Subject: Seeking a Standard for XML File Translation for Pick By Lights Control Hello, We are in search of an efficient method to translate XML files from our ERP system for controlling Pick By Lights within a shared folder environment. Currently, we utilize a Beckhoff PLC, which operates the Pick By Lights through a custom VB application that processes these XML files. Our aim is to establish a solution that eliminates the need for a PC. I have suggested implementing a Siemens 1200 PLC integrated with a comfort panel to facilitate the XML translation directly to the PLC. However, a colleague has proposed using Arduino instead. In my opinion, Arduino may not be suitable for a professional setting, though I remain open to options. I've read that working with Arduino and XML file parsing can be quite complex. Are there PLC options available that can directly parse XML files? This would be an ideal solution for our needs. Best regards, Combo
Combo stated: Hello, we are exploring a standard solution for translating XML files from our ERP system stored in a shared folder to manage our Pick By Lights system. Currently, we utilize a Beckhoff PLC to control these lights via a tailored Visual Basic application that processes XML files. However, we desire a setup that operates independently from a PC. I suggested using a Siemens S7-1200 PLC combined with a comfort panel for XML translation to the PLC, but a colleague disagreed and proposed utilizing Arduino instead. Personally, I don't believe Arduino is suitable for professional applications. That said, if it proves effective... I've read that parsing XML files with Arduino can be complex. Are there PLCs designed to handle XML parsing? This would be ideal. Best regards, Combo Expanding on this, I believe that parsing XML is inherently a challenging task, regardless of the platform used. In theory, any PLC equipped with basic string manipulation functions should be capable of handling the large text structure of an XML file. However, I am not aware of any existing XML parsing libraries or functions for PLCs; you would likely have to develop a solution from the ground up. While it is hypothetically feasible using Ladder Logic, it almost certainly requires Structured Text for practical implementation. Additionally, accessing data from a shared drive directly within a PLC poses its own difficulties. If I were in your position, I would consider using a PC (for instance, within the ERP system) to parse the XML files and transmit the data to the PLC via OPC. It may also be worth investigating whether an HMI or a dedicated gateway, such as Hilscher NetTap or Anybus, could accomplish this task effectively.
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