- July 01, 2005
- AutomationDirect
- AutomationDirect
What is it? DataNet OPC is innovative communications software that uses OPC technology to display real-time data from industrial devices on a live Web page. The data is then available for viewing and printing reports from any computer, anywhere the Internet or company intranet is accessible. The data is displayed in an easy-to-read table format. There is absolutely no HTML programming required to take advantage of DataNet OPC's many practical features, all of which allow users to determine the status of their plant operations quickly - from anywhere their business might lead them. How do I use it? With DataNet OPC, setup is quick and easy. Simply install the software on a PC or file server. DataNet OPC can be installed as a standalone Web server or as a Microsoft IIS add-on. Next, configure the Web page and, if applicable, the data-logging function. To setup or make changes to the configuration, use the configuration facility that is conveniently provided within the DataNet OPC Web page. DataNet OPC fits your organizational needs To allow flexibility in its setup, DataNet OPC can be installed as a standalone Web server or as a Microsoft IIS add-on. Regardless of what your current setup might be, DataNet OPC can work within your existing infrastructure to increase the connectivity between management and plant-floor operations. Benefits of DataNet OPC DataNet OPC software makes data more accessible and allows the display and data logging of an unlimited amount of data from an unlimited number of devices. Data is displayed in a table format and can be refreshed at any interval, as specified by the user. The user is also able to request that certain cells automatically change colors based upon their data values. This is a very functional control feature that can be used as a warning system, alerting plant managers and personnel of abnormalities in plant operations. A security feature is included which, when activated, prevents any unauthorized changes from being made to the configuration by requiring a password in order to access the configuration facility. DataNet OPC makes industrial data collection and archiving simple. In addition to displaying data conveniently on a Web page, there are DataNet OPC packages available which will log data into a text file for archival purposes. Through the easy-to-use configuration facility, the user is able to specify which sets of data should be logged, and at what time intervals. This software package also has a useful trigger-command option, which allows the user to specify that data be logged only at certain times or under certain conditions. These historical logs, like the real-time data, are conveniently accessible directly from the DataNet OPC Web page. Simply download and save the log files for your records, for company-wide analysis, or for planning initiatives.
- Data is available on any computer, anywhere the Web page is accessible.
- No limit is placed on the number of simultaneous viewers, so management always has instant access to the data.
- Packages are available to log an unlimited amount of data for archival purposes.
- Dynamic colors allow users to determine the status of plant operations at a glance.
- A useful math tool performs calculations on data before displaying.
- Absolutely no HTML programming is required.
- Installation and setup is quick and easy. Practical Applications
- Make the Web page available over the company intranet to monitor plant operations from anywhere in the plant or administrative offices, while keeping internal data private.
- Publish data to the Internet to allow instant access to organizational data - from anywhere. Publish to a hidden address to allow access to management and plant personnel only; or keep others informed by allowing public access to the page.
- Log and archive valuable data to create reports for process control decision making or for historical trend analyses. System Requirements
- Windows NT, 2000, 2003, XP or higher
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
- OPC 1.0 or OPC 2.0 compliant server Prices for DataNet OPC software packages start at $295. Do you need an easy way to set up your PLC data logging? DataWorx Software: Connect Ethernet-enabled PLCs for easy data collection AutomationDirect has teamed up with INTEWORX.NET to offer its customers DataWorx data collection software for AutomationDirect PLCs and WinPLCs. Before DataWorx, it was necessary to purchase an OPC/ DDE server, write code or buy a Human Machine Interface (HMI) package to program, in order to collect data from our PLCs/ WinPLCs. Now, DataWorx PLC makes it simple and cost effective to easily collect valuable data to enable you to make better business decisions. The DataWorx Software package easily connects your Ethernet-enabled DirectLOGIC programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or WinPLCs, to standalone PCs or network servers for simple data logging. This means that any PC or server on the network can collect valuable PLC/ WinPLC data without the need of special PC programming or any 3rd party HMI, SCADA, or DAQ software application. DataWorx is easy to setup and use, and is priced right. Without a doubt, DataWorx will save you both time and money. How do I use it? Simply install the DataWorx software on a PC or file server on the same targeted Ethernet PLC network. Next, enable the PLC logic to write data to your choice of delimited text files on the networked PCs or a file server. Benefits of DataWorx Software
- Easy setup, no programming necessary
- No SCADA software required
- No dedicated PC required
- Stores an unlimited amount of data
- Monitors an unlimited number of DirectLOGIC PLCs or WinPLCs
- The PLC/ WinPLC has complete control over storing the data Applications
- Log valuable production data to networked PCs or file servers for Statistical Process Control decision making
- Archive test data in a secure server file location with built-in date/ time stamping features to satisfy quality assurance or audit trail requirements
- Use in data acquisition applications as source content for historical trending to be used by ERP or other higher level business system applications DataWorx PLC/ WinPLC Server The DataWorx software packages include a Server application that runs as a Microsoft Windows “service”. Running as a service means the DataWorx program runs regardless if anyone is presently logged-in on the PC or not. Another advantage of the Server running as a service is that the user does not need to manually start the logging every time the computer restarts. The application “listens” for information from the PLC/ WinPLC and logs the data into a file configured from the Monitoring application. The Server is capable of collecting an unlimited amount of data from an unlimited number of PLCs/ WinPLCs.
- Running as an NT service DataWorx is equipped with an easy-to-use graphical interface to start, stop, or pause services. It also provides a very simple, easy way to install or uninstall the service.
- Error Log The Server has a useful Diagnostic Error Log window to help with troubleshooting the Server if a problem arises. The Error Log shows the status of the Server. The Error Log indicates whether the Server is started, stopped, or paused, and if the data received from the PLC/ WinPLC matches the data configured in the Server.
- RBE (Report by Exception) Technology RBE technology is what makes DataWorx software unique. It is a special way of gathering data rather than the usual data collection through the polling of PLCs/WinPLCs. RBE technology makes the Server “listen” for data that has changed before it stores the information. The PLC/ WinPLC sends data ONLY when needed. The common method of collecting data by continuous polling adds a lot of network traffic, causes the CPU utilization to dramatically increase, and in most applications, requires a dedicated PC. In contrast, the RBE method gives the PLC/ WinPLC complete control to store data to a computer hard drive and to store data locally if the network is down. DataWorx PLC/ WinPLC Monitor The Monitor application included in the DataWorx package configures the Server’s file creation cycle, and PLC/ WinPLC listings. The Monitor also allows you to view or save the data files stored on the Server. Data files can be opened and viewed in Notepad, Excel, or another chosen program. You may choose to create files on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis. You can view the various reports that are stored on the server for each PLC/ WinPLC. The Monitor application is able to conveniently run from any PC that is networked with the Server.
- Configuration Using the Monitor application, you can configure the Server to log data to the Server’s hard drive in a comma or tab delimited text file. You can also include a date and time stamp in the file, and an alias for each data item sent. The alias can be used as the file’s header.
- Archiving The Server can be configured to archive the log files into a zip file and copied to an archive directory for easy management. In the directory, files can be deleted automatically according to parameters set by the user. Archiving can occur daily, monthly, or yearly as dictated by quality assurance, government compliance or other reporting requirements. DirectLOGIC PLC Configuration Options You may use the DataWorx data collection software with the following PLC/ WinPLC configurations:
- DL05 or DL06 with H0-ECOM
- DL205 with H2-ECOM(-F)
- DL405 with H4-ECOM(-F)
- WinPLC with Think & Do Live! or Entivity Studio software Prices for DataWorx software packages start at $395. Remote data collection is easy using DataLynx software... DataLynx - PLC Modem Data Logging Software DataLynx data collection software is an inexpensive data logging and storage package for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) using a PC. Any PLC or other device that supports MODBUS, along with a modem connection, works well with DataLynx. This software package is an ideal solution for collecting data from remote locations or relaying data from multiple locations back to a single location to be stored. DataLynx polls remote MODBUS-enabled devices over standard phone lines using off-the-shelf modems. The DataLynx Server runs as a service and collects and stores your data into comma or tab-delimited file formats. DataLynx can also be configured to automatically archive data files into a .zip file every month or year and delete the files as well. FAQ: How do I use the DataLynx software? DataLynx is an easy software package to install and use. No additional programming by the user is necessary. Simply install the DataLynx software on a PC or file server and configure the remote MODBUS-enabled device phone number and memory address. DataLynx Benefits The DataLynx software offers a number of benefits, including:
- Easy setup, no programming necessary
- No SCADA system required
- Collect data from remote locations
- Stores unlimited amounts of data
- Monitors unlimited number of PLCs or MODBUS devices
- Allows you to troubleshoot instantly DataLynx Applications
- Log important data from remote processes using a standard phone line where Ethernet connections are unavailable.
- Monitor process data in other states and cities for trending history.
- Collect process history from machines in multiple locations for preventive maintenance and historical usage. Prices for DataLynx software packages start at $395. AutomationDirect offers thousands of industrial automation products through its Online Superstore and 1,900-page catalog. Products include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), AC drives/motors, operator interface panels/HMI, motor controls, DC power supplies, push buttons, sensors, NEMA electrical enclosures, wire duct and more. The company offers high-quality automation products at incredible prices, along with detailed documentation and superior sales and technical support. Same-day shipping on in-stock items ordered by 4 p.m. ET is standard. A 30-day, money-back guarantee is offered on most items, including software. Select the process controls and industrial wiring supplies you need from over 6,000 quality products, often priced well below the industry average. To request a free catalog, visit their Web site or call 800-633-0405. Request More Information
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