SAP Integration with PLC

[Former Member]

hI,

I want to know how can I integrate SAP with PLC and what are the important things we need to consider for integration?

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi

Have you looked at Rockwell RsSQL with the

"Gateway to SAP" option.

RsLinx being an OPC server should allow you to connect

any of your own OPC compliant PLCS to it.

Then use RsSQL to conduit the information into

MS SQL and use the "gateway" to SAP to finsih the job.

Regards

Anand

[Former Member]

answered

[madlercm]

In general you don't integrate an ERP system directly to PLCs.

Normally you would have some SCADA system in between. This system would then integrate with SAP via OPC.

[Former Member]

Hi,

U r right. SCADA system is there. Then now how do I integrate.What is OPC?

[Former Member]

Hi

An OPC Server is a software application that acts as an API (Application Programming Interface) or protocol converter.

An OPC Server will connect to a device such as a PLC, DCS, RTU, or a data source such as a database or User interface, and translate the data into a standard-based OPC format.

Regards

Anand

[darcy_curtin]

Hi,

The question is really what kind of data do you need to exchange between the PLC / SCADA system and SAP.

In general, there are many ways to get data in and out of a SCADA system and the best method will depend upon the specific SCADA you are using (Emerson, GE, Siemens, Yokogawa, etc.).

The most widely used exchange method is OPC and you can purchase OPC DA servers that connect to all commercial SCADA systems either from 3rd parties (such as Matrikon and Kepware) or the SCADA manufacturer themselves. Once you have the data being served as OPC tags you then need to get it into SAP. Knowing what you want to do with the data (preventive maintenance, quality control, production planning, etc.) will drive your selection of the best method of connecting to SAP.

There is plenty of general background information available here: [www.opc-to-sap.com] along with an OPC to SAP video you can watch.