Hello everyone, I am currently undertaking a project that involves setting up an IoT platform utilizing Microsoft Azure Cloud. For communication, I will be using LAN with the TCP protocol. My plan is to integrate OPC UA, Simatic IoT Gateway, and other tools to transfer data from the aging Simotion controller to the Edge device (IPC), and ultimately to Microsoft Azure. The challenge lies in the compatibility of the old Simotion control units programmed in Simotion Scout, making it difficult to find a suitable solution. As a recent graduate with a focus on PLCs, I am seeking assistance from those familiar with this area. Any guidance or further information on the problem would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Matija.
When selecting a solution, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your system. It is recommended to approach the decision-making process from this angle. The latest version of Simotion is known to support OPC UA, however, it is uncertain if an upgrade is possible for your system. It is also unclear whether the upgrade is a simple firmware update or if it involves additional costs (possibly related to engineering software). Have you looked into whether Simatic Edge offers a Simotion communications driver as an alternative to OPC UA? There are various gateway devices available that support multiple protocols and can seamlessly transmit data to the cloud. It is worth exploring if any of these devices support Simotion directly and can directly transfer data to Azure.
You may want to enhance your system by integrating a Siemens HMI or PC with a Simotion "driver" to access tags through a proxy. This will enable your HMI to function as an edge device. Based on your initial plan, it seems like a viable option. In this scenario, it's advisable not to reprogram the Simotion controller.
In a recent discussion, JRW suggested the possibility of integrating a Siemens HMI or PC with a Simotion "driver" to access tags via proxy, potentially allowing the HMI to function as an edge device. Building upon this idea from a previous post, it seems like this is already in line with your plans. In your situation, it may be best to refrain from reprogramming the Simotion controller. I have taken the step of adding a PC and will be moving forward in this direction. Apologies for the delayed response.
Hi Matija, kudos on undertaking this complex project! I've had some experience with similar projects and I agree, dealing with legacy systems is quite a challenge. One idea could be to use an OPC UA Wrapper. It creates an OPC UA server on your IPC that will enable conversion of data from the Simotion controller to OPC UA, this way data could be readily pushed to Azure. Also, delve deep into Simotion Scout documentation, you never know what workaround you may find. Plus, it would be great if you got in touch with Siemens, given Simotion is their product, they might have solutions or workarounds, specifically designed for these situations. Keep exploring your options, and never be afraid to get creative with your solutions! Good luck!
Hi Matija, it sounds like you've got your work cut out for you! Working with older control units can indeed be a challenge. If the Simotion controller runs on PROFINET, which is highly likely, the Simatic IoT Gateway should be able to handle the communication. The gateway is capable of integrating existing machines with the cloud through a plug-and-play type communication, making it quite versatile in such scenarios. It also supports OPC UA which should handle your need for data transfer. One tip - if possible, try conducting a small-scale test run before the full-fledged implementation to identify potential issues. Good luck!
Hi Matija, I've worked on a similar project a few months back. One of the approaches I found effective was to use a middleware solution. For your case, Siemens offers something called Softing's dataFEED OPC Suite which can handle the translation between Simotion Scout and the newer data formats. This lets you collect, process and then forward the resulting data to Azure. This could potentially solve your compatibility issues. As a bonus, Softing's suite also supports protocols beyond just OPC UA so it offers some flexibility there. Good luck!
Hi Matija! Your project sounds exciting! Integrating legacy systems like the Simotion controller can be tricky, but using OPC UA is a great way to bridge that gap. Have you considered using an OPC UA wrapper around the Simotion controller? It might help facilitate data exchange without needing to modify the existing setup too much. Additionally, check out existing Azure IoT services; they often have built-in support for classic protocols. Don't hesitate to reach out to the community; there are quite a few who have tackled similar challenges. Good luck!
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Answer: Answer: The key components involved in this integration include OPC UA, Simatic IoT Gateway, LAN with TCP protocol, and Edge devices (IPC) for transferring data from the aging Simotion controller to Microsoft Azure.
Answer: Answer: The main challenge lies in the compatibility of the old Simotion control units programmed in Simotion Scout, making it difficult to find a suitable solution for transferring data to Microsoft Azure.
Answer: Answer: Overcoming compatibility issues may involve finding alternative tools or methods that can bridge the gap between the old Simotion control units and modern IoT platforms like Microsoft Azure. Seeking assistance from experts in the field or exploring additional resources can provide valuable insights and solutions.
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