App types in the PLCnext Store

Every app is assigned to a type. Based on the type, you can estimate how you can use the app and what options it offers. Currently, six app types are available:

App

Note: The two app types Function Extension and Runtime are now combined under the type App. 

An app is like a useful helper for your PLCnext Control. Usually, an app is installed in parallel to a PLCnext Engineer project. The app augments the automation project by a certain function. It can have different forms, e.g., an extension of a runtime, a container or a command line tool.

You install an app from the PLCnext Store directly on a PLCnext Control.

Desktop Tool

A desktop tool is designed to run on your computer or laptop. 

Library

A library is a sub-function. Use libraries to realize more complex projects with  PLCnext Engineer.  
 
Use the download button to download the library to your computer in the form of a zip file. Then you must import the *.pcwlx file into PLCnext Engineer. If it is a chargeable library, buy a license first. Activate the license from your license pool on your PLCnext Control. The activation can be done online or offline. 

Note for licensed libraries: You can use a library in PLCnext Engineer without activating the license. To run the program in which you use the library on a controller, you have to activate the license. See License management for more information.

License

A license activates firmware functionalities of the PLCnext Control. A license does not provide any software itself, because the function is already part of the delivered firmware.  
 
If it is a chargeable product, buy a license first. Activate the license from the license pool on your PLCnext Control. The activation can be done online or offline. 

PLCnext Engineer Project

A PLCnext Engineer project is an open project that you can customize and extend in PLCnext Engineer. 

First download the PLCnext Engineer project to your computer and then import it into PLCnext Engineer.

If it is a chargeable product, buy a license first. Activate the license from the license pool on your PLCnext Control. The activation can be done online or offline.

Solution 

A solution is a fully programmed automation solution. It is a closed PLCnext Engineer Project which means it cannot be modified. You do not need any programming knowledge to use a solution. You install a solution from the PLCnext Store directly to a PLCnext Control.
 
Use the download button if you want to install a solution on an offline device. Download the solution to your computer and install the solution via the WBM (Administration → PLCnext Apps). Use the Install button to install the solution directly on your device. If it is a chargeable solution and you have purchased a license, the solution and the license are transferred to the device together. 

A solution usually contains a web interface. You can adjust the solution via the web interface using several parameters.

Note: 
  • To use a solution, certain hardware components are required. To find out which hardware components you need for the corresponding solution, refer to the detail page of the respective solution.
  • Currently, you can execute only one single solution on a controller.
  • If a PLCnext Engineer project is already on your PLCnext Control, it will be deleted by the installation of a solution.
  • If there is a solution on your PLCnext Control, no PLCnext Engineer project can be started on the PLCnext Control.
  • Delete a solution directly via the PLCnext Store or use the WBM of the device for deinstallation.
  • In case of a reset every app will be deleted, the licenses will be retained.

 

 

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• Published/reviewed: 2023-11-17 • Revision 14 •