Uwe Keller - Software Architect / Developer

Recommended expert

Bad Salzdetfurth, Germany

Experience

Jun 2024 - Jun 2025

1 year 1 month

Software Architect / Developer

Manufacturer of packaging and filling machines in the pharmaceutical industry

Migration of an Excel-based parameterization software into a .NET application based on .NET 8 and WPF.
Use of MS SQL Server as the primary database with generic access to SQLite for portability.
Reengineering of complex macros and database-like structures in Excel sheets for input dialogs and validations.
Integration and optimization of the solution to ensure user-friendly operation.
System environment: Windows 10 (x64), MS SQL Server, SQLite, Visual Studio Pro 2022 with .NET 8.0, C# with WPF, VBA scripting in Excel, GIT.

Sep 2023 - May 2024

9 months

Software Architect / Developer

Rail vehicle manufacturer

Refactoring of the .NET-based DDU visualization software in the Train Control & Management System (TCMS).
Modularization of the communication layers to support the CIP protocol and MVB bus via interfaces.
Porting of the visualization from battery-powered vehicles to hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Migration of an Excel-based parameterization software with MS Access database into a .NET application.
Implementation of a generic data storage with support for SQLite, MS SQL Server, and PostgreSQL.
System environment: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, Visual Studio Pro 2022 with .NET 4.8, VB6, VB.NET, C#, PostgreSQL, Access, VBA scripting, GIT, CA Harvest Software Change Manager.

Apr 2023 - Sep 2023

6 months

Software Architect / Developer

Optical medical device manufacturer

Creation of a concept for the digital, data-driven support of serial production.
Development of a communication layer for exchanging order and measurement data via OPC UA to an MES system.
Development of a generic message structure in JSON.
Creation of a proof of concept with C# using OPC UA for various control systems.
System environment: Windows 10, Visual Studio Pro 2022 with .NET 6, C#, OPC UA libraries for .NET.

Aug 2022 - Mar 2023

8 months

Software Architect / Developer

Rail vehicle manufacturer

Development of a database-backed tool for parameterizing DataPlugs for PLCs in rail vehicles.
Reengineering of an existing MS Access tool and porting the database to SQLite3.
Redevelopment of the user interface in C# and VB.NET.
Development of an application framework for efficient porting of VB6/MS Access applications to .NET.
System environment: Windows 10, Visual Studio Pro 2022 with .NET 4.8, VB.NET, C#, SQLite3, MS Access with scripting, GIT, CA Harvest Software Change Manager.

Sep 2020 - Jul 2022

1 year 11 months

Software Architect / Developer

Rail vehicle manufacturer

Further development and commissioning of the display visualization (DDU) of the Train Control & Management System (TCMS).
Porting of the software from VB6 to VB.NET including reengineering and modularization.
Development of a new communication channel with dynamic signal management in C# using the CIP protocol.
Execution of development according to the V-model including documentation.
Extension of the CIP communication layer with a dummy library in ANSI-C for automated test cases via TCP/IP.
System environment: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, Visual Studio Pro 2022 with .NET 4.8, VB6, VB.NET, C#, PostgreSQL, Access, VBA scripting, GIT, CA Harvest Software Change Manager.

Aug 2020 - Sep 2020

2 months

Germany

Software Developer

Automotive company

Documenting the switch from an ERP system to SAP during ongoing just-in-sequence production.
Extending the in-house MES system and integrating a new high-bay warehouse.
Transforming data interfaces and migrating data handling for production equipment to SAP.
Implementing communication via web services.
Using the MES software as middleware between ERP and PLCs.
Porting VB6 and developing new software in C# with OPC UA/DA interfaces.
System environment: C#, VB.NET, SAP R3, WebServices, VB6, WinCC 7.4, Simatic.NET, Windows Server 2012/2016, Hyper-V, MS SQL 2012.

May 2020 - Jun 2020

2 months

China

Software Developer

German automotive tire supplier

Preparing upgrades for SIMATIC IPC with Windows Server 2016 and WinCC 7.5.
Upgrading WinCC 7.X to 7.5 in a client/server operation with WebNavigator and an OPC connection to TwinCAT 2.
Preparing upgrades for Beckhoff IPC with TwinCAT 2 to Windows 10.
Revising the WinCC project for on-site changes and training preparation.
System environment: WinCC 7.5, Windows Server 2016, SIMATIC WinCC WebNavigator, Beckhoff TwinCAT 2, Windows 10.

Jan 2020 - Apr 2020

4 months

Germany

Software Developer

Dairy plant

Upgrading an existing SCADA system to SIMATIC WinCC 7.5.
Rebuilding the system in a virtualized environment on VMware ESXi.
Merging separate project parts (client and server) into one project while ensuring C-script functionality.
System environment: SIMATIC WinCC 7.5, Windows Server 2016, VMware ESXi.

Jun 2019 - Dec 2019

7 months

China

Software Developer

International tire manufacturer

Developing a SCADA system with SIMATIC TIA Portal V15 in a virtualized environment for a new production plant.
Implementing a client/server system with WinCC WebNavigator to visualize S7-1500 CPUs.
Realizing complex material routing with synchronization via scanner points using OPC UA.
Conducting training and creating on-site documentation.
System environment: Windows Server 2016, SIMATIC TIA Portal V15, VMware ESXi, OPC UA, WinCC Professional, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427E MicroBox, Indu-Sol PROFINET.

Mar 2018 - May 2019

1 year 3 months

Germany

Software Developer

Automotive company

Switching from an ERP system to SAP during ongoing just-in-sequence production.
Extending and redesigning the MES system as middleware between ERP and PLCs.
Connecting a new high-bay warehouse and transforming data interfaces.
Porting and redeveloping VB6 applications to C# with OPC UA/DA.
Integrating software packages into a terminal server environment.
System environment: C#, VB.NET, SAP R3, WebServices, VB6, WinCC 7.5, Simatic.NET, Windows Server 2012/2016, Hyper-V, MS SQL 2012.

Jan 2016 - Feb 2018

2 years 2 months

Project Manager

International Tire Manufacturer

Expansion and commissioning of visualization systems for transport systems.
Transition of systems into production environments and company-wide standardization of SCADA systems.
Conducting training and creating documentation at locations in China, USA, Brazil, Romania, and Germany.
System environment: WinCC 7.2, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2010, Beckhoff TwinCat, Indu-Sol PROManage, Datalogic WebSentinel.

Oct 2015 - Dec 2015

3 months

Germany

Software Developer

Automotive Company

Extension of automation applications in C#, VB.NET and VB6 with a SQL Server backend.
Porting of process-critical applications from local PCs to a Hyper-V failover cluster system.
Implementation of visualization on WinCC with WebNavigator clients.
Migration of production applications for terminal server compatibility.
Conducting stress tests to assess failover capability.
System environment: VB6, ADO.NET, C#, VB.NET, Simatic.NET, Windows Server 2012, Hyper-V, MS SQL 2012.

Jan 2015 - Sep 2015

9 months

China

Software Developer

International Tire Manufacturer

Enhancements of visualization systems for transport systems.
Commissioning and transition of systems into production environments.
Conducting training and preparing documentation.
System environment: WinCC 7.0.3, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2010, Windows Embedded Standard 2009, Beckhoff TwinCat, Indu-Sol, Datalogic.

Jul 2014 - Dec 2014

6 months

India

Software Developer

International Tire Manufacturer

Enhancements of visualization systems for transport systems.
Planning in Germany and commissioning in India.
Transition of the system into a production environment including training and documentation.
System environment: WinCC 7.0.3, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2010, Beckhoff TwinCat, Indu-Sol, Datalogic.

Jan 2014 - Jun 2014

6 months

United States

Software Developer

International Tire Manufacturer

Enhancements of visualization systems for transport systems.
Planning in Germany and commissioning in the USA.
Conducting training and preparing documentation.
System environment: WinCC 7.0.3, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2010, Beckhoff TwinCat, Indu-Sol, Datalogic.

Nov 2013 - Dec 2013

2 months

United States

Software Developer

International Tire Manufacturer

Implemented the visualization system using emulation and simulation.
Planned the project in Germany and commissioned it in the USA.
Moved the system to production including training.
System environment: WinCC 7.0.3, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2010, Beckhoff TwinCat, Indu-Sol.

Oct 2013 - Oct 2013

1 month

Software Developer

Automotive Company

Extended the complete wheel assembly with RDK data handling.
Extended master data management and revised the process for just-in-time delivery.
Created reports and transitioned to production.
System environment: C#, VB.NET, VB6, ADO.NET, Simatic.NET, MS SQL 2008R2.

Sep 2013 - Present

12 years 5 months

Romania

Software Developer

International Tire Manufacturer

Implemented the visualization system against emulation and simulation.
Set up and commissioned the PC and network infrastructure.
Conducted on-site training and prepared documentation.
System environment: WinCC 7.0.3, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2010, Beckhoff TwinCat, Indu-Sol, Datalogic.

Aug 2013 - Aug 2013

1 month

Germany

Software Developer

Automotive Company

Migrated a WinCC system from version 5.1 to 7.2.
Ported process-critical applications to a Hyper-V failover cluster system.
Implemented the visualization on WinCC with WebNavigator clients.
Integrated the WinCC server into a virtual Hyper-V role.
Conducted stress tests to validate failover reliability.
System environment: VB6, ADO.NET, C#, VB.NET, Windows Server 2008R2, Hyper-V, MS SQL 2008R2 in a cluster.

Jul 2013 - Jul 2013

1 month

United States

Software Developer

International Tire Manufacturer

Implemented the visualization system against emulation and simulation.
Set up and commissioned the on-site PC and network infrastructure.
System environment: WinCC 7.0.3, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2010, Windows Server 2008R2, Beckhoff TwinCat.

Mar 2013 - Jun 2013

4 months

Remote

Software developer

International tire manufacturer

Remote support for ramp-up of plant sections at various tire factories in Europe, China and Brazil.
Conducting on-site assignments to support commissioning.

Jun 2012 - Feb 2013

9 months

Brazil

Software developer

International tire manufacturer

Visualization of the transport system for the expansion of a tire plant using WinCC.
Implementation of a language switch for Portuguese.
Development of communication tools in C# and VB6.
Setup and commissioning of PC and network infrastructure, as well as conducting training sessions.
System environment: WinCC 7.0.2, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2010, Beckhoff TwinCAT, Indu-Sol.

Mar 2012 - May 2012

3 months

Germany

Software developer

Automotive company

Extension of the wheel assembly to include RDK data handling.
Extension of master data management for RDK data.
Overhaul of the just-in-time delivery process and expansion of reporting.
System environment: VB6, ADO.NET, C#, VB.NET, Simatic.NET, MS SQL 2008R2.

Nov 2011 - Present

14 years 3 months

Germany

Project manager

Dairy company

Porting ActiveX components for recipe selection in WinCC 7.0.
Ongoing maintenance and expansion of the project with updates to development tools.
System environment: Windows 2003 Server, C#, T-SQL, ADO.NET, Visual Studio.NET, VB6, Simatic WinCC 7.0, OPC DA, MS SQL Server 2008.

Nov 2011 - Feb 2012

4 months

Czech Republic

Software developer

International tire manufacturer

Visualization of the transport system for a palletizing system using WinCC.
Logging of cross-system routing data for products.
Setup and commissioning of on-site PC and network infrastructure.
System environment: WinCC 7.0.2, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2009, Windows Server 2003, Indu-Sol, Datalogic.

Jan 2011 - Oct 2011

10 months

China

Software Developer

International Tire Manufacturer

Visualization of the transport system for a new tire plant using WinCC.
Implementation of a language switch for East Asian languages.
Development of communication tools in C# and VB6.
Setup and commissioning of the on-site PC and network infrastructure.
System environment: WinCC 7.0, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2009, Windows Server 2003, Beckhoff TwinCat, Indu-Sol.

Dec 2010 - Dec 2010

1 month

United Kingdom

Software Developer

Automobile Manufacturer

Expansion of an existing system for filling coolant liquids.
Reading SIMATIC MODAS tags.
On-site commissioning.
System environment: Windows NT 4, Visual Basic 6, Simatic WinCC 5, OPC DA, MS Access.

Jul 2010 - Nov 2010

5 months

China

Software Developer

International Tire Manufacturer

Visualization of the transport system for a new tire plant using WinCC.
Implementation of a language switch for East Asian languages.
Development of communication tools in C# and VB6.
Setup and commissioning of the on-site PC and network infrastructure.
System environment: WinCC 7.0, WinCC WebNavigator, SIMATIC 427C MicroBox, WinAC RTX F 2009, Windows Server 2003, Beckhoff TwinCat, Indu-Sol.

Jun 2010 - Jun 2010

1 month

Germany

Software Developer

Automotive Company

Visualization of a core winder for tire production under WinCC Flexible 2008 SP2.
System environment: WinCC Flexible 2008 SP2, Simatic Multipannel, Simatic S7-300.

May 2010 - May 2010

1 month

Germany

Software Developer

Automotive Company

Migration of a highly available database system in a failover cluster from MS SQL Server 2000 (32bit) to version 2008 (64bit).
Adaptation of existing software packages in C#, VB.NET, and VB6.
System environment: Windows Server 2008R2, MS SQL Server 2008 in a failover cluster.

Feb 2010 - Mar 2010

2 months

Software Developer

Printing industry company

Creating a prototype to collect log and error data from different data sources of printing machines.
Processing the data further in a database system.
Designing a plugin-capable system to gather the data.
System environment: Windows XP / 7, C#, Visual Studio 2008, MS SQL Server 2005, DevExpress, Subversion.

Feb 2006 - Dec 2009

3 years 11 months

Subproject Leader

Drive technology company

Further development of the L-force Engineer application for configuring drive controllers in a team of 10-15 developers.
Integration of DCOM components for curve creation in C# to manage drive components.
Performing data modeling and GUI programming.
Implementation of a gateway DLL in C++ for CoDeSys 2.3 to communicate between PlcDesigner and drive controllers.
Prototyping integration of CoDeSys 3.x controls.
System environment: Windows XP, C#, C/C++, VB.NET, CoDeSys 2.3, Visual Studio 6 / .NET, Subversion, Rational ClearQuest, Visio, VMware.

Nov 2005 - Jan 2006

3 months

Ecuador

Software Developer

Automotive (tire manufacturer)

Visualization of a tire winding machine in VB6.
Implementing communication to Beckhoff TwinCat via ADS.
Implementing a recipe management system with VB and MS Access.
System environment: Windows 2000 Professional, VB6, ADO, TwinCat ADS, OPC DA.

Apr 2005 - Oct 2005

7 months

Germany

Project Manager

Dairy company

Reimplementation of a dynamic communication layer in C# between Siemens controllers (Simatic Step5 / Step7) and a database system.
Parameterized access to data blocks via OPC-DA through a configuration database.
Implementation of a user interface with .NET Remoting.
Creation of ActiveX components in VB6 for database access in Simatic WinCC.
System environment: Windows 2003 Server, C#, T-SQL, ADO.NET, Visual Studio .NET, Simatic WinCC, MS SQL Server 2000.

Sep 2003 - Mar 2005

1 year 7 months

Germany

Subproject Leader

Automotive company

Implementation of a material flow calculator for just-in-time production of complete wheels.
Implementation of a chaotic storage system as a high availability solution in a fail-over cluster with MS SQL Server.
Implementing communication with Simatic S7-400 controllers via OPC-DA.
Creating transport orders for a dual-aisle storage system.
Visualization of production lines with WinCC 5.
Implementation of a barcode interface as an ActiveX component and creation of reports in XML, Excel and PDF.
System environment: Windows 2000 Advanced Server (Cluster), VB6, VB.NET, C#, MS SQL Server 2000.

Aug 2003 - Aug 2003

1 month

United Kingdom

Software Developer

Automobile Manufacturer

Implementation of a recipe processing system for the transmission filling plant in the production process.
System environment: Windows NT 4, Visual Basic 6, Simatic WinCC 5, OPC DA, MS Access.

Jul 2003 - Jul 2003

1 month

Germany

Software Developer

Dairy Company

Adaptation of the Laboratory Information System (LIMS).
Switched communication to OPC-DA.
System environment: Windows 2000 Professional, VBA, T-SQL, MS Access, Simatic.NET OPC-DA, MS SQL Server 2000.

Apr 2003 - Jun 2003

3 months

Austria

Software Developer

Automotive Company

Collection of production data during the manufacture of complete wheels.
Connection to the on-site PPS system via OPC-DA.
Visualization of the production lines with WinCC 5.
Implementation of a barcode interface as an ActiveX component.
System environment: Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Visual Basic 6, T-SQL, Simatic WinCC 5, MS SQL Server 2000.

Oct 2002 - Mar 2003

6 months

Portugal

Software Developer

International Tire Manufacturer

Visualization of conveyor systems with production data of the transported components in Visual Basic 6.
Communication with Beckhoff TwinCat controllers using ADS.
System environment: Windows NT 4, VB6, Beckhoff TwinCat, Simatic WinCC 5, MS Access.

Aug 2002 - Sep 2002

2 months

United Kingdom

Software Developer

Automobile Manufacturer

Reading and writing mobile data carriers (MODAS) with production data.
Transmission of fill quantities to Modicon controllers via OPC-DA.
System environment: Windows NT 4, Visual Basic 6, ANSI-C scripts in Simatic WinCC 5, Modicon controllers, MS Access.

Feb 2002 - Jul 2002

6 months

Germany

Software Developer

University

Implemented a database system to manage and control a sampling system for DNA samples.
Generated drive commands for the sampling robot and transferred them to Simatic WinAC via OPC-DA.
Logged production data and visualized the robot using WinCC 5.
Implemented a barcode interface and generated reports in Excel and PDF.
System environment: Windows NT 4, Visual Basic 6, T-SQL, MS Access, Simatic WinCC 5, MS SQL Server 2000.

Nov 2001 - Jan 2002

3 months

Germany

Software Developer

University

Implemented a handling system for automatic loading of piezo elements with Beckhoff TwinCat.
Programmed a four-axis system with linear axes.
System environment: Windows NT 4, TwinCat.

Oct 2001 - Oct 2001

1 month

Germany

Software Developer

Dairy Company

Handled data exchange and logging for the transponder systems of milk collection trucks at the milk reception.
System environment: Windows NT 4, C scripts in Simatic WinCC 5, VB6, MS Access.

Sep 2001 - Sep 2001

1 month

Germany

Software Developer

Fruit Juice Blending Plant

Extended recipe processing and operational and production data capture in the blending process.
System environment: Windows NT 4 Server, Visual Basic 6, T-SQL, MS Access, iFix32, MS SQL Server 7.

Jul 2001 - Jul 2001

1 month

Germany

Consultant

Dairy Company

Prepared a feasibility study for integrating different standalone data solutions.

May 2001 - Jun 2001

2 months

Germany

Consultant

Fruit Juice Blending Plant

Created a requirements specification for the new implementation of the mixing process.

Dec 2000 - Mar 2001

4 months

Germany

Software Developer

Fruit Juice Blending Plant

Re-implemented recipe processing and production data collection on Microsoft SQL Server 7.
Visualization on iFix and communication with Simatic S7-400.
System environment: Windows NT 4 Server, Visual Basic 6, T-SQL, MS Access, iFix32, MS SQL Server 7.

Dec 1999 - Nov 2000

1 year

Germany

Software Developer

Fruit Juice Blending Plant

Re-implemented recipe processing and production data acquisition on Microsoft SQL Server 7.
Visualization on Simatic WinCC 4 and communication with Simatic S5.
System environment: Windows NT 4 Server, Visual Basic 6, T-SQL, MS Access, Simatic WinCC 4, MS SQL Server 7.

Summary

My focus is on developing and implementing custom IT solutions in application development for automation technology. I specialize in two main areas:

Visualization using HMI and SCADA solutions
Development of custom software

The focus is on analyzing processes and workflows, especially considering horizontal data flows between plant components and vertical integration with higher-level systems. I rely on effective communication and data exchange between automation devices and controllers as well as with higher-level systems such as recipe management, measurement and operational data acquisition, and ERP systems (e.g. SAP). I develop solutions based on custom software as well as established SCADA and MES systems, with a special focus on SIMATIC solutions for Industry 4.0.

A key aspect of my work is development using OPC UA as a standardized transport layer to ensure seamless interoperability.

In addition, I am experienced in designing and developing software components in .NET and support the porting of VB6 and Excel-based applications to the .NET world. For individual customer requirements, I develop complete software packages in C# and VB.NET, while implementing database solutions with Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. For hardware-near communication requirements, I use C under Windows as the development environment.

Responsibilities I have taken on in projects:

Software architecture and development
Interface definition and coordination
Project planning, test execution, and on-site acceptance (also at international locations)
Sub-project management

Industry experience:

Pharmaceutical industry: reengineering and porting of Excel-based parameterization software to database-based .NET applications to optimize efficiency and scalability.
Rail vehicle control technology: development of visualization software for Driver Display Units (DDU) in the Train Control Management System (TCMS) using C#/VB.NET/VB6/ANSI-C, as well as reengineering and porting of Excel-based parameterization software solutions to database-backed .NET applications; implementation of generic communication layers for signal exchange between DDU and PLCs.
Automotive supplier: manufacturing and delivery of complete wheels 'just in time' and 'just in sequence' directly to the assembly line.
Tire production: automated transport systems at an international tire manufacturer.
Food industry: liquid processing solutions for dairies and fruit juice processing companies.

Skills

Technology Focus:

Creation Of Scada-based And Custom Visualizations
Application Development In .Net (C#, Vb.net)
Maintenance Of Vb6 Legacy Applications And Porting To Vb.net/c#
Design And Implementation Of Database Solutions (Focus On Microsoft Sql Server)
Development, Implementation, And Support Of Mes Systems
Virtualization Of Client-server Systems For Automation Solutions
Plc Communication And Database Connection Via Opc Ua/da And Api (E.g. Simatic S7-300/400, S7-1500, Twincat 2)
Scada/hmi Plant Visualization With Simatic Wincc (Classic And Tia Portal) In Client-server And Redundant Systems With High Availability
Script Processing And Debugging In Ansi-c For Simatic Wincc Projects

Technical Knowledge – Programming Languages:

C# (> 20 Years Project Experience)
Visual Basic .Net (> 20 Years Project Experience)
Visual Basic 6 (> 25 Years Project Experience)
T-sql (> 15 Years Project Experience)

Technical Knowledge – Operating Systems:

Windows Server (In Hyper-v)
Windows 11 (X86/x64)
Windows 10 Iot Enterprise (X86/x64)
Windows Xp/7

Technical Knowledge – Databases:

Postgresql
Sqlite
Microsoft Sql Server (> 15 Years Project Experience)
Microsoft Access (> 25 Years Project Experience)
Experience Operating Highly Available Microsoft Sql Server Databases In Fail-over Clusters And/or Virtualized Environments

Software Packages, Virtualization, Methods, Tools, Modules:

Virtualization In The Automation Environment For Database Systems, Scada, Mes, Opc Ua/da
Microsoft Hyper-v
Vmware Esxi
Microsoft Visual Studio Up To 2022
Microsoft Visual Studio 6 (Vb6 And C++)
Oo Methods And Programming
Data Modeling
Uml

Version Control Systems:

Ca Harvest Software Change Manager
Git
Subversion

Tools/interfaces:

Implementing Communication Interfaces Based On Simatic.net
Implementing Communication Interfaces At The Protocol Level Via Opc Ua, Opc Da, Tcp/ip, Cip, Mvb, Serial

Visualization Systems: