Industrial connectivity roadshow for Ireland.

MatrikonOPC will be in Ireland visiting companies next month (On April 25th, 26th and 27th, 2023). They are scheduling private presentations and welcome expressions of interest.

The purpose of this visit is to present their new IoT Connectivity Solutions for Industry 4.0 projects, clarify doubts about industrial connectivity protocols and advise about the new trends in terms of data movement. They are dedicated to industrial connectivity projects based on different protocols like OPC, MQTT, REST, etc

Interested parties may sign up directly here: Matrikon Roadshow 2023 in Ireland.

@MatrikonOPC #Pauto #IoT #Ireland

Secure data access across DMZs.

In today’s industrial automation world, it is standard practice for IT departments to lock down traffic between different networks. The most common method of selectively exchanging data between such secured networks is by using Demilitarized Zones (DMZs).

Key Benefits include: • Works across multi-layered networks • Eliminates traditional DCOM & firewall issues associated with DMZs • Configurable data encryption

While DMZs offer a controlled method of exchanging data in the corporate world, they typically interfere with the exchange of control automation data between the operations and business networks. The Matrikon OPC DMZ Agent solves this challenge.

Matrikon OPC DMZ Agent facilitates the transfer of real-time and archived automation data through DMZs in a secure and controlled manner. Depending on the IT policies being enforced, DMZ Agent can either enable authorized enterprise applications to securely request the automation data needed or if this is not possible - to simply accept OPC data as it is sent (pushed) from the secured operations network.

@MatrikonOPC #PAuto #Cybersecurity

Modbus communicator.

Matrikon recently released the Matrikon Industrial UA Modbus Gateway. Housed in a small form factor gateway that provides secure, powerful and broad connectivity to access data from RTU’s, PLCs or any other devices that use the Modbus data protocol. 

As a native Modbus communicator, the UA Modbus Gateway can connect to any device that uses the standard Modbus protocol both over Serial or Ethernet connections on one side and makes it securely available to OPC UA clients on the other via OPC UA over Ethernet. Unlike Modbus, OPC UA, the next generation of OPC - the de facto standard for open standards based data connectivity, offers all the features Modbus lacks such as: security, reliability, and data modeling. The UA Modbus Gateway allows data sharing via UA as natural next step up from using Modbus. 

Matrikon Industrial UA Modbus Gateway is well suited for challenging situations that include:

• limited power availability in remote conditions
• remote or unmanned stations that need data collection
• limited space requiring a compact solutions
• operation in extreme temperatures and/or dusty environments

Industrial UA Modbus gateway!

The Matrikon Industrial UA Modbus Gateway has been released. It is housed in a small form factor gateway that provides secure, powerful and broad connectivity to access data from RTU’s, PLCs or any other devices that use the Mobus data protocol.

Matrikon Industrial UA Modbus Gateway is well suited for challenging situations that include: • limited power availability in remote conditions • remote or unmanned stations that need data collection • limited space requiring a compact solution • operation in extreme temperatures and/or dusty environments

As a native Modbus communicator, the UA Modbus Gateway can connect to any device that uses the standard Modbus protocol both over Serial or Ethernet connections on one side and makes it securely available to OPC UA clients on the other via OPC UA over Ethernet.

Unlike Modbus, OPC UA, the next generation of OPC - the de facto standard for open standards based data connectivity, offers all the features Modbus lacks such as: security, reliability, and data modelling.  The UA Modbus Gateway allows data sharing via UA as natural next step up from using Modbus.

“The UA Modbus Gateway is a great example of the power and versatility OPC UA has to offer when embedded in a small, rugged field device. From pump stations and plants, to off-shore rigs - there is strong demand for secure, reliable data connectivity right to the data source without a PC in the middle. Matrikon OPC UA Gateway answers this demand   directly – making OPC UA data sharing as fast and easy as the Modbus protocol it interfaces with.“   said Darek Kominek, marketing manager of MatrikonOPC.

Data connectivity and security key EMEA Conference!

During Matrikon OPC Day Conference EMEA, MatrikonOPC will present the latest data connectivity and management solutions based on the OPC UA and OPC classic standards, today’s best practices for open connectivity, and provide some insight into tomorrow’s developments in OPC.

Held with HUG EMEA

The conference is aimed at engineers, project managers, and control automation professionals and takes place November 10 in The Hague (NL). The Matrikon OPC Day Conference is being held in conjunction with the Honeywell Users Group (HUG), which will take place November 10 through 14. Matrikon OPC experts will be on hand for individual conversations throughout HUG EMEA as well.

Attendees will learn about state of the art data connectivity and data security for control systems giving them the know-how needed to increase the performance, efficiency and safety in their projects. Featuring hands-on demonstrations of the latest OPC UA technology, one-to-one interactions with OPC product experts, and group discussions with other OPC users; this technical conference provides a unique opportunity to get the information needed to make the most of OPC.

"The Matrikon OPC Day Conference EMEA is the perfect venue to interact directly with OPC experts and other users with hands on experience with OPC technology. In addition to showcasing our new OPC UA and OPC Classic products, we are also pleased to offer comprehensive training and workshops on OPC UA to ensure you have the knowledge to effectively plan and implement OPC UA projects successfully", says Jeff Gould, general manager, MatrikonOPC.

Integrators and distributors recognised!

Matrikon International celebrated the success of its key distributors in the Americas at the annual Channel Partner of the Year awards ceremony earlier this month.  The awards ceremony, part of Matrikon‘s Distribution Channel Partner Conference held in San Antonio (TX USA), recognizes customer service, innovation and excellence among companies supplying and integrating Matrikon solutions in the Americas.

The top honors were given to ISS Connectivity and DUX Diligens.  ISS Connectivity, headquartered in Bothell, (WA USA) received the award for Americas 2013 Channel Partner of the Year. DUX Diligens, headquartered in Mexico City, received the award for Americas 2013 System Integrator of the Year.

“I am very pleased to see ISS Connectivity in North America receive the MatrikonOPC Americas Distributor of the year award and for DUX in Mexico to receive our Americas System Integrator of the year award.” said Jeff Gould, general manager of MatrikonOPC. “Both ISS and DUX exemplify MatrikonOPC’s channel network. With their high degree of competence in OPC technology and our products, they consistently provide the right guidance, implementation expertise, and continued support. It is very exciting to see that we are able to extend our best practices through to our channels in a standardize manner that allows our customers to benefit from this locally.”

Facilitating communications between OPC-enabled client software!

MatrikonOPC™ has released the enhanced MatrikonOPC Server for Foxboro I/A, which now includes support for Foxboro I/A Series systems version 8.8. The MatrikonOPC Server for Foxboro I/A securely facilitates communication between OPC-enabled client software, such as HMI’s, historian’s and reporting software, and Foxboro I/A devices.

Recently, Invensys announced the deprecation of FoxAPI beginning in version 8.8 of Foxboro I/A. This update allows users of Foxboro I/A 8.8 and above to continue to utilise OPC-based communication by leveraging the AIM* API.

“At Invensys, we place a lot of emphasis in supporting the lifecycle of our systems and our installed base customers. For customers who use MatrikonOPC products as part of their existing systems, we acknowledge that Matrikon have ported their products to the preferred APIs (Application Programming Interface) in support of I/A Series systems version 8.8 and the migration of those systems to Microsoft Windows 7 & Microsoft Server 2008 R2 operating systems," said a senior spokesperson with control and safety software of Invensys.

Key features of the MatrikonOPC Server for Foxboro I/A include:

• Support for FoxAPI, Object Manager and AIM* API;
• Integrated OPC security;
• Real-time (DA) and Historical (HDA) OPC data access;
• Built-in alias configuration.

Software helps take advantage of OPC standard!

The MatrikonOPC UA Proxy has just been launched. It makes it easy for companies to take advantage of the next generation Open Process Control (OPC) standard – OPC Unified Architecture (UA) – whilst continuing to use their existing OPC classic architectures.

Key features · Streamlined setup workflow allows for connection in minutes · Easy to use, the smart defaults require minimal user knowledge of OPC UA · Eliminates traditional DCOM or firewall issues · Operates on Windows system server

While the OPC UA standard is backward compatible with classic OPC from a data perspective, it uses different technologies to establish connections and transmit OPC data. Using the UA Proxy from MatrikonOPC, companies can bridge this gap, making it possible for them to maximize their ROI on their existing classic OPC architecture whilst being free to adopt the broad range of new OPC UA based product offerings.

“Companies using OPC classic have seen the benefits that the adoption of open standards can bring to their business as well as the additional value OPC UA has to offer, but sometimes have concerns about how to go about tying the two technologies together,” said Darek Kominek, marketing manager, MatrikonOPC. “With the release of the UA Proxy, MatrikonOPC removes those obstacles – providing the first easy, reliable way to seamlessly combine these two OPC technologies.”

Industrial data logger!

MatrikonOPC™ has released their Industrial Data Logger, an intelligent automation data gateway that provides third-party connectivity, on-board data collection and intelligent data forwarding in a single box.

Ideal for capturing data at remote locations and forwarding it, the Matrikon Data Logger connects securely to a centralized historian and transfers data to it, even in low bandwidth or unreliable network conditions. The Matrikon Data Logger combines reliable data delivery, connectivity and secure access control in an easy to use, low-maintenance device.

“The Matrikon Industrial Data Logger simplifies an inherently complex store and forward problem by providing an all-in-one solution in a single appliance. Designed for remote applications, the Matrikon Data Logger is easy to deploy, use, and maintain.” said Darek Kominek, marketing manager of MatrikonOPC.

Key benefits include:

• Selective, event based data collection thanks to flexible on-board data capture functionality;
• Low bandwidth requirements thanks to data compression;
• Data integrity and confidentiality enforced via data encryption;
• Reliable data delivery based on intelligent, loss free historical data transfer functionality.

Enhanced server

MatrikonOPC releases enhanced server for Allen Bradley to expand devices supported, optimise performance

MatrikonOPC™ has released its updated OPC server for Allen Bradley, which expands the range of supported Allen Bradley devices, improves performance and simplifies configuration. Additional devices supported include ControlLogix, MicroLogix, and PLC5s - providing users with comprehensive, open access connectivity for their Allen Bradley PLCs.

Key features include: Comprehensive connectivity support for PLC5’s, SLC500’s, Micrologix (1100 A, 1400, 1200 etc), and ControlLogix; Automatic discovery of Allen Bradley PLCs making integration seamless; High-performance OPC Server suited for sequential, process, drive, and motion control.

The Allen Bradley OPC Server includes built-in security that protects data from un-authorized user access by allowing administrators to define exactly what data is visible to which users based on each user’s Windows login credentials. This means the Allen-Bradley OPC Server plays an active role in maintaining data integrity.

“The expanded functionality and improved user experience offered with the OPC Server for Allen Bradley make it easier to set up and maintain, which is more efficient for users dealing with large, multi-device installations,” said Darek Kominek, marketing manager at MatrikonOPC.

Key features include:
Comprehensive connectivity support for PLC5’s, SLC500’s, Micrologix (1100 A, 1400, 1200 etc), and ControlLogix;
Automatic discovery of Allen Bradley PLCs making integration seamless;
High-performance OPC Server suited for sequential, process, drive, and motion control.

Quality in OPC!

MatrikonOPC has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification by the Quality Management Institute (QMI) of Toronto, Ontario.

ISO 9001 is the latest revision of the ISO Quality Management System standard recognized around the globe. QMI - SAI Global is one of the world’s largest accredited registrars, respected by the Standards Council of Canada and many other global organizations.

“MatrikonOPC has always been committed to quality. Being ISO 9001 certified and implementing an official quality management system, allows us to continually apply best practices and improve overall processes, which enables MatrikonOPC to deliver the highest quality products and services to our clients.” commented Jeff Gould, general manager, MatrikonOPC.

Powerful, professional looking day-to-day reports facilitated

MatrikonOPC™ has expanded the functionality of its OPC Excel Reporter software by adding support for Microsoft™ Office 2010. Engineers, operators, and analysts can now easily work with live and archived data to create reports directly within Excel – regardless of the MS Office 2010 version or OPC connectors used. It is now easier than ever to create powerful, professional looking day-to-day reports without leaving the Excel environment.

OPC Excel Reporter can access live data from RTUs, PLCs, and other OPC-enabled data sources and makes it directly accessible in Excel. With native support for all real-time OPC DA specifications – OPC Excel Reporter users can easily access all their real time OPC data regardless of what OPC DA server it arrives from. OPC Excel Reporter makes it equally simple for users to work with their historians and/or database archives using OPC Historical Data Access (OPC HDA) specification. By leveraging the latest Excel functionality and the power of OPC, authorized professionals can access all their data anywhere they want.

"Getting the right information to people at the right time and in a format that helps them make better decisions is important for businesses,” said Jeff Gould, general manager at MatrikonOPC. “OPC Excel Reporter provides users with a fast, pragmatic method to do analysis for on-the-spot decisions.”

Additional features include:
Windows 7 compatibility
Pre-filtering historical data for easy event analysis
Faster performance when connecting to remote systems

Data connectivity in Brazil

MatrikonOPC™ has opened an office in São Paulo, Brazil. This move will allow MatrikonOPC to support strong business growth while ensuring clients continue to enjoy the superior connectivity experience for which MatrikonOPC is known.

By opening its São Paulo office, MatrikonOPC clearly acknowledges Brazil’s growing importance in the region and demonstrates its commitment to working closely with its Brazilian customers. As a result, MatrikonOPC can now work face-to-face with local customers to provide them with direct access to its world-class connectivity software, OPC training, and local support.

“Delivering exceptional value is a core strategy for our long term growth. Opening an office in Brazil executes on this strategy and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the region. Providing local clients and partners with a more personal, convenient way to interact directly with MatrikonOPC sends a clear message on the value we place on working with and supporting our Brazilian customers,” said Darek Kominek, marketing manager at MatrikonOPC.

Local OPC training has already been scheduled.

Enhancement simplifies workflow

MatrikonOPC™ has expanded the functionality of its OPC Server for Allen Bradley by adding the support for Rockwell®’s EN2T communication card, bit writes, and revamped graphical user interface. With the newly added features, the MatrikonOPC Server for Allen-Bradley® provides users with a comprehensive connectivity package for all Allen-Bradley PLCs in one OPC Server and an optimized workflow, all of which makes configuration and maintenance faster and more intuitive.

Enabling Bit Writes through OPC items provides granular control over data access, which allows engineers to perform intricate operations down to the lowest levels. Also, this OPC Server comes with built-in role-based security down to the per- tag-level. Based on each user’s login, this OPC Server selectively grants or denies access to specific tags, providing only the authorized users with secure access to the right process data. This means the Allen-Bradley OPC Server actively protects the integrity of the overall automation system data.

“Today’s tough economy is driving companies to find innovative ways to do more with less – if they do not, the competition will. The advanced functionality and simplified workflow MatrikonOPC put into this OPC Server for Allen Bradley makes it easier to setup and maintain – saving users time and effort,” said Darek Kominek, marketing manager at MatrikonOPC.

Key features include:
Comprehensive connectivity support for PLC5’s, SLC500’s, Micrologix (1100 A, 1400, 1200, etc.), and ControlLogix’s
Automatic discovery of Allen Bradley PLCs making the integration a snap.
High-performance OPC Server suited for sequential, process, drive, and motion control
And many more...

Recalling data from wind turbines!

MatrikonOPC helps operators keep wind farms efficient, profitable with OPC Server for Siemens Wind Turbine Controllers

Wind farm operators can now access key performance and maintenance data from their Siemens wind turbines without relying on proprietary drivers. By using the newly released OPC Server for Siemens Wind Turbine Controllers from MatrikonOPC ™, users throughout an enterprise can put this data to work to help maximize their wind farms’ return on investment.

The OPC Server for Siemens Wind Turbine Controllers transfers data between the turbine controllers and HMIs, historians, and ERP systems directly – eliminating the need to rely on the iBox, a proprietary connector. This enables wind farm owners and operators to get status updates from the wind farms to make crucial decisions in their day-to-day wind farm maintenance and operations.

"Easy, reliable access to wind turbine data is crucial for successful wind farm operation and management. Secure on-demand visibility into turbine conditions gives owners and operators a clear picture of what is happening on each of their turbines – allowing them to take corrective actions before systems start to fail. The OPC Server for Siemens Turbine Controllers provides this visibility – making profitable wind farm operation a lot easier to achieve," said Darek Kominek, Marketing Manager at MatrikonOPC.

Key features and benefits of the OPC Server for Siemens Wind Turbine Controllers:
• Ability to connect to a hand-held port
• Communicates directly to the KK controller
• Tag level security to manage access to tags based on users’ login information.

Alarms & Events

MatrikonOPC™ has released its new Alarms and Events (A&E) Historian, an easy-to-use solution that allows industrial facilities to more easily store and retrieve information that will help improve preventative maintenance programs. The data historian allows users to analyze and diagnose their critical alarm information in real-time using standard database queries.

With its automatic A&E configuration, the MatrikonOPC A&E Historian does not require any programming or manual setup. Users simply connect to an OPC Server and start collecting A&E data instantly in a single repository.

“A critical element in plant management and optimization is minimizing downtime using condition-based maintenance. Instant access to archived A&E data and the ability to analyze it on the spot enables users to run more effective preventive maintenance programs,” said Darek Kominek, Marketing Manager at MatrikonOPC “This allows the users to perform analysis quickly and develop an effective preventative maintenance program to improve safety, availability and profitability.”
 
The A&E Historian consolidates A&E data from many data sources of major control systems. It also interoperates with all compliant A&E OPC Servers, and leverages existing reporting tools such as Microsoft Excel, Excel Reporter and other typical reporting tools.

Access to both real-time and alarm and event data

The latest release of the OPC Server for GE Turbines from MatrikonOPC™ now supports OPC Alarms and Events data. This addition provides engineers with access to both real-time and alarm and event data from their GE Turbines.

Accessing and acknowledging turbine alarms and events is a crucial element for centralized management and trouble-shooting. This OPC server brings all your plant processes into a single window for simple management and troubleshooting by integrating the Turbine system with other automation components in the enterprise such as HMIs, Historians and ERP systems.

“By expanding the capabilities of the OPC Server for GE Turbines, we provide clients with the most complete GE Turbine open connectivity solution available. This capability gives our clients the access and flexibility they need to effectively do their jobs without worrying about how to get at the underlying GE Turbine data," said Darek Kominek, Marketing Manager at MatrikonOPC.

Features include:
Direct connectivity to the GE Mark turbine controllers - eliminating the need for iDOS and GSM, greatly simplifying migrations to any modern HMI or Historian.
Enables users to import controllers’ information from the TCI PC configuration files (Site’s configuration files).
Supports process, diagnostic alarms, and logic events via simple OPC A&E.

Wind portfolio

MatrikonOPC broadens wind portfolio with the OPC Server for Mitsubishi Wind Turbine

MatrikonOPC™ has released an OPC Server for Mitsubishi Wind Turbine Controllers. This OPC Server enables Mitsubishi wind turbine controllers to be easily integrated with other automation components such as HMIs, historians, and ERP systems. By facilitating secure, open connectivity between the field and the enterprise, this OPC Server plays a key role in providing visibility into wind farm operations. In turn, this gives wind farm owners and operators access to data they need to operate their wind farms more profitably.

This OPC Server provides real-time communication to a variety of Mitsubishi Wind Turbine Controllers, enabling users to get status updates from their wind farms anytime and anywhere. This level of visibility provides operators and business analysts the right data to make the right decision at the right time.

“’Today, ‘green’ and ’efficient’ are key priorities for the power industry. With power companies striving to operate in an environmentally friendly and profitable manner, their need for open connectivity is higher than ever. The OPC Server for Mitsubishi Turbine Controllers provides secure and reliable access to wind turbine controller data, giving users the information they need to make crucial decisions in their day to day wind farm operations,” said Darek Kominek, Marketing Manager at MatrikonOPC.

Features and benefits:
· Ability to pull historical records archived on the device and display them as simple Alarms and Events
· Ability to send start and stop commands to remote Turbines
· Support for read and write commands to analog and digital points on the turbine controller

Mission critical wireless comms!

Partnership  to enhance connectivity for mission critical wireless solutions

MatrikonOPC™ has announced that CalAmp Corp. is the newest member to join its Global Partner Network. CalAmp will integrate MatrikonOPC’s full range of OPC servers into its mission critical wireless solutions.  CalAmp provides fixed and mobile connectivity for mission critical communications using licensed, spread spectrum and cellular technology from narrowband to broadband speeds. With MatrikonOPC’s secure and reliable OPC servers, the CalAmp product will effectively expand its secure connectivity to large SCADA networks.

CalAmp specialises in ruggedized wireless solutions from narrowband to broadband, using licensed, spread spectrum and cellular technology to support fixed and mobile connectivity for mission critical communications. They also offer world-class pre and post sales support to make planning, implementation, and maintenance of your wireless network easier with long-lasting results. At CalAmp, our mission is your success.

CalAmp solutions make distributed architecture designs possible, which allow extensive network flexibility with pass-through control, instantaneous reads, visual network status in the HMI, driver-level analysis of protocol data, and monitoring from anywhere in the network.  CalAmp makes efficient use of bandwidth and proactive system maintenance possible. By standardising on MatrikonOPC for its OPC data connectivity solutions, CalAmp will be able to provide its customers with world-class connectivity and support.

"SCADA solutions face many challenges, such as accessing remote devices, unreliable connections, managing those devices, and ensuring the integrity of the remote data. By choosing MatrikonOPC technology, CalAmp enhances its secure networking solutions to best serve its customers’ needs,” said Drew Brydon, vendor partner program manager-MatrikonOPC.

“We realize improving security and efficiency of data collection are critical for the Smart Grid vision,” said Rick Nozel, senior vice president of sales and marketing for CalAmp's wireless networks business. “By leveraging MatrikonOPC’s secure and reliable solutions, we are able to provide the tools that power and utility companies need to easily manage all of the devices in their system, and to push network intelligence to the edge."

First OPC Foundation UA certification

The MatrikonOPC Universal Connectivity Server is the world’s first OPC UA Server to achieve the OPC Foundation’s UA Certification.  Based on stringent third-party testing, the UA Certification provides users with impartial verification that the OPC server delivers solid performance in a wide range of adverse operating conditions, is fully compliant with OPC Specifications, and delivers maximum interoperability with other vendors’ OPC products.

“Achieving the UA Certification for our Universal Connectivity Server demonstrates MatrikonOPC’s commitment to providing customers with the highest quality industrial data products possible. Being the first to obtain this certification makes the Universal Connectivity Server the first officially recognized OPC UA implementation – we are proud of this achievement,” said Darek Kominek Marketing Manager at MatrikonOPC products.


Thomas J. Burke, President of the OPC Foundation said “On behalf of the OPC Foundation, I congratulate MatrikonOPC on its achievement in releasing the first OPC Foundation Certified OPC UA server.  By getting their products certified through the OPC Foundation Certification Lab – MatrikonOPC clearly demonstrated their commitment to meeting and exceeding the demands of the end-users for high quality OPC UA solutions."