OPC is a set of open standards for connectivity and interoperability of industrial automation and the enterprise system. OPC provides a bridge between Windows based applications and process control hardware, thereby eliminating the need for proprietary or custom interfaces and drivers for the various data types and sources residing in your corporate information network. Having information readily available in a universally-recognized format can cut costs, speed up development and increase operations efficiency. This is especially true when many diverse software applications, hardware, and operating systems exist in the corporate and operations networks.

Warning

inaccurate data results

Do not incorrectly configure the OPC Server; as this can lead to inaccurate data results.

Do not use data results as substitutes for proper workplace practices or equipment maintenance; they are supplemental only.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

OPC is supported through the implementation of , a .NET-based system that takes the traditional “register handle-based” ION data and transforms it into structured “measurement-based” data that complies with open standards such as OPC. facilitates the translation and organization of data in this new measurement classification system.

supports OPC server and OPC client functionality. The OPC server translates ION data into OPC data, for exporting and viewing in other third-party OPC client systems. The OPC client, on the other hand, takes OPC standardized measurements from third-party systems and translates them into a data format that can use.

Scope

This appendix provides basic configuration and operation instructions for the OPC server component of .

Note

The OPC client is available in all installations. However, due to the number of different third-party OPC-compliant servers in the industry, as well as different methods and syntax for connecting to these servers and accessing their data, it is highly recommended that you contact for assistance in configuring the OPC client.

Optional OPC server license

The OPC Server Assistant is available during the 90-day trial period. After the trial period, you need to purchase an OPC DA Server license and activate it through the Floating License Manager to enable OPC server functionality.

can be ordered with or without the optional OPC server license. You can also order the OPC server license at a later date. If you purchased your OPC server license after you have installed , enable the OPC server functionality simply by entering your new product key in (under Tools > License Manager).

OPC server type

The OPC server complies with the "OPC Data Access Custom Interface Standard Version 2.05A". The class of data that the current release of OPC Data Access server is able to provide is Read-Only data (i.e., control functions are not currently supported).