Kepware KEPServerEX - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Kepware KEPServerEX - Product Overview
Introduction to Kepware KEPServerEX
KEPServerEX is a leading communications platform in the industrial automation sector, developed by Kepware, now part of PTC. This software serves as a central hub for connecting, managing, monitoring, and controlling a wide range of automation devices and software applications.Primary Function
The primary function of KEPServerEX is to provide a single source of industrial automation data to various applications. It achieves this by leveraging the OPC (Open Productivity and Connectivity) standard, along with other IT-centric communication protocols such as SNMP, ODBC, and web services. This allows for seamless data exchange between different devices and systems, regardless of their proprietary protocols.Target Audience
KEPServerEX is designed for professionals in industrial automation, including engineers, technicians, and IT personnel involved in plant control systems, enterprise information systems, and various industrial sectors such as building automation, oil and gas, and water and wastewater management. It is particularly useful for those who need to integrate data from diverse automation devices into a unified system.Key Features
Connectivity
KEPServerEX supports a broad range of drivers, enabling connectivity to hundreds of different PLCs, devices, and systems. It can handle both current and legacy devices across various verticals and supports multiple network mediums, including wired and wireless connections. It also connects to databases, custom software applications, and other OPC servers.Accessibility
The platform provides data access for client applications such as MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), IoT (Internet of Things), and Big Data analytics software. It supports multiple client/server technologies, including OPC DA, OPC AE, OPC UA, DDE, FastDDE/SuiteLink, and more.Aggregation
KEPServerEX simplifies the configuration of connected applications by providing a single point of entry to all information. This eliminates the need for multiple disparate solutions, making it easier to manage and maintain the system.Security
The platform offers advanced security features, including user access control, data source regulation, and secure data tunnels. It supports 256-bit AES message signing and encryption, ensuring secure and reliable data transfer. Security policies can be managed through the User Manager, allowing administrators to assign permissions based on user roles.Diagnostics and Redundancy
KEPServerEX includes features like Media Level Redundancy, which ensures reliable communications by establishing redundant connections to devices. This prevents data loss and maximizes uptime. The platform also offers OPC tunneling, which allows for secure and reliable real-time data transfer through firewalls and across networks.Remote Management
The Configuration API enables remote management and configuration of KEPServerEX projects. This allows users to apply programmatic changes via REST-based APIs, making it easier to manage large and constantly changing projects. In summary, KEPServerEX is a comprehensive solution that streamlines industrial automation data management, providing a unified interface for diverse devices and applications, while ensuring security, reliability, and ease of use. Kepware KEPServerEX - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Kepware’s KEPServerEX is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making industrial connectivity straightforward and efficient.
Unified User Interface
KEPServerEX features a single, unified user interface that simplifies the configuration and management of various device drivers and applications. This consistency ensures that users only need to learn a single configuration method, regardless of the underlying control system or device they are working with. The plug-in design of KEPServerEX allows multiple drivers to be integrated into the core server, streamlining the operational environment and reducing the learning curve for users.
Ease of Use
The interface is engineered to be easy to use, allowing users to start providing data to their applications within minutes. The intuitive design makes industrial connectivity accessible, even for those without extensive technical expertise. Key features include a streamlined configuration process and the ability to manage and monitor diverse automation devices and software applications through a single interface.
Configuration and Management
Users can configure and manage KEPServerEX using a variety of tools. For instance, the Configuration API allows for remote programmatic changes to the server configuration via a REST-based API. This feature is particularly useful for large, constantly changing projects, enabling users to apply changes immediately and standardize project creation and naming among different device types.
Security
The user interface also includes robust security features. Administrators can assign security access permissions on individual objects such as channels, devices, and tags based on user roles. The Security Policies advanced plug-in, included with KEPServerEX, helps streamline OPC data and project security by managing user groups, users, and default security settings.
Remote Management
KEPServerEX supports remote management and configuration, allowing users to edit network settings, configure, and manage KEPServerEX instances from a single interface. This is particularly facilitated by the ThingWorx Native Interface, which enables remote project loading, store and forward data transfer, and proxy support for secure connections.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience is enhanced by the platform’s ability to connect, manage, monitor, and control diverse automation devices and software applications seamlessly. KEPServerEX provides a single source of industrial automation data, ensuring accessibility, aggregation, and optimization of data across various applications. This makes it an enterprise-ready and IoT-friendly solution that simplifies industrial connectivity and reduces system training and maintenance costs.
Kepware KEPServerEX - Key Features and Functionality
KEPServerEX Overview
KEPServerEX, a leading connectivity platform in the industrial automation sector, offers a wide range of features and functionalities that make it an essential tool for managing and integrating industrial data. Here are the main features and how they work:Connectivity
KEPServerEX supports a broad range of drivers, allowing it to connect to a vast array of devices and applications, including current and legacy systems. This includes support for various wired and wireless network mediums, as well as connectivity to databases, custom software applications, and other OPC servers.Protocol Conversion and Support
The platform can handle multiple industrial protocols, enabling the integration of disparate devices on the manufacturing floor. It converts these protocols to standard formats like OPC, SNMP, ODBC, and web services, ensuring seamless communication between different systems.Data Aggregation and Optimization
KEPServerEX optimizes communications by aggregating identical requests from different applications into the fewest requests possible. This reduces network overhead and device processing, making the system more efficient. It also allows for the scheduling of communication frequencies and throttling of demand across the network to manage load balancing effectively.Redundancy and Failover
The platform includes features for defining redundant network paths, primary and secondary data sources, and failover criteria. This ensures highly reliable systems with maximum uptime, which is critical in industrial control applications.Data Archiving and Logging
KEPServerEX can archive real-time data to local storage using the Local Historian plug-in, allowing access to historical data via OPC HDA. Additionally, it can store data in any ODBC-compliant database using the DataLogger plug-in, which includes a store-and-forward capability for handling database unavailability.Security
The platform provides strong security features, including user access control, secure data tunnels, and the ability to configure authentication, launch, and access security settings. It also supports secure OPC tunneling through firewalls and across the internet, WAN, or LAN, using 256-bit AES encryption.Remote Management and Configuration
KEPServerEX offers a Configuration API that allows remote programmatic changes to the server configuration via REST-based APIs. This enables users to remotely manage and configure projects, apply changes immediately, and standardize project creation and naming.Diagnostics and Monitoring
The platform includes diagnostic tools that provide real-time and historical views of OPC events and device performance. This helps in troubleshooting connectivity issues and monitoring the health of the system.Integration with Cloud Services
KEPServerEX can be integrated with cloud services such as AWS IoT and Azure IoT Edge. This allows for the processing of IoT data at the edge, using services like AWS Lambda, AWS IoT Greengrass, and Azure Functions for data transformation, filtering, and aggregation before sending it to the cloud.AI Integration
While the provided sources do not explicitly mention the integration of AI within KEPServerEX itself, the platform’s ability to integrate with cloud services like AWS and Azure enables the use of AI and machine learning models. For example, data processed by KEPServerEX can be sent to Azure IoT Edge where it can be analyzed using Azure Machine Learning for predictions or other advanced analytics.Conclusion
In summary, KEPServerEX is a comprehensive platform that enhances industrial data connectivity, optimization, security, and management, making it a crucial tool for industrial automation and IoT applications. Kepware KEPServerEX - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
KEPServerEX is renowned for its high-performance capabilities, particularly in industrial automation environments. Here are some highlights:Multi-Threaded Architecture
The server is a truly multi-threaded application, supporting up to 100 channels of communication, each running as a separate task. This architecture ensures maximum throughput by distributing the communication load across multiple channels, which has been tested to have a negligible impact on the host PC’s CPU usage and memory even when polling over 100,000 tags.Efficient Communication
Each driver plug-in is optimized to leverage the operational gains of the specific PLC or device, enhancing communication speed. This optimization is a result of Kepware’s extensive development experience across various Microsoft platforms.Optimization Methods
Users can optimize server performance by managing device and application read requests, adjusting scan rates for different data types, and using features like the Optimization Method and Duty Cycle to handle write operations efficiently.Accuracy
Accuracy is a critical component of KEPServerEX’s functionality:Real-Time and Historical Diagnostics
The server provides real-time and historical views of OPC events and device driver diagnostics, allowing for precise monitoring of performance and quick identification of any issues. This feature is particularly useful for troubleshooting and ensuring data accuracy.Device Discovery and Tag Management
KEPServerEX supports automatic tag database generation and multiple tag generation utilities, which help in accurately configuring and managing tags without data overlap. This ensures that the data collected is accurate and consistent.Error Handling
The server includes comprehensive error handling mechanisms, such as alerts for device non-responses, address length issues, and network adapter problems. These features help maintain data integrity by promptly identifying and addressing any errors.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While KEPServerEX is highly regarded, there are some limitations and areas where improvements can be considered:Bandwidth and Device Turnaround Time
The performance of KEPServerEX can be affected by factors such as bandwidth, device turnaround time, and signal quality. For instance, if the device cannot respond quickly enough, the desired polling rate may not be achieved.Channel and Device Management
In cases where multiple devices are connected to the same channel, communication issues with one device can significantly increase the poll cycle time. To mitigate this, users need to separate devices onto their own channels, which can add complexity to the setup.Licensing and Feature Limits
The server has licensing limitations, such as maximum runtime tag counts for certain versions, and feature usage limits that can restrict functionality if not managed properly. In summary, KEPServerEX is a high-performance and accurate OPC server that excels in industrial automation environments. However, its performance can be influenced by external factors like device response times and network conditions, and users need to manage these aspects carefully to optimize its functionality. Kepware KEPServerEX - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure of KEPServerEX
The pricing structure of Kepware’s KEPServerEX is based on a flexible, à la carte model, which allows users to customize their purchase according to their specific needs. Here are the key points to consider:
Pricing Model
- KEPServerEX is not sold with a fixed price tag. Instead, the cost is determined by the specific drivers and advanced plug-ins required for the desired communications.
Drivers and Plug-ins
- Users purchase the necessary drivers and plug-ins to connect their devices and applications. This approach ensures that users only pay for what they need, avoiding unnecessary costs.
Licensing
- KEPServerEX products are licensed on a per-server basis. Each server requires its own license, so if you have multiple servers, you will need to purchase multiple licenses.
Device/Tag Limits
- Most KEPServerEX products do not come with device or tag limits. However, some products are sold on a tiered basis based on device or tag count. It is recommended to contact the vendor for specific details on these products.
Subscription Plan
- A subscription plan is available for KEPServerEX, which offers several benefits:
- Seamless upgrades, maintenance, and security updates.
- A single type of license environment to manage, reducing IT and administrative burdens.
- Bundled support and maintenance.
- Licensing that can be scaled up or down as needed, with long-term pricing benefits.
Free Options
- There is a demo version of KEPServerEX available, which runs for 1 hour at a time and can be repeated. This demo is fully functional with no limitations on channel, device, or tag counts, allowing users to test the software thoroughly before purchasing.
Conclusion
In summary, the pricing for KEPServerEX is highly customizable and based on the specific components needed for your industrial connectivity requirements. There are no fixed tiers, but rather a flexible model that allows you to pay only for what you need, along with the option for a subscription plan for ongoing support and updates.
Kepware KEPServerEX - Integration and Compatibility
KEPServerEX Overview
KEPServerEX is a versatile and highly integrative industrial connectivity platform that facilitates seamless communication between a wide range of devices, systems, and applications. Here’s how it integrates with other tools and its compatibility across different platforms and devices:Device and System Compatibility
KEPServerEX supports a broad array of devices from top hardware vendors such as Allen-Bradley, GE, Omron, Schneider, Mitsubishi, and Siemens. It includes over 150 device drivers and advanced plug-ins, enabling connectivity to thousands of devices and other data sources, including PLCs, CNC machines, robots, and more.Protocol Support
The platform supports a variety of industry-standard protocols, including OPC UA (Unified Architecture), OPC DA (Data Access), OPC HDA (Historical Data Access), MQTT, REST, DNP3, IEC 61580/60870, BACnet, and MTConnect. This extensive protocol support ensures that KEPServerEX can integrate with a wide range of industrial automation systems and IT applications.Integration with IT Applications
KEPServerEX integrates seamlessly with IT applications, allowing for real-time data visibility and monitoring of connected devices. It supports interfaces such as ODBC, SNMP, and Splunk, making it compatible with various enterprise information systems like MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.Cloud and Virtualization Compatibility
The platform is compatible with leading hypervisors like VMware and Hyper-V, enabling deployment on public and private clouds. This allows for flexible and scalable deployment options, including on-premise and off-premise cloud applications.Operating System Support
KEPServerEX can run on a variety of Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and various versions of Windows Server (2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022). This broad support ensures that the platform can be deployed in diverse IT environments.Remote Management and Configuration
KEPServerEX offers a Configuration API that allows for remote management and configuration via a REST-based API. This feature enables users to apply programmatic changes to the KEPServerEX configuration, manage projects remotely, and standardize the creation and naming of different device types.Security Features
The platform includes advanced security features such as TLS message security for protected, authenticated, and encrypted communications. It also supports secure OPC tunneling, which allows for reliable data transfer through firewalls and across different network topologies using 256-bit AES encryption.IoT and Big Data Analytics
KEPServerEX is IoT-ready, enabling it to interface with on-premise web servers and off-premise cloud applications. It provides real-time insights into industrial operations, making it suitable for IoT and Big Data analytics applications. The ThingWorx Native Interface, for example, allows industrial data to be fed directly into ThingWorx for easy management, visualization, and analysis.Conclusion
In summary, KEPServerEX is highly versatile and compatible with a wide range of devices, systems, and applications, making it an ideal solution for integrating industrial automation data into enterprise-level systems. Kepware KEPServerEX - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options for KEPServerEX
If you are using Kepware’s KEPServerEX, you have several customer support options and additional resources available to help you resolve issues and optimize your use of the product.
Technical Support
You can contact Kepware’s Technical Support through various channels. For immediate assistance, you can call the toll-free phone number at 1 888-KEPWARE x211, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (US Eastern Time).
Online Support Portal
To request support, you need to create a case in the MyKepware portal. This involves logging in with your Kepware credentials or creating a new account if you don’t already have one. The MyKepware portal allows you to submit support cases, track their status, and access other support resources.
PTC Knowledge Base
The PTC Knowledge Base is a valuable resource where you can find information about Kepware products and solutions. When creating a support case, the system will display relevant Knowledge Base results based on your keywords, which can often resolve your issue without needing further assistance.
PTC Community
The PTC Community site is another resource where you can access information, follow discussions, or start your own topics related to Kepware . You need a basic PTC account to post or reply to topics, which is separate from your Kepware account.
Support & Maintenance Program
Kepware offers a Support & Maintenance Program that includes software updates, upgrades, and technical support for an unlimited number of requests. This program also provides immediate license recovery in case of machine failure, ensuring minimal downtime. It covers installation, migration, configuration, troubleshooting, and more.
Documentation and Guides
Kepware provides comprehensive documentation, such as the KEPServerEX V6 Manual and the Secure Deployment Guide. These resources help you with setup, configuration, and secure deployment of the software. They cover topics like project file management, event logs, and runtime process modes.
Emergency Support
For urgent issues, especially outside of standard business hours, you can use the emergency license provided with your Software Activation ID to avoid software downtime. This ensures your business-critical operations remain uninterrupted.
Conclusion
By leveraging these support options and resources, you can ensure smooth operation and quick resolution of any issues you encounter with KEPServerEX.
Kepware KEPServerEX - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Kepware KEPServerEX
Versatile Connectivity
KEPServerEX is renowned for its broad range of drivers, supporting over 160 different controllers and various industrial protocols such as OPC UA, OPC DA, OPC AE, ModBus, BACNet, and more. This allows for seamless connectivity across diverse automation devices and software applications.
Scalability and Flexibility
The platform is highly scalable, with a modular design that ensures it can be expanded without disrupting existing processes. It supports both current and legacy devices, making it adaptable to different industrial environments.
Security Features
KEPServerEX offers robust security features, including TLS message security, secure data tunnels, and the ability to control user access to the server, data sources, and data values. It also supports secure OPC tunneling with 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring reliable and secure data transfer.
Reliability and Redundancy
The platform is built for reliability, with features like Media Level Redundancy that ensures continuous communication even in the event of a failure. It allows for multiple network paths and device pairs redundancy, maximizing uptime and data availability.
Ease of Use and Diagnostics
KEPServerEX provides an intuitive user interface for managing and monitoring connected devices. It includes event logging, diagnostics for troubleshooting, and real-time and historical OPC event views, making it easier to identify and resolve issues.
Integration and Compatibility
The platform integrates well with various IT applications, including MES, SCADA, IoT, and Big Data analytics software. It supports multiple interfaces such as SNMP, ODBC, REST, and MQTT, and is compatible with virtual environments like VMware and Hyper-V.
Performance Optimization
KEPServerEX allows users to set process priority and specify which CPUs the server can execute on, ensuring optimal performance. It also supports non-blocking asynchronous messaging for enhanced scalability and reliability.
Disadvantages of Kepware KEPServerEX
Complex Setup for Advanced Features
While the basic setup of KEPServerEX is relatively straightforward, configuring some of the advanced features, such as redundancy and secure tunneling, can be more complex and may require additional technical expertise.
Cost
KEPServerEX is a commercial product, and the cost of licenses, drivers, and advanced plug-ins can be significant, especially for smaller operations or those with limited budgets. However, a free trial is available for up to a month to test the product.
Dependence on Specific Protocols
While KEPServerEX supports a wide range of protocols, it may not be compatible with every specific industrial protocol or device. Ensuring compatibility before implementation is crucial.
Learning Curve
For users new to industrial automation and OPC servers, there may be a learning curve to fully utilize all the features and capabilities of KEPServerEX. However, the intuitive interface and available documentation can help mitigate this.
In summary, KEPServerEX offers a powerful and versatile solution for industrial connectivity, but it may require some technical expertise to fully leverage its advanced features and comes with a cost that may be prohibitive for some users.
Kepware KEPServerEX - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing Kepware KEPServerEX with other products in the category of industrial automation and networking tools, several key features and alternatives stand out.
KEPServerEX Unique Features
- KEPServerEX is a leading connectivity platform that provides a single source of industrial automation data, connecting disparate devices and applications through a broad range of drivers and protocols, including OPC, SNMP, ODBC, and web services.
- It offers a single user interface for managing, monitoring, and controlling automation devices and software applications.
- The platform supports secure and reliable OPC tunneling, allowing easy remote communications through firewalls and across networks with 256-bit AES encryption.
- KEPServerEX also provides features like data aggregation, application continuity, and secure user access control.
Alternatives and Comparisons
Shoplogix Smart Factory Platform
- This platform focuses on real-time visibility and performance improvement of shop floor operations. It allows manufacturers to integrate, visualize, and act on production and machine performance data in real-time. While it is more focused on shop floor optimization and less on broad connectivity like KEPServerEX, it is a strong alternative for manufacturers seeking to improve overall equipment effectiveness and operational costs.
FactoryTalk Design Studio
- Part of the Rockwell Automation suite, FactoryTalk Design Studio is a comprehensive development environment for industrial automation. It integrates with various Rockwell Automation products and provides a unified design experience. Unlike KEPServerEX, it is more tightly integrated with Rockwell Automation hardware and software, making it a better choice for those already invested in the Rockwell ecosystem.
AVEVA
- AVEVA offers secure, open solutions for enhanced collaboration and operational efficiency. It is particularly strong in sustainability, trusted insights, and optimizing resources across various industries. AVEVA’s scope is broader than KEPServerEX, encompassing more than just connectivity and data management, making it a viable alternative for those needing a more comprehensive industrial software solution.
Dream Report
- This software is specialized in automated reporting and data analysis for industrial automation. It simplifies data extraction and report generation, which is a specific aspect of what KEPServerEX offers through its broader connectivity and data management capabilities. Dream Report is a good alternative if the primary need is automated reporting and compliance.
AI-Driven Networking Tools
While KEPServerEX is not primarily an AI-driven networking tool, it is worth noting some AI-driven tools that might be relevant in a broader industrial automation context:
LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne
- These tools are more focused on network monitoring and management using AI. LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne offer features like anomaly detection, predictive analytics, and automated task management, which are not the primary focus of KEPServerEX. However, they could be complementary tools in an industrial setting where network monitoring is crucial.
Summary
In summary, KEPServerEX stands out for its comprehensive connectivity and data management capabilities in industrial automation. Alternatives like Shoplogix, FactoryTalk Design Studio, AVEVA, and Dream Report offer different strengths and focuses, making them suitable for specific needs within the industrial automation and networking space. If AI-driven network monitoring is a requirement, tools like LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne could be considered as complementary solutions.
Kepware KEPServerEX - Frequently Asked Questions
What is KEPServerEX?
KEPServerEX is the industry’s leading connectivity platform that provides a single source of industrial automation data to all your applications. It allows users to connect, manage, monitor, and control diverse automation devices and software applications through one intuitive user interface. KEPServerEX leverages OPC and IT-centric communication protocols like SNMP, ODBC, and web services to provide a unified source for industrial data.
What are the key features of KEPServerEX?
KEPServerEX offers several key features, including:
- Connectivity: Supports a broad range of drivers for current and legacy devices, various network mediums, and connectivity to databases and other OPC servers.
- Accessibility: Provides data access for client applications like MES and SCADA, and IoT and Big Data analytics software via OPC, proprietary protocols, and IT protocols.
- Aggregation: Simplifies the configuration of connected applications by providing a single point of entry to all information.
- Security: Controls user access, regulates read/write access, and supports secure data tunnels.
What operating systems does KEPServerEX support?
KEPServerEX can run on various operating systems, including Windows 7 and later versions, such as Windows 10, Windows 11, and several Windows Server versions (2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022). It also supports virtualization with VMWare and Hyper-V.
What are the minimum system requirements for KEPServerEX?
The minimum system requirements include:
- A 2.0 GHz processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 500 MB of disk space
- An Ethernet card
- Super VGA graphics (800×600) or higher.
How does KEPServerEX handle device connectivity?
KEPServerEX supports serial and Ethernet connectivity to a wide range of industrial control systems, including devices from manufacturers like Allen Bradley, AutomationDirect, BACnet, GE, Honeywell, Mitsubishi, Modicon, Omron, Siemens, Texas Instruments, and Yokogawa. It also supports modem connections and Ethernet encapsulation for legacy serial devices.
What is the role of drivers and plug-ins in KEPServerEX?
Drivers and plug-ins are essential components of KEPServerEX. Drivers enable communication with different industrial protocols (e.g., BACNet, ModBus), while plug-ins extend the functionality of the server. Users can select from over 150 device drivers and advanced plug-ins to fit their specific communication requirements. Suites are collections of drivers and plug-ins bundled by vertical industry, device manufacturer, or industrial application.
How does KEPServerEX integrate with other systems like ThingWorx?
KEPServerEX can integrate with ThingWorx to provide bidirectional communication. The architectural flow typically involves data flowing from sensors to KEPServerEX and then to ThingWorx, with the ability for ThingWorx to write data back to the sensors through KEPServerEX. This integration supports features like remote project loading, store and forward data transfer, and proxy support for secure connections.
What diagnostic tools are available in KEPServerEX?
KEPServerEX includes diagnostic tools such as OPC and device diagnostics, which provide real-time and historical views of OPC events and device driver performance. These tools help in troubleshooting connectivity issues and optimizing communication performance.
How does KEPServerEX ensure high performance and reliability?
KEPServerEX is designed for efficient operation, supporting up to 100 channels of communication. Each channel runs as a separate task, distributing the communication load to achieve maximum throughput with minimal impact on the host PC’s CPU and memory. Features like auto demotion and Ethernet encapsulation enhance the reliability of connections.
What is the cost structure for KEPServerEX?
KEPServerEX is sold on an “à la carte” basis, where the cost is determined by the specific drivers and advanced plug-ins needed. There are no fixed costs; users purchase only what is required for their unique industrial control system.
Kepware KEPServerEX - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Kepware KEPServerEX
Kepware KEPServerEX is a comprehensive industrial connectivity platform that stands out for its ability to integrate and manage a wide range of automation devices and software applications. Here’s a detailed look at its key features and who would benefit most from using it.
Key Features
- Broad Connectivity: KEPServerEX supports an extensive library of over 150 device drivers, client drivers, and advanced plug-ins, enabling connectivity to thousands of devices and data sources across various industries.
- OPC and IT Protocols: It leverages OPC standards (including DA, AE, HDA, and UA) and IT-centric protocols like SNMP, ODBC, and web services to provide a single source of industrial automation data.
- Security and Reliability: The platform offers secure data tunnels with 256-bit AES encryption, user access control, and redundancy options to ensure reliable and secure communications.
- Scalability and Flexibility: KEPServerEX is configurable as a Windows service, supports virtual environments like VMware and Hyper-V, and allows remote management and configuration through a REST-based API.
- Integration and Aggregation: It simplifies the configuration of connected applications by providing a single point of entry to all information, eliminating the need for multiple disparate solutions.
Who Would Benefit Most
KEPServerEX is particularly beneficial for industrial enterprises that need to connect, manage, monitor, and control diverse automation devices and software applications. Here are some key user groups:
- Manufacturing and Industrial Automation: Companies in these sectors can use KEPServerEX to integrate plant control systems with enterprise information systems, reducing human error and improving operational efficiency.
- Oil & Gas: The platform supports flow measurement export to common Oil & Gas industry formats, making it a valuable tool for this sector.
- Automotive and Other Verticals: Enterprises like Faurecia, which need to standardize operations across multiple sites, can benefit from KEPServerEX’s ability to aggregate and manage data from disparate sources.
Overall Recommendation
KEPServerEX is highly recommended for any industrial organization seeking to streamline their data management and connectivity. Here’s why:
- Unified Data Access: It provides a single source of industrial automation data, making it easier to manage and monitor diverse devices and applications.
- Enhanced Security: The platform ensures secure and reliable data transfer, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of industrial operations.
- Scalability: KEPServerEX is highly scalable, supporting large and constantly changing projects, and is compatible with various network environments.
- Ease of Use: With features like remote management and configuration through a REST-based API, it simplifies the process of managing complex industrial systems.
In summary, KEPServerEX is an indispensable tool for industrial enterprises looking to enhance their connectivity, security, and operational efficiency. Its broad range of features and compatibility with various protocols make it a versatile solution for managing industrial automation data effectively.