Building bridges between apps and the cloud

Weidmüller is launching the Procon-Connect app. The software tool enables users to easily acquire machine data, pre-process it, and make it available to other applications. This facilitates data exchange and speeds up installation. Users can easily connect their software to each other and to the cloud.

Available for Windows, Linux, and Docker

More and more companies are using open software in automation to respond flexibly to market demands. They collect data from machines to implement energy management, predictive maintenance, or remote maintenance. To implement these applications, users must link the automation software in OT and the application software in IT. Previously, complex engineering or paid extensions were required to connect the different software tools. Procon-Connect simplifies this process. It acts as a link between the different domains and facilitates data exchange. The app is available as a Docker container for Windows and Linux, as well as for Weidmüller's u-OS operating system.

Procon-Connect requires no programming knowledge. Users connect the various software applications through simple configuration. Procon-Connect is configured web-based in the browser; a separate engineering tool is not necessary.

Data acquisition: Users configure the driver connections. A small amount of information, such as the source URL, is sufficient to establish a connection. It is also possible to set additional parameters, such as the time between updates. The machine data is integrated with just a few clicks.

Data preprocessing: Data can be aggregated in internal databases or linked to metadata. Scaling factors can also be easily set. The data can also be made available to other applications via InfluxDB.

Data communication: Data can be easily and securely sent to the cloud using standard communication technologies such as MQTT. The data can also be sent to the Weidmüller solutions easyConnect and ResMa, where it can be further analyzed in the context of IIoT cloud solutions and energy and production management.

The cloud connection is also generally bidirectional and allows machine data to be modified from the cloud according to the specific application. If users need to implement changes to the controls of entire machine parks, Procon-CONNECT can be used via MQTT. Manual adjustments or a VPN connection are no longer necessary.

Fully integrated into Weidmüller's software offering

Procon-Connect is closely integrated with Weidmüller's software portfolio. The tool connects user software such as the Procon-WEB web HMI to the easyConnect Industrial Service Platform or the ResMa energy management system without any programming effort. The Procon-Connect app is also included in the u-OS operating system in a free entry-level version.

Procon-Connect perfectly complements Weidmüller's u-software portfolio. In addition to options for regression analysis according to ISO 50006 and machine learning at the edge using edgeML, the company offers numerous solutions in the areas of IIoT and automation: the operating system for automation u-OS, the Industrial Service Platform easyConnect and application software such as the energy management system ResMa or the HMI and SCADA solution Procon-WEB.