Kepware KEPServerEX - OPC Server for PLC Data Collection

As part of its efforts to streamline production, KASKO was looking for a way to expand data collection to include data from sensors retrofitted to dozens of injection molding machines. The goal was to find the simplest possible way to get the data into the MES system. The solution was the OPC Kepware Server, which helps reduce downtime and number of defective parts.

Kepware products have recently transitioned from PTC to Velotic. For you, as FOXON customers and users of Kepware Server (formerly KEPServerEX) and ThingWorx, the most important message is this: nothing will change at all in the coming months.

Kepware Server 7.0.236.0 unifies the former KEPServerEX and ThingWorx Kepware Server into a single product. It introduces security changes, adds support for Windows Server 2025, and removes legacy technologies present in the previous products. Below is an overview of what’s new and what has changed so you can upgrade smoothly.

Want to streamline production and keep consumption, downtime, or machine condition under control? Looking for a simple yet robust way to connect your machines with IT systems? We’ve put together a bundle for collecting, storing, and integrating machine data that stands out not only for its price but also for its completeness.

Kepware’s KEPServerEX software is well-known for its extensive library of communication OPC drivers for industrial devices. While drivers for protocols like Modbus or Siemens are commonly used in daily operations, there are several lesser-known yet highly practical drivers. We have selected 5 lesser-known KEPServerEX drivers worth your attention.

A good reason to upgrade to a higher version of KEPServerEX is always security, which has been improved in several areas in the latest version. Therefore, we recommend upgrading to the higher version of the software after testing. Other reasons include feature and device connectivity updates as well as fixes and enhancements, which you will find briefly in this article.

In October, Inray and PTC (Kepware) hosted a joint webinar. They presented three case studies of customers taking advantage of the KEPServerEX machine data acquisition software and the OPC Router data connector, as well as their joint synergies. The two platforms have enabled these customers to increase their production efficiency and machine uptime. The customers have also used these tools for remote and predictive maintenance.

Are you using a perpetual license of the KEPServerEX software to collect data from machines? Read our 3 recommendations in response to the changes to the Update & Technical Support (hereafter referred to as Technical Support) purchase terms for perpetual licenses that will take effect on January 1, 2025. We know that expert technical support and upgrades to new software versions are important. Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase Technical Support at a volume discount before the end of the year or to convert your perpetual license to a subscription (Subscription Conversion) under unique conditions. The Subscription Conversion license already includes Technical Support. 

Getting started with KEPServerEx and want to do a basic configuration of this OPC Server in 5 minutes?  Watch the video demonstration where we will walk you through the basic setup so that you can start reading data from the connected PLC directly into the OPC Server.