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OPC Easy Connect Suite – Software Suite for Optimized OPC
Communication
The OPC Easy Connect Suite combines different, complementary
components for improving and extending OPC communication into a
single product. From the comprehensive scope of functions and
features, users can choose the specific functionalities that meet
their needs and requirements.
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server
LocalOPC ItemsLocalOPC Items
Data Destination (DD)Data Destination (DD)
ExchangeExchange
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC OPC Classic
OPC Tunnel Server
OPC Tunnel Server
Data Source(DS)
Data Source(DS)
StoreAndForwardStoreAndForward
OPC Tunnel ClientOPC Tunnel
OPC Tunnel
OPC Classic ClientOPC OPC Classic
OPC TunnelOPC Tunnel
OPC Easy Connect Suite
SQL DatabaseSQL DatabaseODBC
Data FileData FileFile System
OPC UA ClientOPC OPC UA
RELIABILITY AND EXCELLENT FUNCTIONALITY
The functionality and high product quality of the OPC Easy
Connect Suite was explicitly confirmed in an assessment at a major
international automation manufacturer. As a result, the
manufacturer has integrated selected functionalities of the Softing
OPC Easy Connect Suite in several of its automation products.
TIME SAVINGS THROUGH GRAPHICAL CONFIGURATION
The state-of-the-art graphical user interface with intelligent,
practice-oriented defaults, setup wizards, drag-and-drop support,
and intuitive user guidance significantly reduces the time required
for the configuration of OPC communication.
The OPC Easy Connect Suite ensures secure OPC Classic
communication across networks and simplifies the commissioning and
use of OPC Servers and Clients. This software optimizes and
increases the performance of OPC interfaces and offers an
easy-to-use graphical user interface for the configuration of OPC
communication.
Software for Optimized OPC Communication
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Comprehensive and Reliable Functionality
> Time Savings Through Graphical Configuration
OPC Easy Connect Suite
OPC middlEwarE
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OPC Tunnel with StoreAndForward – Simple and Secure OPC
Communication
The OPC Tunnel eliminates DCOM configuration problems that can
arise in OPC Classic communication between OPC Servers and OPC
Clients on different computer platforms. At the same time, it
ensures a robust and reliable high-performance data exchange.
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server OPC ClientOPC Classic Client
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC Tunnel
OPC Tunnel ServerOPC Tunnel Server
OPC Tunnel
OPC Tunnel
OPC Tunnel ClientOPC Tunnel Client
OPC Easy Connect
Suite
OPC Easy Connect
Suite
OPC Easy Connect
Suite
OPC Easy Connect
Suite
DSDS
DSDS
DDDD
DDDD
OPC Tunnel OPC
ClassicOPC
Tunnel OPC
Classic
NO NEED TO CONFIGURE DCOM SECURITY SETTINGS
The OPC Tunnel saves users the time-consuming setup and
maintenance of DCOM security settings. This substantially speeds up
the configuration of OPC Classic communication across networks.
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION BEHAVIOR
The OPC Tunnel offers second-by-second monitoring of OPC
communication. If the integrated StoreAndForward functionality
detects a broken connection to the OPC Client, the OPC data is
buffered locally. In addition, the OPC Tunnel automatically
reestablishes the OPC connections after an interruption of
communication, thus improving the communication behavior.
COMPLIANCE WITH COMPUTER SECURITY POLICIES
The special architecture of the OPC Tunnel places minimum
requirements on the configuration of the PCs used on the network.
Corporate computer security policies (firewall settings) can thus
be complied with.
OPC2Database – Storing OPC Data in Databases
OPC2Database allows storing OPC Server items and local items in
databases via SQL statements. Using the included, easy-to-use
wizards, the references between the process items and the database
cells can be created, and a trigger condition for storage can be
defined.
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server
LocalOPC ItemsLocalOPC Items
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC OPC Classic
OPC Tunnel Server
OPC Tunnel Server
SQL DatabaseSQL Database
OPC TunnelOPC Tunnel
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC2Database
ODBCDDDD
DSDS
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Eliminates DCOM Problems> Buffers Data and
Automatically
Reconnects If Connection Is Broken> Ensures Computer
Security
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Stores Data in Databases for Process Logging
> Provides Data for Analysis and Further Processing
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POSSIBILITY OF PROCESS CHECKS
OPC2Database logs the data of the implemented process to an SQL
database. This allows, for example, providing the required proof
(e.g. of material consumption) or performing analyses that offer
approaches for process optimization.
SETUP OF AN OVERALL SYSTEM FOR FURTHER PROCESSING
The database integrated into the OPC application via
OPC2Database can be used as an interface for implementing an
overall system that further processes this data. In particular,
this solution also ensures traceability.
OPC2File – Flexible OPC Data Logging to Text Files
Using OPC2File, local items and OPC Server items can be stored
in text files. The data can be logged in different file formats,
including ASCII, HTML and XML, to allow further processing of the
process data by using standard software.
VERIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROCESS VALUES
The OPC2File text files can be used for analyzing specific OPC
data. In addition, this component offers the possibility to verify
and document the correct functionality of the implemented
system.
OPC Server2Server – Direct Data Exchange Between OPC Servers
OPC Server2Server allows exchanging data between OPC Servers and
supports the connection of different automation worlds, including
proprietary components, by using only OPC Servers. This solution
can be used, for example, to exchange data between different
fieldbus networks like PROFIBUS and DeviceNet. OPC Server2Server
thus saves the cost of hardware gateways or developing complex OPC
Client applications.
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server
LocalOPC Items
LocalOPC Items
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC OPC Classic
OPC Tunnel Server
OPC Tunnel Server
Data FileData File
OPC TunnelOPC Tunnel
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC2File
File System
DSDS
DDDD
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Provides a Unified Data Structure in Heterogeneous
Systems
> Saves Costs, e.g. by Eliminating the Need for Hardware
Components
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Analyzes Isolated OPC Data> Ensures Correct
Functionality
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INTEGRATION OF HETEROGENEOUS SYSTEMS
Using OPC Server2Server, different communication structures can
be unified and combined in one OPC namespace.
SAVINGS OF HARDWARE COSTS
OPC Server2Server eliminates the need for expensive gateway
hardware or developing a special OPC Client application.
OPC Filter – Customizable Data Access
The OPC Filter provides the possibility to customize OPC Server
items and use them with aliases in the OPC namespace. In this way,
the OPC Filter offers an additional security layer for sensitive
data.
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server OPC OPC Classic
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC Filter
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
DSDS
OPC ClientOPC UA ClientOPC OPC UA
DDDD
OPC ClientOPC Classic ClientOPC OPC Classic
ADDED SECURITY THROUGH PREVENTION OF INCORRECT ACCESS
The OPC items are accessed by an OPC Classic Client or an OPC
OPC Unified Architecture (UA) Client using filter functionality
which allows freely selecting which data to show or hide, and
defining individual access rights. This prevents accidental data
manipulation and unauthorized access, and increases the runtime
security of the overall system.
OPC Concentrator – Simplified Configuration of Access to
Multiple OPC Servers
Using the OPC Concentrator, multiple OPC Servers can be combined
and unified for access by one OPC Classic Client or OPC UA Client.
In this way, even distributed automation systems comprising a large
number of computers with OPC Servers can be effectively and
efficiently configured.
OPC ServerOPC Classic ServerOPC OPC Classic
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC Server2Server
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server OPC OPC Classic
DataExchange
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
ExchangeExchange
DSDS
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Increases System Security> Allows Controlling Data
Access and Data
Visibility
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Saves Time by Reducing Configuration Work
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OPC ServerOPC Classic ServerOPC OPC Classic
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC Concentrator
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC ClientOPC UA ClientOPC OPC UA
OPC OPC Classic
OPC OPC Classic
OPC OPC Classic
DSDS
DDDD
OPC ClientOPC Classic ClientOPC OPC Classic
COMBINATION OF OPC ITEMS IN ONE NAMESPACE
The OPC Concentrator reduces and unifies the OPC items from
multiple OPC Servers to allow access by one OPC Classic Client or
OPC UA Client. This makes the overall system less error-prone and
speeds up configuration.
OPC Optimizer – Optimized Access from Multiple OPC Clients to a
Single OPC Server
The OPC Optimizer streamlines simultaneous access from multiple
OPC Clients to an OPC Server by intelligent compilation of groups
and by re-combining multiple read requests for OPC items. As a
result, the number of requests is reduced, which also reduces OPC
data traffic.
SAVING COMPUTER RESOURCES
The OPC Optimizer employs a unique and proprietary algorithm to
optimize OPC communication by automatically re-combining read and
write requests. The feature reduces the management workload on the
OPC Server, makes the required communication performance easier to
achieve, and takes load off the processor. This also increases the
computing power available to other applications.
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC Optimizer
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC ClientOPC Classic Client
OPC ClientOPC Classic Client
OPC ClientOPC Classic Client
OPC ClientOPC Classic Client
OPC OPC Classic
OPC OPC Classic
OPC OPC Classic
OPC OPC Classic
OPC OPC ClassicDDDD
DSDS
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Saves Computer Resources> Speeds Up Communication
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OPC Bridge – OPC Communication Across Specification
Boundaries
The OPC Bridge ensures interoperability of OPC Servers and OPC
Clients supporting different versions of the OPC Data Access (DA)
Specification. OPC XML-DA components can also be integrated, which
opens up OPC communication to non-Windows computers (e.g. running a
Linux operating system).
BRIDGING INCOMPATIBILITIES IN OPC COMPONENTS
The OPC Bridge resolves incompatibilities between OPC components
of different OPC specification versions. This allows continued use
of existing OPC components and thus saves costs.
INTEGRATION OF NON-WINDOWS COMPUTERS IN OPC COMMUNICATION
By supporting the OPC XML-DA standard, the OPC Bridge allows the
integration of non-Windows computers in OPC communication via web
services.
OPC UA – OPC Communication Across Specification Generations
The OPC UA component allows adding an OPC UA Client as data
destination into an OPC communication. The communication between
the OPC Easy Connect Suite and the OPC UA Client can be set up fast
and easily.
INTEGRATION OF NON-WINDOWS COMPUTERS IN OPC COMMUNICATION
By supporting the OPC UA standard, the OPC UA component allows
the integration of non-Windows computers like embedded systems into
the OPC communication.
SUPPORT OF FULL SET OF OPC UA SECURITY MECHANISMS
Integrating the OPC UA component into the OPC communication
allows to make use of individual security mechanisms as defined by
the OPC UA standard. These include the exchange of certificates,
the authentification by user name and password or the encryption of
data using various encryption algorithms.
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server OPC DA, OPC XML-DAOPC DA, OPC
XML-DA OPC ClientOPC Classic ClientOPC DA, OPC XML-DAOPC DA, OPC
XML-DA
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC Bridge
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
DDDD
DSDS
OPC ServerOPC Classic Server OPC DA, OPC XML-DAOPC DA, OPC
XML-DA OPC ClientOPC UA ClientOPC DA, OPC XML-DAOPC UA
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC UA
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
DDDD
DSDS
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Ensures Interoperability of Usually Incompatible OPC
Components
> Supports Integration of Non-Windows Computers
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Supports Integration of Non-Windows Computers
> Provides OPC UA Security Mechanisms
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CUSTOMER BENEFITS
> Allows Cost Efficient Setup of Test Systems for OPC
Clients
OPC Client2Client – Transfer of OPC Client Data to Other OPC
Clients
OPC Client2Client provides the functionality of an intelligent
data storage that can receive data from one OPC Client and forward
it to one or more other OPC Clients. This makes it possible to
exchange data between control systems and visualization systems
that have no OPC Server interface.
EXTENDED OPC CLIENT FUNCTIONALITY
OPC Client2Client extends the functionality of existing OPC
Clients (e.g. SCADA systems) by capabilities for direct
communication with other OPC Clients. This eliminates the need to
include additional components in the overall system in order to
further process the data, e.g. when commissioning devices with
integrated OPC Client or when setting up test systems for these
devices.
OPC Easy Connect Suite - OPC Client2Client
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC Easy ConnectSuite
OPC ClientOPC Classic Client
OPC ClientOPC Classic Client
OPC OPC Classic
OPC OPC Classic
LocalOPC Items
LocalOPC Items
Data Exchange
DDDD
DSDS
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OPC Middleware / OPC Easy Connect Suite
Softing Industrial Automation is a world leading provider of
industrial communication products and technologies for
manufacturing and process automation. Our products are tailored to
the requirements of system integrators, device vendors, machine and
equipment manufacturers or end users and are known for its ease of
use and functional advantages.
TECHNICAL DATASupported OPC Specifications OPC Classic data
access V1.0a, V2.05, V3.0, OPC Classic Xml-da V1.01,
OPC Classic alarms and Events V1.10, OPC Unified architecture
V1.01
OPC roles OPC Client (on OPC Server Side), OPC Server (on OPC
Client Side)
Supported OPC data Types VariaNT data Types i1, Ui1, i2, Ui2,
i4, Ui4, i8, Ui8, r4, r8, CY, daTE, BSTr, BOOl and arrays
(VT_arraY) of These data Types
OPC Certification OPC Client: Test with Several OPC Servers at
OPC Foundation‘s interoperability workshop
OPC Server: Test with Several OPC Clients at OPC Foundation‘s
interoperability workshop, Test Using OPC
Foundation‘s Compliance Test Tool
Supported Operating Systems windows XP, windows Vista, windows 7
(32Bit and 64Bit), windows 8 (32Bit and 64Bit),
windows Server 2003, windows Server 2008, windows Server
2012
(as of July 2013)
implementation Types application (OutProc server), windows
Service
logging, diagnostics logging of OPC Calls and Notifications, OPC
data, OPC Tunnel Frames, Text File accesses, database accesses
Configurable Via integrated web Server diagnostic interface
Supported databases Oracle, mySQl, microsoft SQl Server, iBm
dB2
Other OdBC-Enabled databases Upon inquiry
(as of October 2011)
licensing runtime license Per Computer, Basic license,
add-On license for access to additional OPC Servers
demo Version Full OPC Easy Connect Suite Functionality for
accessing Up to 10 OPC Servers and Up to 250 OPC items
as well as Up to 10 OPC Tunnel Connections, Time limited to 72
Hours
SCOPE OF DELIVERYOPC Easy Connect Suite Software on Cd-rOm
documentation Online Help in English and German on Cd-rOm
ORDER NUMBERSdCm-dd-1000 Basic license for Using the OPC Easy
Connect Suite, Version V2.0 and Higher, on One Computer
(activation Via Software Key)
Supports the use of the OPC Easy Connect Suite for access to a
single OPC server and up to 10,000 OPC
items
dCm-dd-2050 additional Server Connection license for OPC Easy
Connect Suite, Version V2.0 and Higher, for access
to maximum 50 OPC Servers Simultaneously
UaC-dd-0100 USB Hardware Key for OPC Easy Connect Suite, Version
V2.0 and Higher, to replace the Software Key
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICESTra-OPC-aNw Training "OPC Server
and Client within applications", 2 days
Softing Industrial Automation GmbHRichard-Reitzner-Allee 685540
Haar / Germany
Tel.: +49 89 4 56 56-340Fax: +49 89 4 56
[email protected]://industrial.softing.com