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Direct Access to the Cloud via Touch Panel

You want to digitize your production continuously and have all your production data available in real time – without investing in new equipment or control systems? Having access to your machine data at any time and from any place – these are today’s requirements of automation technology. The tci PLC operating panels of XS-series and the tci cloud portal is not only easy to use but also offers a high data security and low costs.

PLC Operating Panels with Cloud Connection

The touch panels with XS-technology are not only universal PLC operating panels – due to integrated cloud interface they are your key for industry 4.0 solutions. The PLC operating panels have everything you need for the cloud connection:

  • the client is integrated in the touch panel, no additional hardware such as VPN routers required
  • http access is sufficient, no changes to the firewall necessary
  • works with any internet access (3G, wireless network, LAN, DSL)
  • connection setup always to the outside – no problems with dynamic or fixed IP address (security, reliability, cost)
  • securety due to encrypted communication

The operating panels are not directly visible from the internet, but only via the tci cloud portal to which the touch panels connect.

tci Cloud Portal as Local Cloud

The cloud portal can be operated not only on the infrastructure of common cloud providers, but also as local cloud in your own data center – or directly on a tci rack PC or box PC.

Advantages of a Local Cloud

  • secure – all communication endpoints are located in their own access area
  • fast – latencies don’t play any role for communication via internet connections
  • independent from availability of internet connections and external cloud services

Webbased Workflow

Due to end-to-end web technology mobile devices can be used without system interruption. The connection is set up via wireless network or independently of the place via tci cloud portal.

  • configure, visualize and operate via HTML5-compatible device
  • PLC variables can be logged cyclical or event-driven
  • current values and historical data can be saved in the portal and can be retrieved for processing
  • the data in the PLC operating plan can be evaluated via preprocessing in order to transfer only the relevant results to the cloud portal
  • different data profiles are parameterizable, for example for the user, maintainer or manager

Besides – even if you do not need it right now, you are prepared for the future. The system is not only suitable for new equipment, but also for retrofitting of existing units.

IoT for Retrofitting

The PLC operating panels are parameterizable for Industry 4.0 suitable production plants with minimum effort. Using the reliable cloud services, all required data is available for retrieval in the internet. You don’t need any additional hardware.

All of the PLC operating systems have access to the relevant data range via these protocols. You don’t need to change anything on the PLC program itself, so the warranty of the equipment is not restricted.

Following Connections are Available for the User:

  • CodeSys WebVisu (web server to PLC)
  • WAGO/Beckhoff via CGI.BIN (web server to panel)
  • S7-ISOTCP (web server to panel)
  • ModbusTCP (web server to panel)
  • OPC (OPC-Client to panel)
  • VNC (via VNC-Client to panel)

Remote Maintenance

The PLC operating panels provide functions to maintain the system remotely. The access can be provided via default browser (HTML5) through a TSL-secured connection. The remote maintenance can be carried out through every internet enabled terminal. Additional drivers or special plug-ins are not required.

 

  • same “look and feel” through remote maintenance as through local operating panels
  • values can be viewed and parameters can be set 
  • (a protection against unauthorized changes is integrated)
  • no changes in network infrastructure required
  • connection establishment is done using a secure web portal
PLC operating panels

Integrated Cloud Services

Besides controlling and operating decentrally, data can be stored in the web portal. The Cloud Services enable to select and process the collected data via superordinated MES or ERP systems. For activating, there is a data logging function on the PLC panels, which can be parametered if necessary.

  • any data point can be selected
  • CSV files are stored in the web portal automatically
  • customized interfaces and protocols are possible
  • many PLC panels can be used via one account

Data Security

  • connection from service center or ERP clients to the portal is established through “https”
  • coding with TLS1.2
  • no changes on the firewall required
  • no special ports, which could possibly be attacked, need to be opened
  • data, which is stored in the cloud, can be encrypted optionally
  • user management including user, user groups and scalable access rights

More Product Information:

XS Technologie Logo 240px

SPS HMI and Webpanels with XS-Technology

The XS-Technology of tci combines ARM-based touch panels with an integrated micro browser for web visualization with popular PLC systems. This enables high-performance display of data visualization in a resource-saving and long-term stable environment. A continuous working without limitation is possible. The micro browser doesn't know irregular disconnects, which require a system reboot with shutdown

  • availabel for PLCs of SAIA, Phoenix, Siemens S7-1200/1500, Siemens LOGO 8, Wago, Raspberry Pi, and many more.
  • support OPC and VNC
  • maintenance-free
  • very durable and reliable
  • protection class minimum IP65