Controllers into industrial edge applications.

Softing has announced the expansion of its Docker-based edgeConnector product family with the introduction of edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC, providing convenient access to data from ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers.

With the new Docker-based software module edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC, users can easily connect to their ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers. The data from the controllers is made available on edge devices or virtual environments via OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT). This enables flexible integration into on-premises or cloud environments without modifying the existing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) configuration.

It is easy to configure locally via an integrated web interface. Alternatively, remote global mass configurations are possible via Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface (REST API).

There are now five edgeConnector products available for the most common control systems. Besides the new edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC, these are edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 840D, edgeConnector Fanuc CNC, and edgeConnector Modbus. All edgeConnector products can be deployed very quickly thanks to containerized technology. They are operated on standard hardware and can be easily managed centrally. The integrated MQTT publisher/subscriber functionality allows Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions to be set up flexibly. The edgeConnectors support state-of-the-art security standards such as SSL/TLS, X.509 certificates, authentication, and data encryption. This gives users a simple and secure way to integrate data from production into innovative and flexible IIoT solutions.

"We are again expanding our Docker-based edgeConnector product family to address the growing need for integration interfaces in software that can be operated on standard hardware and can be managed efficiently," explains Abel Jimenez, Product Manager at Softing Industrial. "In this way, we support users and system integrators in bridging the gap between OT and IT."

---

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Manufacturing

Hardware gateway for industrial edge and cloud applications

Softing's edgeGate simplifies access to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Computerized Numerical Controllers (CNC). It enables seamless and secure data integration into advanced management systems such as Enterprise-Resource-Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). This integration is available for both new and established facilities. Communication via OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) ensures a robust and reliable connection.

Additionally, edgeGate provides Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) functionality. This feature facilitates the direct integration of machine data into private or public IoT cloud applications. The MQTT implementation is generic and compatible with multiple cloud providers. Like the OPC UA standard, MQTT supports a range of security mechanisms including encrypted connections, certificates, and user authentication. These features collectively enhance data security significantly.

It is practically maintenance-free and allows connection to controllers without interfering with existing systems. Supported controllers include Siemens Simatic PLC, Siemens Sinumerik controller, Fanuc CNC controller, Modbus TCP, Allen-Bradley PLC, or OPC UA Client machine data. It provides a simple web interface for fast application configuration as well as an additional security layer and communication encryption.

The capabilities of edgeGate can be expanded by integrating the edgeConnector products from Softing Industrial which offer similar functionalities in a Docker-based software version. Another compatible product is Softing’s Docker-based edgeAggregator software which provides a powerful OPC UA data integration layer.

"We are pleased to offer a hardware solution that complements our Docker-based software offering," says Abel Jimenez, Product Manager at Softing Industrial Automation. "edgeGate simplifies the connection of PLC and CNC controllers to management systems with robust communication functions such as OPC UA and MQTT and increases efficiency. edgeGate offers a comprehensive data integration solution that can stand alone or be extended by Softing's Docker-based edgeConnector and edgeAggregator software."

---

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Manufacturing

Software for OPC and IoT cloud.

OPC Suite provides access to SINUMERIC 840D CNC machines

Softing Industrial Automation has released the latest version V5.35 of dataFEED OPC Suite to offer comprehensive support for SINUMERIK 840D CNC machines as well as the integration of web services.

The dataFEED OPC Suite combines software solutions for OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and OPC Classic communication as well as IoT cloud connection in a single product. With the new SINUMERIC 840D support in the dataFEED OPC Suite V5.35, users can read out all process parameters from the Numerical Control (NC) part, the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) part, and the drive data of the machines without having to interfere with the machine configuration.

"The new support for SINUMERIK 840D CNC machines and the web services feature add two important features to our dataFEED OPC Suite. We see great potential to make the suite accessible to a wider range of users, especially concerning the support of SINUMERIK 840D," explained Andreas Röck, Product Manager at Softing Industrial Automation. "With this development, we have reached another milestone in fulfilling our claim of providing an all-in-one solution for secure and robust OPC communication and IoT cloud integration."

Another new feature of version 5.35 is the web services functionality, which enables direct access to production data via web client applications such as Web Browser, Postman, or Client for URL (cURL) and its integration into IT solutions.

The features of the new dataFEED OPC Suite V5.35 in detail:
• Full support for SINUMERIK 840D Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machines:
The dataFEED OPC Suite can be used to read axis, tool, and program data as well as alarms from the NC section. Status, program sections, and alarms can be read from the PLC section. It is also possible to read out the drive data. Data is recorded without affecting the machine configuration.

• Integration with SIMATIC Siemens S7-300:
The suite offers a seamless connection to the integrated SIMATIC Siemens S7-300 for comprehensive control and monitoring.

• Versatile application possibilities of the dataFEED OPC Server CNC:
The server can be used as an OPC Classic Server or OPC UA Server and enables the seamless integration of Siemens SINUMERIK CNC controllers into modern Industry 4.0 solutions.

• Provision of production data:
The suite enables the provision of production data via the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) or Representational State Transfer (REST) protocols and their transfer to IoT Cloud or Big Data applications on platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS and Siemens MindSphere. The data is subsequently available for various applications such as condition monitoring, predictive maintenance and evaluation.

• Integration of production data in IT solutions via web services

---

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Manufacturing

New deployment options for edgeConnector products.

Customer demand for compact devices for edge applications powered by ARM processors is experiencing a significant increase. By integrating ARM 32-bit compatibility into its edgeConnector products, Softing Industrial is responding to the increasing demand for edge applications using ARM processors.

Previously, edgeConnector solutions were only available for integration into large PCs. In June last year, the integration of ARM 64-bit was successfully implemented. Now Softing Industrial presents the latest version 3.80 of edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 840D and edgeConnector Modbus, which also offers ARM 32-bit support for compact hardware solutions.

"The introduction of ARM 32-bit compatibility in our edgeConnector products marks an important step in our innovation strategy," explains Abel Jimenez, Product Manager at Softing Industrial. "This development opens up the possibility for our customers to use our solutions in a wider range of devices for edge applications, such as WAGO Compact Controller 100, WAGO PFC 200, and Open-Source Hardware Boards like Allwinner A20. We remain committed to providing the most advanced and flexible solutions for the changing needs of the industrial environment."

The Docker-based software modules of the edgeConnector product family enable access to process data in SIMATIC S7, SINUMERIK 840D and Modbus TCP controllers. They can be deployed quickly, run on standard hardware, and can be easily managed centrally. They provide users with a straightforward and secure way to integrate data from production into innovative and flexible industrial IoT solutions.

---

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

Gateway for IoT integration.

Gateway to easy integration of Industry 4.0 applications into PROFIBUS & HART systems

The smartLink HW-DP gateway from Softing Industrial enables access to PROFIBUS DP networks independently of the controller. Version 1.30 offers extended functions for data transmission and connectivity.

The compact smartLink HW-DP integrates seamlessly without disrupting the operation of existing installations. It offers Industry 4.0 connectivity for both new and existing PROFIBUS DP networks and enables easy and scalable integration of device data into plant asset management applications.

This version provides the following additional features:

• Support for Endress+Hauser Netilion and FieldEdge SGC500 gateway. Option to operate in parallel with Endress+Hauser FieldCare.
• Providing an extended HART IP server to add information about the remote I/O level.
• Improved visualization of the physical network in Emerson AMS Device Manager.

For users in the process industry looking to upgrade their communications infrastructure, for modern IoT use cases, the smartLink HW-DP offers a simple and cost-effective solution. Relevant data for optimization processes are available for higher-level applications via open, standardized interfaces such as HART IP and FDT. This enables the use of any HART IP client, such as Emerson AMS Device Manager, to parameterize, monitor, and analyze field devices via these open communication standards.

---

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

Greater security for OPC Classic communication.

Now with an OPC UA tunnel to increase security for OPC Classic communication plus support for InfluxDB databases.

The dataFEED OPC UA Tunnel is a new component of Softing Industrial's dataFEED OPC Suite. It enables easy and secure access to OPC Classic servers across network boundaries and firewalls. A DCOM configuration is no longer required. Configuration of the two tunnel ends is quick and easy using Export/Import. 

The security mechanisms of the OPC UA standard, which include authentication of users by means of certificates as well as signing and encryption of data, ensure maximum protection. The suite currently supports up to 50 OPC UA tunnel connections.

Process data storage in Influx DB databases.
With version 5.30 dataFEED OPC Suite offers the possibility to store process data in an InfluxDB for subsequent processing and analysis. InfluxDB is one of the most widely used NoSQL databases. It ensures extensive scalability, high availability as well as fast writing and reading.

All-in-one data integration solution.
dataFEED OPC Suite Extended is a complete package for OPC communication and cloud connectivity, providing access to the controllers of leading manufacturers and to IoT devices. The suite acts as a gateway between the two OPC standards, allowing the integration of existing OPC Classic components and applications into modern Industry 4.0 OPC UA solutions.

---

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

Edge products industrial IT integration,

The edgeConnector products and the edgeAggregator from Softing Industrial offer a range of functionalities in version 3.40 that make integration into IT solutions much easier.

The Docker-based software modules of their edgeConnector product family provide access to process data in SIMATIC S7, SINUMERIK 840D and Modbus TCP controllers. The edgeAggregator, which is also Docker-based, provides an OPC UA data integration layer in conjunction with a Docker-based IoT edge solution. This allows various OPC UA servers of the automation level to be grouped together with their associated address spaces. The aggregated data can then be made available to IT applications via a consistent OPC UA interface.

Version 3.40 of the edge products includes a number of new features that greatly facilitate integration with standard Docker IT solutions. These include:

• Metrics support for Prometheus - enables the collection and analysis of metrics using the Prometheus query language. Metrics can be stored in applications such as Prometheus and made available for queries. There is also the possibility to send alerts based on the collected metrics.
• Logging for container management platforms such as Kubernetes and Portainer - this streams logging information to the standard output interface of a Docker container and can be used by container management platforms such as Kubernetes or Portainer.
• Support for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) - enabling integration with centrally hosted authentication solutions.
• Support for the latest MQTT protocol version 5 as well as MQTT Store and Forward and MQTT Trigger Enhancement. Store and Forward guarantees protection against data loss. If the connection is interrupted, the data is temporarily stored and automatically transferred after the connection is restored. The MQTT Trigger Enhancement enables the creation of extensive and complex triggers for MQTT messages thanks to the new support of LUA scripts.

With version 3.40 of its edge products, Softing Industrial continues its commitment to improving connectivity at the interface of OT and IT and facilitating the use of standard IT management and monitoring solutions.

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

Access to process data available via XML files.

dataFEED OPC Suite Extended, from Softing Industrial, is an all-in-one solution for OPC communication and cloud connectivity, providing access to controllers and IoT devices of leading manufacturers. With the new File Read functionality, the suite ensures access to brownfield PLCs, devices and machines that deliver data via XML files.

File Read allows process values from XML files to be integrated quickly and securely into production control applications such as MES or OEE via the standard OPC Classic or OPC UA interfaces. The production data can also be integrated into IIoT cloud solutions via MQTT or REST. Furthermore, there is the option of data logging for documentation, analysis, or verification in a separate database.

The dataFEED OPC Suite enables access to the controllers of leading manufacturers such as Siemens SIMATIC S7, Rockwell ControlLogix, B&R, Mitsubishi as well as Modbus controllers (e.g., from Wago). It acts as a gateway between the two OPC standards so that existing OPC Classic components and applications can be integrated into modern OPC UA solutions for Industry 4.0 applications. Production data is transferred to IoT Cloud or Big Data applications via the MQTT and REST protocols. 

The suite supports the storage of production data in a file, in an SQL database, or in MongoDB and CouchDB. Thanks to the extensive data pre-processing functionality, data can be easily and flexibly customized. With OPC UA Reverse Connect functionality, the suite also ensures secure communication between OPC UA components separated by firewalls or DMZs.

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications 

Additional security for data integration.

Softing enables secure communication between OPC UA components in OT and IT that are separated by firewalls or DMZs with the integration of OPC UA Reverse Connect into its dataFEED OPC Suite Extended V5.22,.

dataFEED OPC Suite Extended is an all-in-one solution for OPC communication and cloud connectivity, providing access to controllers and IoT devices of leading manufacturers. With the new OPC UA Reverse Connect functionality, the suite ensures secure communication between OPC UA components separated by firewalls or DMZs.

Secure connection.
OPC UA Reverse Connect avoids traditional client-server connections where the client establishes the connection to the server. Instead, the server actively connects to the client. This is important for networks where the server is in a protected environment, such as the production network of a factory. There is no need to open firewall ports from the IT network to the OT network. The risk of an attack on the production network is thus eliminated, as the firewall remains closed.

An all-in-one data integration solution.
The dataFEED OPC Suite enables access to the controllers of leading manufacturers such as Siemens SIMATIC S7, Rockwell ControlLogix, B&R, Mitsubishi as well as Modbus controllers (e.g., from Wago). It acts as a gateway between the two OPC standards so that existing OPC Classic components and applications can also be integrated into modern OPC UA solutions for Industry 4.0 applications. Production data is transferred to IoT Cloud or Big Data applications via the MQTT and REST protocols. The suite also supports the storage of production data in a file, in an SQL database, or in MongoDB and CouchDB. Thanks to the extensive data pre-processing functionality, data can be easily and flexibly customized.

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #Communications #CyberSecurity

Managing complex system architectures in OT/IT integration.

Softing offers a flexible, container-based solution for managing complex system architectures in OT/IT integration all the way to edge and cloud applications with their new edgeAggregator.

Data exchange plays a particularly important role in the integration of production and management levels up to edge and cloud applications. Already with a small number of servers and clients, the architecture becomes very complex. With the new edgeAggregator, Softing provides a central data integration layer that reduces complexity while addressing the large number of variables as well as managing access rights and special security requirements.

The edgeAggregator has three key functions:

1. As an OPC UA aggregation server, it handles the aggregation of up to 100 OPC UA servers and supports up to 25 OPC UA server endpoints.
2. As an IoT cloud gateway, it handles bidirectional data transmission with cloud applications via MQTT Publisher/Subscriber functionality.
3. As Security Supervisor, it is responsible for the central management of the security parameters of the OPC UA and MQTT connections, such as users and certificates, and acts as an "OPC UA Firewall" for protection against attacks.

As a Docker container, edgeAggregator can be easily configured and deployed as an edge solution or with central cloud platforms. The interface abstraction of edgeAggregator allows continuous adaptation and scaling of IoT solutions based on OPC UA and MQTT throughout the entire lifecycle. Users thus gain a high degree of flexibility while significantly reducing integration and configuration costs.

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Fast and reliable implementation of Ethernet-APL field devices.

Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet-APL) is the new standard for end-to-end digital communication in the process industry and is also suitable for use in hazardous areas. Device manufacturers will have to prepare themselves for growing demand from end-users for this modern data transmission technology.

commModule APL is a new hardware module from Softing Industrial Automation, is designed to support device manufacturers in implementing Ethernet-APL field devices for the process industry quickly and reliably.

Manufacturers face the challenge of developing and certifying new Ethernet-APL-capable devices within the shortest possible time-to-market - ideally without having to build up extensive specialist knowledge of Ethernet-APL. As a ready-to-use and pre-certified hardware for the implementation of Ethernet-APL field devices, commModule APL supports manufacturers in exactly this challenge.

The hardware module provides connectivity to Ethernet-APL as well as an application software that can be easily configured to implement the required behavior of the respective field device. commModule-APL is delivered with a pre-installed PROFINET stack. It provides a configurable application data model and commands mapping to migrate existing HART and Modbus devices to Ethernet-APL. This does not require writing a single line of code. 

The assignment to HART or Modbus commands is done with the accompanying commScripter tool. commModule APL has already passed comprehensive EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) and environmental testing, as well as conformance testing for the Ethernet-APL Physical Layer and for the PROFINET protocol with PA Profile 4.02. It is also pre-certified in accordance with ATEX and IECEx. These features drastically reduce the effort, risk and time required to develop device hardware.

https://

NB: The Industrial Ethernet Book May/June 2022 issue has special editorial coverage of Single Pair Ethernet and Ethernet-APL.

 @SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

Integration into configuration platforms facilitated.

The edgeConnector products from Softing's dataFEED family now include a REST API. This makes integration into configuration platforms even easier. In addition, a new licensing model offers more flexibility when deploying the individual products.

The new REST API in version 3.0 of Softing's edgeConnector products makes local or remote configuration much easier for users. The product family currently includes edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 840D and edgeConnector Modbus. The software modules are based on Docker technology and provide state-of-the-art access to process data in SIMATIC S7, SINUMERIK 840D and Modbus TCP controllers. In the past, a separate login via the local configuration interface was necessary for each product. This is now done by the new edgeConfigurator, which allows all edgeConnectors to be accessed via the REST API. 

The edgeConfigurator is also based on Docker technology and is used in parallel with the edgeConnectors. The configurator can be deployed on-premise or additionally in the Microsoft Azure cloud, allowing REST API access from the cloud to the edgeConnectors' on-premise environment. Using the REST API, edgeConnectors can now be configured even more easily from a third-party application.

The new license model of version 3.0 distinguishes between Basic (edgeConnector Modbus), Advanced (edgeConnector Modbus and edgeConnector Siemens) and Premium (all edgeConnector products). The licenses no longer refer to data points, instead they only account for the connected controllers. The user can choose between license options of 1, 5, 10 and 20 connections. This saves him the time-consuming calculations of the required data points. In addition, a 1-year software upgrade is included in the license agreement. With the Softing Floating License Server, the licenses can be flexibly used for the Docker applications currently operated by the user.

All edgeConnector products are ready for use very quickly thanks to container technology. They are operated on standard hardware and can be easily administered centrally. The integrated MQTT Publisher/ Subscriber functionality allows for flexible setup of Industrial IoT solutions (IIoT). They support state-of-the-art security standards such as SSL/TLS, X.509 certificates, authentication, and data encryption. This gives users an easy and secure way to integrate data from production into innovative and flexible IIoT solutions. The individual edgeConnector products can be downloaded from Docker Hub or the Microsoft Azure Marketplace and tested for free.

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #Pauto

Connectiong to Modbus.

Softing's new edgeConnector Modbus is a flexible Docker container application for Modbus TCP controllers.

Following edgeConnector Siemens for connecting SIMATIC S7 controllers and edgeConnector 840D for accessing data from SINUMERIK 840D controllers, Softing has now introduced edgeConnector Modbus. This Docker Container is suitable for connecting Modbus TCP controllers e.g., from Schneider Electric, Wago, Beckhoff or Phoenix Contact, to industrial IoT applications. edgeConnector Modbus can also be used to collect energy data or other process variables from Modbus-compatible sensors. An integrated OPC UA server enables simple and secure data connection to higher-level management systems, such as ERP, MES or process visualization systems. As a further communication protocol, MQTT makes it possible to integrate control data directly into private or public IoT cloud applications.

"By using container technology, our edgeConnector products are very quickly started up and running. They are operated on standard hardware and can be managed easily from a central platform. In this way, we offer our customers a simple and secure option for integrating data from production into innovative and flexible Industrial IoT solutions," says Sebastian Schenk, Product Manager at Softing Industrial.

All edgeConnector products support state-of-the-art security standards such as SSL/TLS, X.509 certificates, authentication, and data encryption. They are easy to configure locally via an integrated web interface or can be managed remotely via a REST API. For the future, Softing plans to further expand the edgeConnector product family to enable Ethernet/IP connectivity for Rockwell and Omron controllers. There are also plans to expand the configuration options from the cloud.

edgeConnector Modbus can be downloaded from online directories such as Docker Hub or Microsoft Azure Marketplace and tested for free. 

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

IIoT gateway for Industrie 4.0.

Softing Industrial Automation provides controller-independent access to PROFIBUS DP networks with their smartLink HW-DP. Besides HART IP and FDT, data for optimizing processes can now also be made available via an OPC UA interface. In addition, the new smartLink DTM enables FDT/DTM parameter setting for HART devices.

The smartLink HW-DP allows access to process data from PROFIBUS devices and HART devices connected to PROFIBUS remote I/Os, as well as secure export to any system inside or outside its own network. Users in the process industry who want to adapt their communication architecture to modern IIoT use cases can integrate smartLink into existing plants in a simple and cost-effective manner. Until now, access to data relevant for optimization processes was possible via HART IP for HART devices and FDT for PROFIBUS DP.

The new version V 1.10 additionally provides an OPC UA interface. This means that any HART IP and OPC UA clients, such as Emerson's AMS Device Manager or the Android app DevComDroid, can now be used to configure, monitor, and evaluate field devices via these open communication standards. With the new smartLink DTM, FDT/DTM parameters can now also be set for HART devices.

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #Pauto #IIoT

Connecting PLCs to cloud!

Softing Industrial has launched an AWS Quick Start for its edgeConnector Siemens docker container application, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The Quick Start automatically deploys edgeConnector Siemens and AWS IoT SiteWise in the AWS cloud. It demonstrates how to connect Siemens PLCs to the AWS cloud in a secure and scalable way.

edgeConnector Siemens is Softing’s first commercially available gateway product to support container technology. By leveraging Softing’s expertise in automation technology and IT/OT integration, it offers best-in-class connectivity for Siemens PLCs typically used in brownfield projects. As a Docker container, it seamlessly integrates into the AWS solution architecture for Industrial IoT and can be operated and managed efficiently.
 

Customers are increasingly facing challenges in connecting the cloud to the edge in a secure way. “Many customers that we speak to, are hesitant when it comes to connecting their machines to cloud and using the Internet of Things” says Dr. Christopher Anhalt, VP Product Marketing at Softing. Industrial customers lack experience in edge computing and do not have access to reference artifacts and best-practices resources for edge computing and the Internet of Things.

The Softing edgeConnector Siemens Quick Start makes it easy for IT as well as for shop floor personnel to gain first-hand experience with a secure and highly scalable end-to-end solution for Industrial IoT. The Quick Start offers a fast and flexible way to try out edgeConnector Siemens as connectivity solution with AWS. It automates the deployment of Softing’s edgeConnector Siemens, a docker container application with gateway functionality, and AWS IoT SiteWise in the AWS cloud. A simulated Siemens S7-1500 PLC generates IoT sensor data that is sent to AWS via edgeConnector Siemens and visualized using AWS IoT SiteWise. This entire deployment on AWS takes not more than 10 minutes.

@SoftingIA @awscloud @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #PLC

Possibilities of data integration.

The new version V5.10 of Softing's dataFEED OPC Suite Extended offers MQTT subscriber functionality and extensive options for data preprocessing.

With the help of the new MQTT Subscriber, data can be received from an MQTT Broker and transmitted to other applications via OPC UA or written to a controller. This allows, for example, a recipe manager to be implemented in the cloud. In addition, extensive and flexible data preprocessing features now permit the execution of mathematical and logical calculations.  Use cases include converting a temperature value from Celsius to Fahrenheit or filtering out a specific bit of a word.

“The dataFEED OPC Suite Extended makes the provision of production data for IoT cloud applications simple and secure,” says Andreas Roeck, product manager at Softing Industrial. “With each update, we are working to further expand the possibilities of data integration and make them even more flexible. This way, we offer our customers and partners a future-proof solution.”

dataFEED OPC Suite Extended is a complete package for OPC communication and cloud connectivity in a single product. The suite can be used to access the controllers of leading suppliers and to connect to IoT devices.

@SoftingIDI @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #OPC

Connecting controllers with industrial IoT applications.

Softing Industrial releases version v1.20 of edgeConnector Siemens. The software module is based on container technology and connects Siemens controllers with industrial IoT applications. In addition to SIMATIC S7-1200 and S7-1500, the new version also supports SIMATIC S7-300/400 controllers.

“edgeConnector Siemens is the first strategic expansion of our dataFEED product family to include virtualization and container technology”, says Wolfgang Wende, Senior VP Sales at Softing Industrial. "It leverages Softing's extensive experience with brownfield connectivity and OPC UA technology and makes it available for new and highly efficient IoT solution architectures.”
 

edgeConnector Siemens enables access to SIMATIC S7-1200 and S7-1500 data including optimized data blocks. Version v1.20 additionally supports SIMATIC S7-300/400 controllers. Client applications have access to data via the interoperability standard OPC UA. The product can be configured locally via a built-in web interface, or remotely via a REST interface. It seamlessly integrates with Azure IoT Edge and AWS IoT Greengrass and is made available via online repositories such as Docker Hub.

Users benefit from flexible deployment and ease of use which comes with virtualization and container technology. Valuable process and machine data are made available for innovative IoT applications without any changes to controller or automation network configuration. Advanced security features such as the management of access right for individual client applications increase the security of the entire solution.

@SoftingIDI @siemensindustry #PAuto #IIoT #MEPax

All-in-One Engineering Tester.

Following the successful launch at pilot customers, the new generation of the high-performance and use-case-optimized Softing Diagnostic Tool Set (DTS 9) is now available. New functionalities enable even faster and more cost-efficient diagnostic development – exactly what is needed for the growing complexity of E/E architectures and shorter product development cycles Softing DTS.monaco makes it possible for developers, engineers and technicians to create consistent diagnostic functions and sequences on the basis of international standards and to ensure that diagnostic communication works reliably over the entire value chain.

Softing DTS 9

The highlights of the new product generation include, in particular, remote diagnostic support in the engineering network (remote diagnostics) and the display and recording of Ethernet communication (DoIP - Diagnostics over Internet Protocol). New functions in the area of OTX support, based on the latest standard, enable a perceptible increase in the speed of work thanks to automation and the ability to precisely solve individual problems with self-generated user interfaces. In addition, the integration of function-oriented diagnostics with the Smart Diagnostic Engine (Softing SDE) has already made the leap to the next generation of diagnostic systems.

Proprietary user interfaces are created in OTX whenever the intuitively usable and flexibly configurable interface elements (SmartDiagnostic controls), available for all frequently used diagnostic functions, need to be extended. This means that entire release sequences, continuous operation controls and certifications can be safely incorporated into the Monaco workspaces to prevent operating errors.

DoIP continues to gain importance not only because of the high bandwidth required – especially in flash programming. DTS is perfectly prepared for this in all applications. The product now also enables the remote access of test specimens. This can save a lot of time and money, especially in globally operating teams, as travel can be avoided and expensive test resources shared.

Alongside system-specific licensing, the additional floating license mechanism ensures flexibility and saves customers both time and money. Furthermore, the new DTS 9 platform offers international users multilingual capability with the provision of a German, English and Japanese translation of the user interfaces. This not only reduces the amount of training required but also leads to increased acceptance of the whole system, particularly in globally operating teams.

Incidentally, today's customers don’t need to worry about migrating to the new generation: Both existing DTS projects and OTX processes can be migrated and reused with the new software.

The Softing Diagnostic Tool Set 9 offers an all-in-one diagnostic solution for all use cases from ECU engineering and development to vehicle integration and SOP – future-oriented, efficient and safe.

@SoftingAE  #Automotive #MEpax

Reinforcing the Open Integration network.

How can field instruments and components be easily integrated into automation systems? The answer to this question is becoming increasingly important as industrial production digitalisation progresses. The Endress+Hauser Open Integration partner program unites 13 manufacturers that want to ensure the streamlined interaction of their products.  Softing Industrial Automation joined the partner network at the beginning of the year.

Jörg Reinkensmeier - E+H

“We go well beyond the established test methods within this program by scrutinizing the functionality of complete system architectures in a lab environment,” explains Jörg Reinkensmeier, Marketing Manager at Endress+Hauser. “We do that for specific fields of application or customer solutions. After successful completion of the tests, the so-called reference topologies are published in the form of mutual recommendations.”

The Open Integration cooperation partners test and document the interaction of their products for typical process automation applications. Users profit in two ways by being able to combine the best products for each application and through fast and smooth commissioning. Automation technology suppliers value the advantages of the Open Integration program as well. For these companies, it’s important to be able to detect potential problems early and solve them prior to installing their products at the customer site.

Thirteen companies currently belong to the program. All the partners are suppliers of control technology, fieldbus infrastructures, measurement technology or actuator technology: Auma Riester, Bürkert, Festo, Flowserve, Hima Paul Hildebrandt, Honeywell Process Solutions, Mitsubishi Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Turck and recently Softing Industrial Automation.

Thomas Hilz - Softing

Softing Industrial Automation is a leading provider of software and hardware products designed to integrate technologies and data in factory and process automation environments. “Our companies have enjoyed many years of successful cooperation, which has now manifested itself in our decision to join the Open Integration partner program,” says Thomas Hilz, Vice President Strategic Accounts at Softing Industrial Automation.

“The reliability and outstanding quality that we know from Endress+Hauser is also a top priority at Softing Industrial Automation. The company, and I personally, are looking forward to the coming years in which we will be helping our partners with the connectivity of their sensors.”

“Softing Industrial Automation strengthens our partner program with further expertise in the area of data exchange and providing information at the field level,” says Jörg Reinkensmeier. “Apart from networking process control technology, connectivity is playing an increasingly important role for IIoT solutions. Our aim is to exploit this potential together with all of our Open Integration partners.”

#Pauto #IIoT @Endress_Hauser @SoftingIA

Mobile configuration & parameterisation.

Endress+Hauser is now offering its Field Xpert together with Softing's mobiLink interface as a practical bundle for parameterizing and commissioning field devices.

The combination of Softing's mobiLink interface with the Field Xpert SMT70 or SMT77 Tablet PC from Endress+Hauser offers users a simple and safe system solution for configuring and parameterizing field devices for the most important process automation protocols - HART, PROFIBUS PA and FOUNDATION Fieldbus. The bundle includes a Field Xpert SMT70 or SMT77 tablet with pre-installed CommDTMs (HART, PROFIBUS PA and FOUNDATION Fieldbus), a mobiLink interface that establishes the connection to the tablet via Bluetooth, and optionally a license to use mobiLink for the configuration of FOUNDATION Fieldbus and PROFIBUS PA field devices. mobiLink is now available from Endress+Hauser under the name FieldPort SFP50.

Dr. Rolf Birkhofer, CEO of Endress+Hauser Digital Solutions: “mobiLink is seamlessly integrated into our Field Xpert, which can be used as a powerful Tablet PC for device configuration in Zone 2, Zone 1 or in non-explosive areas. It provides easy access to all field instruments and is a simple, touchable tool that allows field instruments to be managed throughout their lifecycle.”

Peter Juengling, Key Account Manager at Softing Industrial: “We are proud to be able to look back on a long-standing partnership with Endress+Hauser. We already offer a range of interface products that connect to the Field Xpert SMT70 or SMT77 tablet for device configuration and to Endress+Hauser's FieldCare SFE500 Plant Asset Management Software. With mobiLink we simplify mobile access to field devices for plant operators, system integrators, device developers and other users in the process industry. Together with the Ex-certified tablets from Endress+Hauser, we now have a cost-effective and easy-to-use all-in-one solution.

#PAuto @SoftingIA @Endress_Hauser @mepaxIntPR