New software tool from Siemens links plant floor control systems with enterprise IT
An easy-to-use middleware application, Data Xchange connects databases to industrial devices via OPC (OLE For Process Control). The data transactions/transfers between these systems, called operations, are simply a set of instructions triggered by events. The event tells the Data Xchange engine when to start a particular operation and the frequency of the action to be executed.
Data Xchange can be scaled to support a wide range of industrial architectures, ranging from networked and distributed architectures to single PC systems. Data can be exchanged between controlling devices - such as PLCs, PCs or SCADA applications - and a variety of databases. No special programming is required.
Data Xchange provides users with the ability to acquire and analyze production data, troubleshoot manufacturing system disturbances or bottlenecks in the production flow, benchmark overall equipment efficiency between production facilities and measure machine utilization and availability. Ultimately, Data Xchange should help the user to make accurate, timely decisions.
Minimum system requirements for Data Xchange include a PC with Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 5 or higher) or 2000 operating systems, 64 MB of RAM and 15MB of free hard disk space, Pentium II or similar CPU, OPC servers for desired devices and OLE-DB providers for desired databases.
Source: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
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