machinetalk blog

#1 The standard data block

Written by Peter Strohm | Oct 7, 2025 6:00:00 AM

Many customers work with a standard data block in their PLC. It serves as the foundation for data exchange and can be directly processed by their own software.

The benefits are obvious:

  • standardized data exchange

  • direct usage without detours

But in reality, challenges arise:

  • The standard is constantly changed and extended.

  • Legacy machines in the field may use outdated or no blocks at all.

  • You cannot always rely on the block being correct.

The solution with machinetalk:

  • Upload PLC project & DB version

  • Automatic validation of the data block

  • Direct optimization suggestions

  • If no DB exists: automatic generation

The outcome for the customer:

  • faster signal identification – even for legacy machines

  • no manual programming or address errors

  • less effort, higher speed in operations