OPC Router – Connect PLCs, Databases, MES, ERP and Cloud
OPC Router connects production with enterprise IT systems without requiring every data flow to be programmed from scratch. In a graphical environment, it connects OPC UA and OPC DA servers, PLCs, databases, MES, ERP, SAP, MQTT, REST APIs, RFID readers, printers, e-mail, files and cloud services. Data transfers can be continuously monitored and adjusted through a clear configuration interface.
Which systems do you need to connect, and how should the data flow?
We will discuss the data sources and targets, communication interfaces, required logic, number of servers and system availability, then select the appropriate licence, plug-ins and add-ons.
More about OPC Router functions, licences and applications
A data hub between OT and IT
OPC Router acts as an integration layer between production equipment and enterprise applications. Plug-ins connect the individual systems, while the graphical environment is used to create rules for reading, writing, converting, validating and routing data.
Connect data sources, targets, triggers and logic in a clear graphical environment.
Data can be transferred in both directions between production, databases, ERP, MES, cloud platforms and other applications.
Before transfer, data can be validated, converted, combined, compared or supplemented with a timestamp.
Monitor transfer status, current values and communication errors between the connected systems.
Start with the required connectors and extend the solution later.
The core supports calculations, time triggers, XML, JSON and CSV files, and custom scripts.
How does the data exchange work?
OPC servers, PLCs, databases, SAP, MES, ERP, readers, printers, files, MQTT, REST and cloud services.
Triggers, conditions, conversions, calculations, value validation and data-flow routing.
Write data to the target system, confirm the result and continuously monitor the communication status.
Choose the appropriate OPC Router licence
The OPC Router core, to which you add at least one specific plug-in. Available as both a subscription and a perpetual licence.
View OPC Router BasicA cost-effective subscription licence containing the program core and 30 of the most widely used plug-in modules.
View OPC Router StandardA subscription licence containing all plug-ins and add-ons. Also suitable for projects requiring redundancy or extensive SAP integration.
View OPC Router EnterpriseFor a simple connection of several systems and a precise choice of connectors, select Basic. For standard industrial integration projects, the more cost-effective option is usually Standard. For large enterprises requiring every connector or a redundant solution, choose Enterprise.
Connectors and supported systems
OPC UA Client, OPC DA Client, OPC UA Server, and PLC and CNC data through a connected OPC server.
MS SQL, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL and other database systems, depending on the plug-in used.
Connect production with MES and ERP applications, including connectors for SAP R/3 and SAP HANA.
Transfer data to MQTT brokers, web services, APIs and selected cloud platforms.
Connect readers, identification systems, labelling equipment and industrial printers.
Work with e-mail, spreadsheets and XML, JSON and CSV files, depending on the selected modules.
Product group overview
Standard and Enterprise licences with a predefined set of modules.
View packagesThe OPC Router core for an individually assembled combination of connectors.
View the core moduleConnectors for OPC, databases, SAP, MQTT, printers and other systems.
View plug-insExtension functions for advanced and large-scale integration projects.
View add-onsTypical OPC Router applications
Store production values, alarms, consumption data, downtime and process parameters in an SQL database.
Transfer orders, materials, production results and other information between SAP and production systems.
Convert industrial data for cloud platforms, IoT platforms and modern enterprise applications.
Read product identification, validate the data and automatically send it to a printer.
Evaluate limit conditions and automatically send alerts to selected recipients.
One central integration layer for multiple data sources, target applications and production lines.
OPC Router, Kepware or SIA Connect?
| Solution | Main role | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| OPC Router | Integration, transformation and routing of data between OT and IT | MES, ERP, SAP, databases, MQTT, REST and other applications |
| Kepware Server | Reading and standardising data from many PLCs and devices | Central OPC communication server for the plant |
| SIA Connect | Compact data collection, storage and bidirectional transfer | Machines and small to medium-sized projects |
Kepware Server can centrally read and standardise data from PLCs, CNC machines, robots and other devices. OPC Router then connects this data with databases, SAP, MES, ERP, MQTT, REST APIs or cloud platforms.
How can FOXON help?
- We design a suitable OT/IT integration architecture.
- We select the Basic, Standard or Enterprise licence.
- We recommend the required plug-ins and add-ons.
- We prepare and test the data flows.
- We connect OPC, databases, SAP, MES, ERP and cloud platforms.
- We assist with security and access management.
- We provide professional training for administrators and integrators.
- We provide technical support and assistance with further development of the solution.
OPC Router 5.6: Speed up deployment with the Solution Gallery
A new feature in the OPC Router 5.6 data connector is the Solution Gallery — a gallery of preconfigured integration solutions. Its goal is to speed up project deployment and reduce manual configuration. Instead of building an integration from scratch, you can use a ready-made template, fill in the required parameters, and launch the project immediately.
OPC Router vs. Node-RED: Does it make sense to pay for software when an open-source alternative exists?
Sometimes you ask us: “Why should we pay for OPC Router when we can use Node-RED for free?” The answer is not about money, but primarily about operational risk, stability, security, and efficiency in live production. We have prepared a comparison to help you decide which solution is the right fit for your infrastructure.
OPC Router 5.5: Cloud Integration, Data Standardization, and AI Features
The new version of the data connector brings major improvements for data processing, data standardization, and connecting to artificial intelligence. The features in version 5.5 create an end-to-end data flow—from collecting information at machine level to analyzing it in an AI cloud. The new version also brings the Snowflake plug-in.
Collection & Integration of Machine Data, 3-in-1: Value Bundle — KEPServerEX + DataLogger + OPC Router
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.
OPC Router: 3 Reasons to Choose the New Packages
OPC Router is smart software that allows you to easily connect data from industrial devices to IT/OT systems without the need for programming. Everything is fast and automated, with clear visualisation showing all data flows in real time. You no longer need to purchase individual plug-ins (connectors) separately, as you can now purchase a convenient package containing the most commonly used ones. Alternatively, you can have all plug-ins and add-ons (extensions) in one licence at a great price with the "All in One" package.
KEPServerEX & OPC Router: 3 Real-Life Examples of Symbiosis in Production
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.
Connect Your Machines to IT Systems Yourself
The OPC Router program communicates with all OPC servers via the OPC DA or OPC UA protocol. As a result, OPC Router can read data from and write it to all PLCs on the market. And so far, we’ve used only a single OPC Client plug-in module. What else can you connect yourself using additional plug-in modules? Read our article.
How to use OPC Router to connect OT and IT systems data with each other
OPC Router is a software program that allows you to connect various industrial devices and IT/OT systems to each other. All this is fast, automated and without programming knowledge. In addition, you can see all data flows in a clear visualization. For example, you can connect PLC control systems, OPC servers, printers, RFID readers, e-mail, databases, SAP R3 or SAP HANA, etc.
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