Verification and validation of third party PLC code

A method of performing verification and validation of automation software for distribution on an electronic marketplace, the method comprising:

• receiving a testing application from a marketplace provider;
• performing testing of one or more function blocks in an example project using the testing application to yield test results comprising a listing of automation system resources required by the one or more function blocks, wherein the testing comprises:
• (i) identifying variables and operations included in the one or more function blocks, (ii) performing error testing on the one or more function blocks to yield error test results, and (iii) performing vulnerability testing on the one or more function blocks using a list of known vulnerabilities for automation system code to yield vulnerability test results;
• generating a digitally signed report based on the one or more function blocks, the error test results, and the vulnerability test results;
• sending the digitally signed report and the automation software to the marketplace provider;
• and
• sending a request to the marketplace provider requesting release of the one or more function blocks via the electronic marketplace.

A system for performing verification and validation of third party code, the system comprising:

• a network communication component configured to receive one or more function blocks and metadata indicating functionality provided by the one or more function blocks from a technology developer;
• a testing processor configured to:
• identify variables and operations included in the function blocks and one or more automation system resources required by the function blocks,
• perform error handling testing on the one or more function blocks to yield error test results,
• perform vulnerability testing on the function blocks using a list of known
• vulnerabilities for automation system code to yield vulnerability test results, and
• use one or more target platforms to perform performance testing on the one or more function blocks to yield performance test results, wherein the target platforms are selected based on the functionality provided by the one or more function blocks;
• a report generation component configured to generate a report based on the variables and operations included in the one or more function blocks, the error test results, the vulnerability test results, the performance test results, and the one or more automation system resources required by the function blocks, wherein the report is sent to the technology developer using the network communication component;
• and
• a marketplace listing component configured to release the one or more function blocks via one or more electronic marketplaces with a certification that the function block passed one or more of the error handling testing, the vulnerability testing, and the performance testing, wherein is the release is performed in response to receiving an approval of the release from the technology developer.