Integration and system requirements

Integration principle

PlantWatch is added as a monitoring layer beside existing control and visualization systems. It uses selected production signals without replacing the PLC, HMI, or SCADA system.

A typical integration is read-only. PlantWatch does not need to write values back to the PLC or change the machine sequence.

Supported source patterns

The suitable connection depends on the installed equipment and network. PlantWatch deployments can use:

• OPC UA
• Siemens S7 communication
• Modbus TCP
• Databases or SQL sources
• REST APIs and other project-specific interfaces

An OPC UA server is not mandatory when another suitable interface is available.

Data requirements

Identify the signals needed to answer the initial production question. Useful sources can include machine states, alarms, interlocks, counters, loads, temperatures, and process values.

Provide PLC or interface documentation where available. Signal names should be mapped to terms that production and maintenance teams understand.

Network requirements

The PlantWatch host needs network access to the selected controllers or data sources. The exact ports, routing, and segmentation rules depend on the chosen interface and the site’s OT network policy.

Review access with the responsible automation and IT or OT security contacts before commissioning. Do not expose controllers directly to the public internet.

On-premise host

PlantWatch runs on an existing or dedicated on-premise server, virtual machine, or industrial PC. Sizing depends on the number of machines, signals, history, users, and reporting requirements and is confirmed during the technical assessment.

Production data remains within the customer’s infrastructure. No external cloud connection is required for normal operation.

Technical assessment checklist

• Controller families and machine count
• Available interfaces and documentation
• Signals connected to the production question
• OT network access and responsible contacts
• Available server, VM, or industrial PC
• Required history, dashboards, and report intervals

Use Prepare a PlantWatch rollout to align this technical information with the first production use case.