MES implementation without RSView

[aikorob 0]

In our US facility, we have departmental RSView servers that the MES system uses to read any tags needed for management inquiries. Upper management now wants to roll this out to our plant in Germany. The machines in Germany have CompactLogix PLCs, so the tags are already in the right format. Germany does not have a RSView system installed at the present time. Any suggestions about how we can deploy a MES system to our facility there-----without the MES software polling the PLCs directly? Company owners do not want the expense of a RSView system (naturally); but if there is no easy alternative, I guess they will have to pony up the money.

[MrAutomation 20]

Ignition SCADA offers a free OPC server that will communicate with ControlLogix PLCs. It's OPC-UA, not OPC-DA. Hopefully that will work for you. If that won't work, just get RSLinx Classic (OEM most likely - See details about different versions here). You don't need RSView/FactoryTalk view, just RSLinx and set it up as an OPC server. Or use Kepware or Makitron OPC servers. Hopefully this is helpful. Edited 23 Apr 2015 by MrAutomation