The Smart Service Function Block Factory (FBF) from SICK allows a PLC function block to be created from an IODD, irrespective of the device type and manufacturer. The FBF supports most well-known PLC systems. Function blocks make it easier to read and write device parameters. They can also be individually configured – this applies to the choice of PLC as well as selecting and naming the supported IO-Link device parameters and features. In addition, process data parser functions can be generated. These simplify and speed up PLC programming considerably and help avoid errors.