Data Source

In the ENLYZE Manufacturing Data Platform (MDP), a data source represents a virtual or physical OT device that is connected to the ENLYZE MDP via a connector to collect process data. Examples of data sources include programmable logic controllers (PLCs) such as the Siemens S7-1200, Modbus energy meters, or OPC-DA and OPC-UA servers running on industrial PCs (IPCs).

While energy meters are typically connected only via Modbus, PLCs like the Siemens S7-1200 support connections using various protocols, such as the native OMS+ (S7+) and OPC-UA.

Process data is collected from a data source by selectively reading one or more variables. There are two methods to register the available variables from a data source in the ENLYZE MDP, depending on the protocol used for the connection.

Variable Discovery

Variable Discovery is an automated process where a SPARK assigned to the data source queries the available variables and registers them in the ENLYZE MDP.

Applicable protocols:

• S7+ (OMS+)

• PVI

• OPC-DA

• OPC-UA

• Beckhoff ADS

Manual Registration

If a data source is connected via a protocol that does not support Variable Discovery, the available variables must be registered manually. This often requires additional resources such as data sheets or project files.

Applicable protocols:

• S7 (Step 7)

• Modbus