Mitsubishi Electric has introduced C-Connector, a PLC module that delivers data from plant-wide automation system directly to a user’s SAP system in real-time. The C Connector PLC module simplifies the linking of the plant’s automation systems to higher level databases, ERP applications and MES applications like SAP. Production data can be easily monitored and recorded, and higher level production decisions more easily implemented, helping to increase plant visibility and to boost productivity.

Modern manufacturing processes rely as much on physical automation as they do on communications protocols to integrate production in to a seamless process. Communication to higher level business systems however is often fragmented as layers of PCs and systems need to be navigated to finally deliver data at the plant’s ERP or MES centre.

Familiar to production and IT personnel

For the automation engineer the C-Connector is easy to integrate into the control automation, whilst the information it presents to enterprise and logistics personnel is readily usable and understandable. The C Connector facilitates direct, bidirectional exchange of data between a PLC and the higher level systems, simplifying the collecting, storage and monitoring of field data within the business application, and the sending of instructions directly to the plant floor.

Direct interfacing

Eliminating the need for intermediate PC hardware and its inherent infrastructure and IT vulnerabilities such as; virus scanner maintenance, OS upgrades and incompatibilities, hardware failures, operator abuse, the industrial proven C-Connector runs directly on Mitsubishi Electric’s iQ controller, where it has direct access to live process data and all connected I/O. It can also be used to collect data from other automation devices in the field such as RFID sensors, barcode reader, weighing systems or vision systems.

Bi-directional communications

Setting up bidirectional communications is achieved using integration templates for the target system from the extensive library of pre-configured templates. These cover many different SAP solutions including direct Business Application Programming Interface (BAPI) interfacing; Media Independent Interface ( MII) connection, web services. Plant Connectivity (PCo) connection is also planned. Data can also be output as standard CSV, Excel or XML files. This eliminates the need for detailed knowledge of the target system and its interfaces, dramatically simplifying integration overhead.

 Secure connections

The ability to make correct production decisions, to enhance quality and to ensure full traceability depends on making plant-floor data readily available to higher level systems. Traditionally connectivity to ERP systems such as SAP was fragmented, but the direct data connection offered by C-Controller simplifies and strengthens the link making it reliable, robust and secure.

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