Speed Up Your IO-Link Configuration with the free Balluff Engineering Tool
Configuring and maintaining IO-Link devices can be time-consuming and complex, especially as networks grow and documentation requirements increase. In this free technical webinar, you will learn how to drastically reduce configuration time, simplify device setup, ensure smooth PLC integration, and enable secure firmware updates, all with one free software tool – Balluff Engineering Tool (BET).
Webinar agenda
Introduction to BET and key user benefits
Offline planning of IO‑Link topologies
Create and reuse GSDML/ESI files for smooth PLC integration
Work with complex sensors using intuitive configuration wizards (e.g., SmartLight, BCM)
Meet Cyber Resilience Act requirements with automated SBOM creation
Perform secure, one‑click firmware updates for entire topologies
Manage user roles and passwords consistently across all devices
Q&A session
Who is this webinar for?
This webinar is ideal for electrical engineers, planners, automation engineers, commissioning engineers, maintenance teams and IO-Link users who want a faster, easier and more reliable engineering process.
Watch the webinar
Meet our speaker
Jan‑Erik Jung | Product Manager at Balluff
Jan-Erik is a recognized expert in digitalization, IO-Link automation, and industrial process optimization. With a background in production engineering and process management, he brings hands-on experience in developing smart system solutions that help companies implement IO-Link efficiently and effectively.
Your most frequently asked questions about the Balluff Engineering Tool (BET)
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about compatibility, remote access, firmware management, device configuration, and upcoming features of the Balluff Engineering Tool (BET).
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1. Does the IO-Link Master have to be from Balluff?
No. The Balluff Engineering Tool also recognizes masters from other manufacturers. In addition, IOLM files can be uploaded manually to extend the device catalog.
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2. Can SERVICE access to BET and the connected IO-Link sensors be established via VPN through a gateway?
Yes. VPN access is possible using the "Scan by Ping" option, which can be enabled in the user settings. Device discovery is performed by sequentially scanning each IP address using the "Scan by Ping" feature.
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3. Can the device list be exported?
Yes, it can be exported as a CSV file. Support for a machine-readable format (JSON) is currently under development.
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4. Can configurations for individual sensors be saved and reused later?
Yes. Parameter sets for individual sensors can be saved and loaded again at a later time. Parameters are stored in JSON format.
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5. Is it possible to modify IoT settings on the BNI00L3, such as topic attributes or MQTT settings?
Our goal is to provide a seamless hardware and software ecosystem. Currently, IoT settings can only be configured via the web server. In the future, IoT settings will also be available in the Balluff Engineering Tool. Implementation is planned for 2027.
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6. Are firmware updates available only for Balluff components?
Correct. We cannot guarantee compatibility with devices from other manufacturers and therefore cannot ensure that they will continue to function correctly after a firmware update. In addition, we do not have access to other manufacturers' databases to retrieve their firmware files.
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7. Are firmware updates available only for masters, or also for connected devices?
Firmware updates are also available for connected devices. However, firmware updates are provided exclusively for Balluff hardware.
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8. Can custom, non-certified IODDs be used?
Yes. As long as the IODDs are valid, they can be used in the Balluff Engineering Tool.
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9. Where can CVEs for Balluff products be viewed?
Balluff reports CVEs to CERT@VDE. In addition, a dedicated repository for CVEs is currently being implemented within the Balluff Update Platform (BUP).
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10. Is there a live data recorder (scope/monitoring) with file import/export capabilities?
A process data monitoring feature is currently under development. Process data will be visualized live in graphical form. Exporting the recorded values is not planned for the initial release.