Innovative process model for PLC-based software modules interchange through the Internet

The paper proposes a new way of working, supported by proper software tools, within the industrial automation sector, with particular reference to PLC-based software developers. The new process model relies on the Internet representing a virtual place where the above mentioned users can reciprocally propose their solutions and search for other. This virtual place should also enhance software co-design and co-development among different PLC software developers through the adoption of standard methodologies, languages and tools, based on the IEC 61131-3 standard, that have been tuned within the European Project EPOMAT IST-1999-20278 (Evaluating the Performance of an Object oriented Modelling based on interneT).