If you are regular reader of this column, you are likely aware of the competitive advantages provided by PackML in August’s “Get Ready for IIoT: 5 Reasons to Implement PackML Now.” Your company may even be planning to implement PackML. So where do you start?

Numerous resources are available through OMAC or directly from its members. OMAC has nearly 60 member companies in North America, Europe, Latin American and Asia. The organization also works closely with other leading industry organizations, such as PMMI, OPC Foundation, PLCopen, Weihenstephan and others to help manufacturers worldwide improve efficiency and build competitive advantages through best practices, standards, new tools and resources and collaboration. PackML resources provided by OMAC include PackML Training, Implementation Guides and member templates developed by Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, Arla Foods and many member controls manufacturers.

Advanced and Basic PackML Training Available

For its annual PackML Training Workshop, OMAC is offering advanced programming sessions in addition to its standard basic coding and training. The 2019 Workshop takes place Thursday, May 16, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare. 

PackML experts from B&R Automation and Bosch Rexroth will lead the basic sessions. Experts from Rockwell Automation and Siemens will lead the advanced training sessions. Both basic and advanced sessions will include multiple workstations for participants to learn and practice coding and implementing PackML. Participants also will receive an introduction to the PackML and OPC UA Companion Specification.

Attendees of the B&R Automation and Bosch Rexroth Basic Training can expect to learn PackML fundamentals and what it will take to implement PackML on their own. The workshop will cover PackML Modes, the State Model and why it’s useful, how to standardize data with PackTags and building modular code with Make2Pack. Attendees will also learn about use cases, run simulations and practice setting up PackTags. The training is designed to help attendees get their first PackML application up and running.

Attendees of the Rockwell Automation and Siemens Advanced Training can expect to be completely immersed in PackML modularity concepts. Training will be combination of discussion, presentations, practice labs and demonstrations. Trainers will emphasize dialogue and discussion about PackML concepts and practice configuring PackTag libraries. Siemens and Rockwell Automation will provide in-depth information and hands-on practice using their PackML programming solutions and templates. 

The new advanced PackML training sessions were added in response to numerous requests from past participants to receive follow-up, in-depth programming practice. This year’s workshop is an ideal continuing education opportunity for past participants of OMAC’s basic training sessions or for participants who have familiarity with PackML modes and states. 

Past participants of the workshop include programmers, project engineers, designers, plant managers, operations managers, maintenance managers or those looking to understand the macro benefits of PackML — such as allowing multiple programmers to work across each other’s projects, facilitating easier machine optioning and more productive programming, easier integration, delivering machines compliant with globally accepted PackML standards, greater interoperability and interface consistency.

For more information and to register for the OMAC PackML Workshop, go to omac.org/category/conferences-expos/.