I am seeking feedback from individuals about their preferred hardware manufacturers. Our aerospace manufacturing facility primarily uses ERP / MRP software and Excel, with minimal SCADA implementation. We have plans to collect data at various stages of the manufacturing and assembly process. Although we have Windows terminals at each workstation, I am looking for ways to communicate with operators beyond email. I started by testing a Delta Industrial Automation PLC & HMI, but I am facing challenges with integrating barcode readers and transmitting data to SQL databases. While I am open to other options besides Delta products, I have found their free software to be less efficient. Any recommendations with detailed explanations would be highly valued. The first project involves using PLC / HMI for the following steps:Enter Employee IDScan 2D barcode on partSubmit the dataTimestamp will be automatically recorded in the backgroundData will be stored in SQL database.
Red Lion's Data Station protocol converter and data acquisition system serves as a central hub for advanced industrial data gathering and control. Its built-in MQTT connectors streamline IIoT initiatives with intuitive point-and-click operation, alongside integrated OPC UA server capabilities. Visit redlion.net for more information.
Welcome to the PLCTalk forum community! When seeking equipment recommendations, expect diverse opinions based on individuals' experiences with different languages and controllers. What systems are you familiar with? Personally, I initially support the Red Lion suggestion but would like to gather more information and provide additional insights. In a recent project, I utilized a barcode reader with an Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus. Encountering some challenges, I researched using Red Lion and found solutions to my issues related to barcode input methods. If you have a 2D symbol reader with a USB connection, please specify the exact model and type of symbols being read. How do employees input their Employee Number - via keyboard, touchscreen, 2D reader for ID badges, or RF proximity reader for ID cards? Where is your SQL server located? Is it a Microsoft SQL Server or different? Would you prefer a dedicated HMI touchscreen or a browser-based HMI for convenience on Windows workstations? Rediscover Red Lion's features, including its SQL Sync and SQL Query capabilities. Ensure your automation system has an accurate Time value, potentially by querying pool.ntp.org. Consider how you plan to use the data logged about the parts and anticipate adding automation to other processes and equipment.
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Welcome to the PLCTalk forum community! When seeking equipment recommendations, it's common to receive suggestions based on personal preferences and experience. What programming languages and controllers are you familiar with? I recently used a barcode reader with an Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus and encountered some challenges. Researching Red Lion's solutions, I found that they addressed the issues I faced. If you have a 2-D symbol reader, please specify the model and type of symbols you're reading. Are employees entering their IDs manually or is there a need for scanning or swiping ID cards? Regarding your SQL server, is it a Microsoft SQL Server, and do you prefer a dedicated HMI touchscreen or browser-based interface? Consider Red Lion's different HMI options. Red Lion offers SQL Sync for uploading log files to an SQL server and SQL Query for extracting data. If you require UPDATE or INSERT commands, explore other options. How do you ensure accurate time in your automation system? Consider querying time from pool.ntp.org or using another source. What are your plans for the logged data? Are you looking to implement automation in other processes and equipment in the future? Feel free to visit Competitive Engineering's website for more information. Let's discuss further to tailor solutions to your needs.
Utilizing Net Studio with an Ingear driver is a common practice in developing control systems. Many modern systems are designed using Net Studio, as evident from the splash screens in Studio 5000 and CCW. The final application can be easily installed on any Windows-based computer, allowing you to store data in various formats.
I strongly suggest looking into Siemens. Their range of SIMATIC PLCs, WinCC SCADA systems, and Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portal provide the tools necessary for seamless data management and communication. Siemens offers an array of barcode readers too with connectivity options that might make integration easier than your experience with Delta. With a Siemens setup, transmitting data to SQL databases can be easier given the versatility and compatibility of their software with different database systems. Siemens has been improving their industrial automation product line based on customers' needs, so you can expect good support and resources for troubleshooting. And while it may not be free, the efficiency and ease-of-use of their software often justify the costs in the long run.
In my experience, dealing with barcode integration and data transmission, Siemens PLCs, especially their S7-1200 or S7-1500 series, have proved robust and reliable. They offer good compatibility with various barcode readers, and their TIA (Totally Integrated Automation) Portal platform can be a one-stop solution for PLC, HMI, and SCADA. Plus, their HMIs have user-friendly and intuitive interfaces benefiting operators. With suitable modules and set-up, these PLCs can also communicate directly with SQL databases, easing your data collection and storage process. For the personalized data steps you mentioned, you can configure your HMI screens to handle employee ID entry and barcode scanning, and let the PLC handle automatic time-stamping and data submission to the SQL database. They might be a bit pricey compared to Delta, but high performance and reliability could offset that. Siemens also offers comprehensive technical support, which is a big plus.
You might want to check out Siemens or Allen-Bradley for a more comprehensive hardware solution that can cope with the complexity of your operation. Both companies have a robust PLC & HMI product range that have been successfully used in various manufacturing setups. I’ve personally used Siemens S7-1200 PLC lineup in a somewhat similar data collection scenario, and its seamless integration with TIA Portal made for a smooth operation. They also support Profinet communication for barcode readers and have good SQL integration which will fit your need for database management. Remember, while upfront costs can be higher, invest in systems with scalable architecture that can grow with your operations. It's about finding a balance between your budget, your needs and future scalability.
I'd definitely recommend exploring Siemens hardware. They have a solid reputation when it comes to PLCs and their SIMATIC range has in-built support for SCADA, which could reduce complexity in transition. Furthermore, Siemens TIA Portal is wonderful software to use for programming and data visualization. It also supports SQL databases, which could facilitate easy data management for you. Their barcode reader integration process is quite seamless, it might solve your barcode reader challenges. Additionally, There's ProLeiT’s Plant iT product line, based on .NET, which creates a strong ERP <-> PLC connection, especially for data gathering, and supports efficient interface with operators. Redistributions are free, making changes in your factory setup hassle free. It may present a learning curve, but the capabilities and flexibility could immensely benefit your operation in the long run.
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Answer: - Some recommended hardware manufacturers for aerospace manufacturing facility PLC/HMI projects include Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron, and Schneider Electric. These manufacturers offer a wide range of products suitable for industrial automation applications.
Answer: - Integrating barcode readers and transmitting data to SQL databases using PLC/HMI systems involves configuring the communication protocols between the devices, setting up data collection points, and developing appropriate software logic. It is essential to ensure compatibility between the hardware and software components to achieve seamless integration.
Answer: - When selecting hardware for PLC/HMI projects in aerospace manufacturing facilities, factors to consider include compatibility with existing systems, ease of integration, scalability, reliability, technical support, and cost-effectiveness. It is important to choose hardware that meets the specific requirements of the manufacturing environment and can facilitate efficient data collection and process control.
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