Simplifying Automation Software Management with the TwinCAT Package Manager
- Casey Taylor
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Discover how the TwinCAT Package Manager helps you deploy code faster, manage dependencies, and support complex automation systems with ease.
In this edition of Webinar Wednesday, we took a deep dive into a powerful and sometimes overlooked tool in the Beckhoff ecosystem: the TwinCAT Package Manager. As Beckhoff continues to expand its modular automation software architecture, the Package Manager has emerged as the core delivery mechanism for TwinCAT components starting with version 3.1 Build 4026 and beyond.
Whether you're deploying new software, managing legacy systems, or building a scalable development environment, understanding how to use the TwinCAT Package Manager effectively is essential.
Download the full recorded webinar here:
Why does the TwinCAT Package Manager matter?
Introduced officially with TwinCAT 3.1 Build 4026, the TwinCAT Package Manager represents a fundamental shift in how Beckhoff software is installed, maintained, and deployed. Instead of monolithic installations, software is now broken into packages—modular units that contain payloads, metadata, and dependencies. These packages are easier to manage, update, and deploy, whether on a local development system or across a fleet of machines.
This approach increases agility with:
Faster release cycles
Independent package upgrades
Automatic dependency management
Improved software quality control and testability
The shift to modular software with Packages and Workloads
At the heart of the Package Manager are two key concepts: Packages and Workloads. A Package is a self-contained unit that includes a payload (files like libraries, installers, or other tools), metadata (name, version, tags, author info), and dependencies. This structure makes installation, updating, and sharing significantly easier, as all the necessary software elements are bundled together.
On the other hand, a Workload is a collection of Packages, without its own payload. These bundles simplify software management by grouping related tools and components into cohesive, installable sets. The Package Manager makes it seamless to add, remove, or update these components independently, which enhances agility and shortens release cycles.
Know your feeds: understanding Stable, Testing, and Outdated feeds
One of the most powerful features of the TwinCAT Package Manager is its feed-based architecture. Feeds are essentially sources of Packages. Beckhoff maintains three publicly available feeds:
The Stable feed provides fully tested, production-ready software for reliable deployment on industrial equipment.
The Testing feed offers early access to new features and updates, giving developers a chance to test upcoming changes before official release.
The Outdated feed supports legacy components, including older versions of TwinCAT and tools like TwinCAT 2 or Remote Manager 4024 and earlier.
This structured system makes it easy to stay up to date with the latest version—or maintain backward compatibility when needed.
Custom feeds and internal software distribution
For teams or organizations that manage their own internal toolsets, the Package Manager supports the creation of custom feeds. These feeds can reside on a local or network folder or be hosted via a NuGet.Server. You can deploy your own tools—whether they're written in C#, Python, or packaged as services or editors—and manage them through the same interface used for Beckhoff software.
This is ideal for standardizing developer environments, managing OEM-specific software stacks, or hosting third-party tools in a controlled way. You also have control over which versions are available to your teams, giving you flexibility in release timing and stability.
Configuration management, remote systems, and migration
The ability to export and import package configurations allows users to replicate environments across machines effortlessly. This feature supports system cloning, migration, and consistent deployment standards across teams. It’s especially useful when onboarding new systems or supporting equipment in the field.
Remote systems can also be managed via the Package Manager. By establishing a connection between local and remote instances, users can download packages from a feed, transfer them to another machine, and install them—all from a central interface. This streamlines updates and reduces downtime in distributed environments.
For those migrating from TwinCAT 3.1 Build 4024 to 4026, the Migration Tool can help translate system configurations into the new modular format, ensuring compatibility and smoother transitions.
The power of package management
The TwinCAT Package Manager is more than just a software installer—it's a powerful tool that brings greater flexibility, consistency, and control to your automation projects. By understanding how to leverage Packages, Workloads, and custom feeds, you can streamline development, simplify updates, and promote cleaner, more reliable software systems across your organization.
Follow up from our Q&A
We received some great questions during the webinar. Here are a few that we wanted to address in writing for anyone to see.
Q: Can a package or workload be transferred to an isolated IPC via a USB memory stick?
A: Yes, you can store the downloaded file on a USB memory stick. Then on the isolated IPC you can copy the file(s) to a local directory and add that local directory as a custom feed.
Q: How do I create a custom feed?
A: For most situations, you can simply store the packages in a folder either local or remote. It is possible to stand up a server, but this is less common and please consult with you local Beckhoff team.
Q: How do I create a custom package?
A: We have a set of PDF instructions that is provided on an individual basis. Your local Beckhoff team can provide these for you.
Ready to explore the power of modular software delivery for greater control, flexibility, and efficiency in your projects? Contact your local Beckhoff sales engineer today!
And don't forget to check out our upcoming and on-demand webinars to stay current on the latest automation innovations from Beckhoff.
Casey Taylor is a Software Product Manager at Beckhoff Automation LLC