TOOL
The hosted server ranks contract manufacturers by process, material, certifications and quantity from a directory built from OpenStreetMap, Overture, Wikidata and company websites, and sending an RFQ needs the user's consent. A manufacturer's own agent can answer the RFQ, so quoting can run agent to agent.
For buyers and hardware founders sourcing machined or fabricated parts: get a ranked shortlist and a structured RFQ from one request.
More from The Feed
TOOL
It works on the project files directly, with no EAE running, and covers IEC 61499 function blocks, CATs, OPC UA mapping and HMI screens, including an ISA-101 style review. It does not compile or download to devices, so EAE stays the place where the build gets checked.
For automation engineers on EcoStruxure: get an explanation of an inherited project, or a first pass at a function block, before you open EAE.
Early Signal
TOOL
Built as a free alternative to Factory I/O, it connects over OPC UA, Modbus TCP, S7 and PLCSIM, and a grader runs your program against 18 scenes while it cuts the E-stop and injects faults. A broken wire on the pressure transmitter reads 32767, so your logic has to tell a fault from a reading.
For automation students and instructors: the first-hour guide goes from download to OpenPLC driving a sorting line, with no Siemens licence needed.