I am exploring new possibilities here. One of my clients utilizes a PC-based batching system with ET200s for remote IO. The management team is interested in accessing raw material inventory data from this system. They inquired about a cost-effective and straightforward solution for this task. Drawing from my experience with Ignition Edge for another project, I suggested it as a viable option. However, the challenge lies in the absence of a PLC for communication, only the remote I/O rack. If there were an S7 1200 controller retrieving data from the rack, I could devise a solution. Yet, I lack prior experience in such a setup. Is it feasible for two controllers to access the same I/O rack? The required data is relatively stable, allowing for longer update intervals. Any insights on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
The ET200sp high feature interface modules offer a unique capability of sharing all inputs between two controllers, a feature not present in the earlier ET200s models. It is important to determine whether this feature is supported by Profibus or Profinet IO protocols. Can the PC-based batching system access this shared data? Alternatively, can the PC-based batching system be configured to read data directly from the 1200 instead? If the PC-based system is operating as a closed system, finding a solution may be challenging. However, if it is utilizing a soft PLC, there may be potential to customize the project for more functionality. It is worth noting that Profibus and Profinet protocols may include a supervisory controller concept, possibly resembling an HMI, but practical implementations in products remain uncertain.
I appreciate your response. After a discussion with the customer, we have decided on a more cost-effective solution using a TeamViewer connection to the Batching PCs. I am satisfied with this decision.
I believe your idea is feasible. In industrial setups, it's not uncommon for multiple controllers to access the same I/O rack, though synchronization and data consistency would be crucial to ensure there isn't any collision or data corruption. You might want to consider implementing a master/slave configuration where one controller (the master) has primary control, and the secondary controller (or controllers) essentially retrieve data based on the master's schedule. Siemens provides some standard mechanisms to deal with such setups. However, it will definitely require a careful planning and a thorough understanding of the system to avoid any missteps. I suggest reaching out to Siemens' support or a knowledgeable systems integrator who has experience with similar scenarios. Granted, every setup will be unique to some extent, so you'll likely still have some kinks to work out.
It's definitely a tricky situation when you're working with remote I/O like the ET200 without a PLC for coordination. Generally, you can't have two controllers simultaneously accessing the same I/O rack directly because they might conflict with each other's data requests. However, a possible workaround could be using a gateway or middleware that can aggregate the data from the I/O rack and then relay it to both systems. That's where tools like Ignition Edge could shine, as they can interface with different protocols. Just make sure the data handling is robust enough to prevent any data conflicts or losses!
It sounds like you're facing a bit of a challenge with your setup! In theory, having two controllers access the same I/O rack could be tricky, especially with ET200s. Typically, you'll want to have one master controller that manages the I/O data to prevent any conflicts or data consistency issues. If the data doesn't need real-time access, you could consider using a higher-level data management solution to act as an intermediary. This way, you can pull the inventory data at your preferred intervals without the need for a direct PLC controller. Have you thought about setting up a data logger or a gateway that could communicate with the ET200s and then relay the information you need? That might give you a flexible and cost-effective solution!
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Answer: - Yes, it is possible to access inventory data through a cost-effective solution by leveraging Ignition Edge software and potentially integrating an S7 1200 controller.
Answer: - While it may pose a challenge due to the absence of a PLC for communication, it is theoretically feasible for two controllers to access the same I/O rack. However, specific configuration and setup might be required.
Answer: - The S7 1200 controller can play a crucial role in retrieving data from the remote I/O rack and facilitating the communication process between the inventory system and other components, enhancing the overall data access and management capabilities.
Answer: - With the data being relatively stable and allowing longer update intervals, it provides flexibility in designing the data retrieval and processing system. Efficient data handling strategies can be implemented to optimize resource utilization and ensure accurate inventory tracking.
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