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Tying Information Modeling to Asset-based Control, Analysis, and Visualization

    Information Modeling is a useful way to plan for the collaboration involved in the design, implementation, and operation of systems. It can be utilized in various applications from large-scale manufacturing operations to building automation and energy management. The models are typically created and edited via 3D design and drafting tools. Information Modeling also provides for quick and easy project collaboration and interaction.

    Top 10 Considerations when Implementing OPC UA

      Those who deploy the OPC Unified Architecture (UA) will be able to better leverage plant floor to enterprise communications as a vehicle to participate in IIoT applications. The goal for OPC is to be a standard for interoperability for moving information vertically through the enterprise of multi-vendor systems as well as providing interoperability between devices on different industrial networks from different vendors.

      Case Study: Benninger Automation

        Benninger Automation forms part of the Swiss Benninger Group which has been the textile industry‘s leading partner across the globe for more than one hundred and fifty years. While developing “certon,” Benninger Automation has focused closely on usability features. As one example, no programming knowledge is required to configure certon for the local data logging environment. The data logging itself is handled by the certonLOG module. This software is installed on a host PC and collects data from the connected sources via an OPC UA client. The mechanisms used in the OPC UA communication standard not only safeguard the actual exchange of data but also ensure that it is transferred securely.

        Analyzing OPC UA Communications with Wireshark

          As more and more companies are making the switch to OPC UA, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to view OPC UA communications. One of the easiest ways we’ve found here at Software Toolbox to analyze the communication between an OPC UA client and server is to use Wireshark. What follows is a tutorial.

          Smart Factory Application Integration based on OPC-UA

            LG CNS has been providing factory operation consulting and services for various industries including electric / electronic, semiconductor, automobile, medical, pharmaceutical, shipbuilding / heavy industry, construction / machinery, health, clothing, and logistics for the past 20 years. With OPC UA, LG CNS can develop products that are ultimately going to be deployed to extend across facility control and the MES domain via a standardized and consistent approach for smart factories. It will be used in the integrated engineering business by providing device modeling and meta information exchange function on the server side, as well as basic data collection, monitoring, analysis and control functions on the client side.

            Why should I choose OPC UA?

              When it comes to implementing IIoT and Industry 4.0 technology, OPC UA is considered to be the ideal communication protocol. In fact, it’s hard to imagine the future of these solutions without it. But what’s really behind all the hype? Click here for an overview.

              OPC UA – A Complete Solution for IIoT Communications

                We are Ocean Data Systems, makers of Dream Report – the “Industrial” solution for reports and dashboards. When selecting interfaces for secure connectivity to data sources across the internet, our first choice for Dream Report was OPC UA.

                OPC Foundation Collaborations Update

                  The OPEN-SCS Working Group (OPEN-SCS) is partnered with the OPC Foundation to develop an open source standard in the Packaging Serialization Global Name Registry and an associated set of subscription-based work products.
                  With the companion specification for Auto ID devices, the OPC Foundation has shown how important it is to use a standardized technology for secure communication in an industrial environment.
                  A release candidate for the OPC UA — IEC 61850 companion specification document is planned for Q2 2017, as work continues harmonizing these two widespread industrial standards.

                  OPC UA Videos Released

                    At OPC Day Europe, there were many interesting talks about OPC UA and its applicability into a variety of environments. If you weren’t able to make it to the event, relevant videos are released here for catching up. Make sure to find the OPC Foundation at an event near you and check out the OPC YouTube Channel for more.

                    New OPC UA Products

                      Three new products of note this month are OPC UA Pub/Sub capabilities from Beckhoff, OPC UA embedded on Siemens drives, and OPC UA support for edge computing from TTTech.