Innovative ERP integration for Blachotrapez - an example of Industry 4.0
Project
The aim of our company’s cooperation with Blachotrapez was to integrate the press control with the customer’s ERP system. The innovative nature of the project lies in the fact that the PLC communicates directly with the master system, without the use of any intermediary devices in communication or data processing. The machine reads the production order from the list prepared in the customer’s database and carries out the production process strictly according to the order.
The challenges we faced:
- The format of the data transferred by the master system (JSON) was completely “unnatural” for PLCs,
- The driver library provided by its manufacturer turned out to be insufficient,
- Lack of correct solutions on the market for processing specific data in the PLC,
- Creation of new communication functions for handling the HTTP protocol.
How did the project go?
In the initial stage of implementation, we intended to use the LHTTP library provided by the manufacturer of the controller to establish communication between the PLC and the master system. However, this library turned out to be insufficient in relation to the client’s needs. This forced the need to partially rewrite it and create new communication functions to support the HTTP protocol.
An innovative solution
We have not found a solution on the market that would allow for the correct processing of such data in the PLC. This forced the need to create a new, innovative programming library that allows the PLC to accept and decode data from the JSON format to a form understandable for the PLC.
The machine, using REST API mechanisms and the JSON format, reports its current status and progress in the production of a given order to the superior system. In addition, it sends the data necessary for automatic programming of the product marking printer.
General communication and data processing architecture:
Industry 4.0
During the implementation of the project, we gained new knowledge and skills to create a communication system in encrypted HTTPS channels. In addition, the PLC automatically configures its Ethernet interface in the ICT network by itself, using the DHCP and DNS protocols, which is rather unprecedented so far. All this is part of the new Industry 4.0 trend.
Good customer feedback and market recognition convinced us to start cooperation with Proster. Based on our experience and cooperation in launching a pilot production line, we can wholeheartedly recommend Proster as a reliable and trustworthy business partner. The team proved to be a group of specialists and enthusiasts of creative solutions. We highly appreciate the quality of their services. Both the analysis of needs, the design stage and the execution itself went very smoothly. We confirm that the choice of Proster is the certainty of choosing the best solution - the line has been adapted to our individual needs. Constant availability, commitment to our company's projects and high competence of employees make up Proster's flagship
Plant Director in Blachotrapez
Benefits for our Partner
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Report on the current status and progress in the production of each order
by integrating the machine control with the ERP system
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The use of an industry 4.0 solution
in line with the trend of a modern enterprise
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Saving time and money
by analyzing individual needs before the project
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Automatic programming of the product marking printer
by sending the necessary production data
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An innovative solution
automatic configuration of the PLC Ethernet interface
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Elimination of intermediary devices in communication and data processing
between the PLC and the host system
Talk to an advisor
Send an inquiry or call +48 513 221 627. We will talk for a few minutes about the challenges you face.
