integration between IT and OT systems within the digital supply chain.

Carrier management enhancements for product traceability
The updated carrier management functionality expands tracking capabilities for products and transport carriers moving through production lines. Configurable carrier types allow manufacturers to represent complex material flows and associate product data directly with carriers.

Support for carrier-in-carrier concepts enables modelling of nested transport structures, which can be relevant in production environments with variable product configurations or multi-stage assembly processes.

These capabilities support improved product genealogy tracking and process documentation, which are important for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

Workflow adjustments without process redesign
Workflow management functions have been updated to allow process steps to be added, removed or rearranged without rebuilding complete workflows. This supports production environments where processes must be adapted frequently due to product changes or engineering updates.

An updated web-based Andon board interface provides real-time visualization of machine and production key performance indicators. The interface allows production data to be accessed through browsers or mobile devices, either for entire production lines or selected machine groups.

Cybersecurity updates aligned with CRA requirements
Release 5.5 includes updates to software component libraries to improve system stability and maintainability. A Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) has also been introduced to provide visibility into software components used within the system.

This functionality supports cybersecurity management practices aligned with requirements such as the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), helping manufacturers document software dependencies and strengthen software lifecycle security practices.

Interface updates for semiconductor production integration
The SECS/GEM interface used in semiconductor manufacturing environments has been migrated to the .NET platform to improve system integration and maintainability. This interface supports communication between manufacturing equipment and factory host systems in semiconductor backend production.

In addition, the line controller client enables direct access to archived raw production data, allowing engineers to retrieve historical data for process analysis or troubleshooting.

Expanded diagnostics for PLC integration
The PLC interface block provided by Kontron AIS for Siemens TIA Portal (from version 19) has been extended with additional diagnostic functions. These features provide detailed status information for automation blocks, supporting faster fault identification and maintenance response.

The additional diagnostic visibility is intended to improve equipment availability by enabling more efficient troubleshooting and reducing downtime in automated production environments.

Edited by industrial journalist, Aishwarya Mambet, with AI-assistance.

www.kontron.com