System software provides the most basic functions for computer use, but it is not targeted at any specific application area. Application software, on the other hand, provides different functions based on the user and the area it serves.
Industrial software can be broadly categorized into two types: embedded software and non-embedded software. Embedded software is software embedded in controllers, communication devices, and sensors for data acquisition, control, and communication. Non-embedded software is software installed in general-purpose computers or industrial control computers for design, programming, process control, monitoring, and management.
Embedded software, in particular, used in fields such as military electronics and industrial control, has extremely high requirements for reliability, security, and real-time performance, and must undergo rigorous inspection and evaluation. It is also important to emphasize design-related software, such as CAD and CAE.
In addition to its software characteristics, industrial software also has distinct industry features. With the continuous development of the automation industry, by accumulating industry knowledge and taking industry application knowledge as a key element in the development of the automation industry, it has gradually become a major factor for enterprises to adjust their economic structure and transform their economic growth model.
1. Industrial software cannot function without process support.
Industrial control software for different industries serves different target audiences. For example, the steel industry's software targets the metallurgical industry, making it difficult to adapt to the machinery industry, and vice versa. A good industrial control software not only meets current process requirements but also incorporates advanced control concepts, ensuring it remains relevant for a certain period.
2. Industrial software must be supported by an industry data knowledge base.
An industry data knowledge base refers to a collection of accumulated experience from industry production processes that supports industry control software. It is particularly important to note the compilation of key knowledge, software, know-how, and data related to industry production processes; this is the foundation for equipping my country's automation control systems with a "Chinese brain." Its main contents include: empirical calculation formulas, technical know-how, experience in handling various accidents and operations, operation manuals, technical specifications, process models, algorithm parameters, coefficients, and weighting ratios, based on various data collected during the production process. This includes both technical specifications, operating procedures, and national standards in document form, as well as core software content and solution tools such as empirical formulas and model algorithms.
The development and production of industrial control software products for different industries are on the rise. Industry knowledge bases are becoming the core and fundamental element of industrial control software, which is also our advantage. Building a good industry knowledge base will turn industry knowledge into the driving force for the development of industry control software and promote the transformation of my country's industrial control software technology from low-end to high-end.
