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

By
Shawn Tierney
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Integrated Architecture Builder PictureI 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:

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:

Integrated Architecture Builder Step 3Once it starts, close the “Quick Start” popup:

Integrated Architecture Builder Step 4Then 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:

Integrated Architecture Builder Step 5Now from the IAB menu choose “Action” and “Add New Hardware.” Then from the popup choose a programmable controller and click on “OK”:

Integrated Architecture Builder Step 6Note: 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:

Integrated Architecture Builder Step 7Now from the “Device List” at bottom of the window choose your processor and I/O modules, and drag them into an empty slot:

Integrated Architecture Builder Step 9Once 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:

Integrated Architecture Builder Step 11From the BOM popup shown below you can save your system BOM to MS Excel (.xls:)

Integrated Architecture Builder Step 12Well 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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