System design perspective for PLC with/without IoT Gateway
For one of my client, I'm designing IoT device that can be deployed on machines in manufacturing. The goal is to monitors OEE, machine utilization, and downtime for maximum production efficiency and deep operational insights.
- Use standard Gateway and connect to existing PLC (non-IoT)
In the first approach, we'll have to replace the existing PLC which will be difficult to convince client. As this solution becomes very expensive.
In the second approach, I'll have to design the IoT Device that can communicate with existing PLCs over protocols like OPC/UA, Modbus, S7, HTTP, TCP, etc.
To reduce the cost and provide flexibility. I'm thinking of designing IoT Device from scratch where Node-RED will be used to connect data from different types of hardware and sensors.
Would like to hear toughts, challenges, and suggestions on choosing the correct hardware, software framework, techologies, etc.
Thanking you!
Now to solve this problem, I can think of two solutions
* Use PLC with IoT connectivity- Use standard Gateway and connect to existing PLC (non-IoT)
In the first approach, we'll have to replace the existing PLC which will be difficult to convince client. As this solution becomes very expensive.
In the second approach, I'll have to design the IoT Device that can communicate with existing PLCs over protocols like OPC/UA, Modbus, S7, HTTP, TCP, etc.
To reduce the cost and provide flexibility. I'm thinking of designing IoT Device from scratch where Node-RED will be used to connect data from different types of hardware and sensors.
Would like to hear toughts, challenges, and suggestions on choosing the correct hardware, software framework, techologies, etc.
Thanking you!
