GCG Automation & Factory Solutions

SIMATIC Programming 1 in TIA Portal ($3,700)
2026-03-09 08:30 - 2026-03-12 16:30 (America/Chicago) | St. Louis, MO Branch – GCG, 675 Spirit Valley Central Dr., Chesterfield, MO, 63005, United States
This course is for SIMATIC S7-1500 and S7-1200 PLC users who are involved with developing or sustaining automation systems and their application programs.
This course is the first in a three-part series which builds basic programming skills with Siemens TIA Portal software. Students will learn TIA Portal project management, program design, and application development. This is an aggressively paced curriculum covering the S7 programming editor with Ladder, Function Block Diagram, and Statement List programming languages, as well as key TIA Portal software tools. This course takes a systems approach using the S7-1500 PLC, basic connectivity, and functionality of an KP700 HMI and ET200SP PROFINET I/O.
Topics:

System Overview
Engineering Software “TIA Portal”
Training Devices and Addressing
Devices and Network
PLC Tags
Program Blocks
Binary Operations
Digital Operations
Data Blocks
Distributed I/O
Human Machine Interface (HMI)
Functions (FCs) and Function Blocks (FBs)
Organization Blocks (OBs)
Troubleshooting

Prerequisite: None
Course Length & Time: Four days. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Cost: $3,700
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Rockwell Logix PLC to Siemens VFD Workshop (FREE)
2026-03-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Milwaukee, WI Branch – GCG, N114 W18770 Clinton Dr., Germantown, WI, 53022, United States
This workshop shows how to upgrade to Siemens SINAMICS G120 VFDs while using your existing Rockwell Logix PLC and code. Learn through hands-on exercises how easily Siemens drives integrate into current control systems.

Overview of the SINAMICS Low-Voltage Drives Family: Discover the capabilities of Siemens drives.
Selection and Configuration Tools: Utilize Siemens tools for optimal drive selection and configuration.
Integration Tools: Explore how to connect Siemens drives effectively to Rockwell Automation controllers.
Migration Solutions: Learn strategies for integrating Siemens drives with legacy Rockwell Automation controllers (PLC-5 and SLC 500) using AB Remote I/O and DeviceNet.
Commissioning a SINAMICS G120: Gain practical skills in drive commissioning.
Control via CompactLogix PLC: Control a SINAMICS G120 drive using CompactLogix PLC on EtherNet/ IP™ with Studio 5000.

Prerequisite: None
Format:

Presentation and Hands-On
Interactive demonstrations with actual hardware

Course Length & Time: One day. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
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Siemens Step 7 Classic for Maintenance Personnel
2026-03-03 08:30 - 2026-03-05 16:30 | Milwaukee, WI Branch – GCG, N114 W18770 Clinton Dr., Germantown, WI, 53022, United States
This three day course assumes the student has a very basic understanding of PLCs and will introduce students to the Step 7 software package, used to program and maintain the S7-300/400 PLC systems. The class focuses on maintaining & troubleshooting the S7 PLC using Step 7.
Topics:

S7 Family Hardware Overview
S7 Hardware Installation & Maintenance
Remote I/O Installation & Maintenance
Using Simatic Manager
Editing/Adding Symbols to a Project
Overview of PROFIBUS & PROFINET Networks
Using a Variable Table for Troubleshooting
Overview of S7 Addressing
Why Various Programming Methods Are Used (Linear, Partitioned, Structured)
Basics of Organization Blocks
Basics of Functions (FC) & Function Blocks (FB)
Basics of Data Blocks
Monitoring PLC Program Blocks
Comparing Programs
Using Cross Reference, Usage Table & Program Structure Tools
Troubleshooting a S7 PLC Using LEDs
Troubleshooting a S7 PLC Using Step 7
Troubleshooting a S7 PLC Using the Integrated Web Server
How to Force a Value

Prerequisite: Basic understanding of PLCs
Course Length & Time: Three days. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Cost: $2,400
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Beer & Bots | Peoria, IL (FREE)
2026-02-26 16:00 - 19:00 | Distillery Labs – Peoria, IL, 201 SW Adams St., Peoria, IL, 61602, United States
Overview
Join us at Distillery Labs in Peoria, IL! Enjoy craft beer, networking, and expert talks on the latest in robotics and automation.
Are Your Operations as Efficient as You Think?
Join us for an interactive event where the latest breakthroughs in robotics and automation take center stage.
From autonomous mobile robots to next-generation cobots, you’ll get hands-on exposure to the technologies redefining productivity and competitiveness. Don’t miss the chance to discover what your operation could be achieving—and what you might be leaving on the table.
Event Includes:

Food & Drinks
Interactive Product Demos
Conversations with Industry Experts
Giveaways
+ more!

Event Length & Time: One day. 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Free

SIMATIC Programming 1 in TIA Portal ($3,700)
2026-02-16 08:30 - 2026-02-19 16:30 | Dayton, OH Branch – GCG, 2400 Technical Drive, Miamisburg, OH, 45342, United States

Rockwell to Siemens TIA Portal (FREE)
2026-02-13 08:30 - 16:30, 2026-02-12 08:30 - 16:30 | St. Louis, MO Branch – GCG, 675 Spirit Valley Central Dr., Chesterfield, MO, 63005, United States
A hands-on workshop for Rockwell PLC programmers to experience how TIA Portal compares to RSLogixTM 5000. Join us at this hands-on workshop, presented virtually by a Certified Rockwell / Siemens Solution Partner, for you to migrate your Rockwell PLC software knowledge to the Siemens TIA Portal programming environment.
What will you learn?

TIA Portal vs. Studio 5000 layout, programming aspects and structured environment similarities/differences
How to apply your current Studio 5000 programming knowledge to TIA Portal
How to start a successful TIA Portal project – leave with this on a flash drive
How easy the TIA Portal is to use, program and understand
How to use advanced TIA Portal functions like integrated “no programming” diagnostics

Hands-On: Experience first-hand tools and technology You’ll work live and online with the TIA Portal – a single engineering framework for controllers, distributed I/O, HMI, drives, motion control, and motor management to provide unparalleled performance and results.
Agenda
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Check In
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Hands On Workshop
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Hands On Workshop
training workstations and materials are provided during workshop
Course Length & Time: One Day. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Cost: FREE
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WinCC Unified Test Drive Hands-On (FREE)
2026-02-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Dayton, OH Branch – GCG, 2400 Technical Drive, Miamisburg, OH, 45342, United States
This seminar will allow you to take the WinCC Unified HMI for a test drive. Explore the features of the new HMI hardware and software in a guided hands-on workshop. Learn directly through guided demonstrations and practical exercises.
Topics Covered:

WinCC HMI Hardware and Software Overview: Familiarize yourself with the latest HMI technology from Siemens.
Screen Development: Learn efficient methods to design user-friendly interfaces.
Alarming: Implement effective alarm management techniques.
JavaScript: Discover powerful scripting capabilities to enhance HMI functionality.
System Diagnostics Control: Master diagnostic tool for better system management.
Jumpstart Your Development: Gain practical skills to accelerate your project timelines.

Prerequisite: None
Format:

Presentation and Hands-On
Interactive demonstrations with actual hardware

Course Length & Time: One day. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
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WinCC Unified Test Drive Hands-On (FREE)
2026-02-11 08:30 - 12:30 | Pittsburgh, PA Branch – GCG, 20800 Route 19, Cranberry Twp., PA, 16066, United States
This seminar will allow you to take the WinCC Unified HMI for a test drive. Explore the features of the new HMI hardware and software in a guided hands-on workshop. Learn directly through guided demonstrations and practical exercises.
Topics Covered:

WinCC HMI Hardware and Software Overview: Familiarize yourself with the latest HMI technology from Siemens.
Screen Development: Learn efficient methods to design user-friendly interfaces.
Alarming: Implement effective alarm management techniques.
JavaScript: Discover powerful scripting capabilities to enhance HMI functionality.
System Diagnostics Control: Master diagnostic tool for better system management.
Jumpstart Your Development: Gain practical skills to accelerate your project timelines.

Prerequisite: None
Format:

Presentation and Hands-On
Interactive demonstrations with actual hardware

Course Length & Time: One day. 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: Free
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WinCC Unified Test Drive Hands-On (FREE)
2026-02-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Cleveland, OH Branch – GCG, 6950 Engle Road Suite XX, Middleburg Heights, OH, 44130, United States
