Vitrin Rockwell's FactoryTalk Simplifies Micro Control

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Rockwell Automation's new FactoryTalk Design Workbench software brings these functions together. Designed for Micro800 controllers, this free software combines programming, setup, and troubleshooting in one place. Version 1 offers a modern look and a familiar workflow, using a layout similar to Rockwell's Logix tools, which helps engineers execute projects faster and simplifies onboarding for new users.

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FactoryTalk Design Workbench software provides a unified environment for programming, configuring, and troubleshooting Micro800 control systems.​

Unified Design for Faster Development​

FactoryTalk Design Workbench creates a single workspace for building, monitoring, and maintaining compact control systems. Engineers can connect to multiple controllers simultaneously, ideal for small production lines or multi-machine installations, and perform programming, uploading, and downloading without switching screens. Version 1 supports Micro810 and Micro800 Lx0E controllers and offers Class 1 connectivity for PowerFlex 520 drives and Kinetix 5100 servos, allowing drive configuration and testing from the same environment.
The new workspace mirrors the Rockwell Logix environment, offering a unified editor view, shared programming instructions, and full support for Ladder Diagram (LD), Structured Text (ST), and Function Block Diagram (FBD) languages. Users can edit logic online, build and download projects faster, and benefit from enhanced communication that shortens program transfer times. Multi-device access also simplifies troubleshooting, allowing technicians to view controller statuses, tag values, and alarms simultaneously.

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Highlights of Version 1 include a modern user interface, faster performance, and multi-device support for Micro800 controllers.​

Designed for Modern Engineering Workflows​

FactoryTalk Design Workbench is optimized for 64-bit Windows systems, ensuring compatibility with other FactoryTalk tools on the same workstation. It runs smoothly on a standard Intel Core i5 processor with 8 GB of RAM and requires only 20 GB of free disk space, making it easy to install on standard engineering laptops. The interface supports six languages (French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish) to meet the needs of global design teams.
Migration tools are built-in for importing projects from Connected Components Workbench v22 and v23, minimizing conversion risk and preserving existing logic. The consistent architecture also supports drive integration, meaning users can create coordinated motion or simple speed control in the same project without additional add-ons or conversion tools.

Scalable Architecture and Future Integration​

The software is currently available from the Rockwell Product Compatibility and Download Center (PCDC). It also serves as a starting point for broader FactoryTalk integration. Rockwell plans to release annual updates, providing more device support and more closely aligning small machine design with FactoryTalk Design Studio.
By combining Logix-style workflows, multi-device access, and free licensing, FactoryTalk Design Workbench offers OEMs and machine builders a faster, more consistent way to design micro-scale automation. It bridges the gap between Connected Components Workbench and higher-level FactoryTalk platforms, providing a consistent user experience from the smallest machine to plant-wide systems.