What is Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB) and how do you use it?

February 5, 2014

I receive many requests for Programmable Controller system BOM’s (bill of materials.) To work these up quickly and easily I use a free utility from Rockwell Automation called Integrated Architecture Builder, or IAB for short.

This utility has so many features and options that I don’t even pretend to know half of what it does. But I can show you a few simple steps you can take to easily crank out your own IAB BOMs.

First, you’ll need to get a copy of IAB before you can use it. Today IAB is distributed as part of Rockwell’s “Product Selection Toolbox,” which you can download from the below link:

http://raiseinstall.rockwellautomation.com/pst-lite.html

Once you download and install IAB, go ahead and launch it. And since you’ve just downloaded it, answer “no” to the request to check for updates:

Once it starts, close the “Quick Start” popup:

Then from the IAB program menu choose “File” and “New.” Now in the popup choose a “Blank” workspace, give your project a name, and click “OK” as shown below:

Now from the IAB menu choose “Action” and “Add New Hardware.” Then from the popup choose a programmable controller and click on “OK”:

Note: If your system does not default with enough I/O module slots, just right click on the chassis and select “Configure Chassis” like I did below:

Now from the “Device List” at bottom of the window choose your processor and I/O modules, and drag them into an empty slot:

Once done you can right click on any empty slots to remove then. Then click on the “dollar sign” button on the IAB Toolbar to launch the BOM popup:

From the BOM popup shown below you can save your system BOM to MS Excel (.xls:)

Well that’s how I quickly create a programmable controller BOM. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to use the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

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Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who started programing in the early 80's on the new Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to focus on teaching at The Automation School, as well as publishing industry news and product how-to’s at The Automation Blog.