Welcome to the definitive resource for enhancing your data management and automation processes using OPC plugins for Excel. OPC, or OLE for Process Control, is a set of standards that enable seamless connectivity between various automation hardware and software applications. By leveraging the power of OPC plugins like OPC Expert, businesses can significantly reduce system integration costs, improve interoperability, and gain real-time access to critical data throughout the enterprise. On this page, we'll explore what OPC is, delve into the dynamic interplay of OPC and Excel via plugins, examine common use cases, and address frequently asked questions. Get ready to transform your workflows and decision-making capabilities with the advanced features of OPC Excel plugins.
OPC is a software integration standard that facilitates interoperability between products from various vendors. It aims to reduce engineering and integration costs and risks, thereby increasing manufacturing competitiveness and profitability. As a standard adopted internationally, OPC has been pivotal in operational technology and information technology since its introduction in August 1996. The OPC Foundation has been instrumental in developing multiple OPC specifications, including OPC Data Access 2.0, which ensures real-time communication of data and is compatible with Windows systems.
Beyond its role as a software tool, OPC also denotes a type of service. Specifically, OPC provides right of way and real estate services. This service aspect of OPC was expanded when TranSystems, a company that offers similar services and employs professionals across over 50 U.S. offices to address community challenges, acquired OPC.
In terms of data, OPC standards like OPC Xi promote platform independence and support complex information modeling, which is crucial for modern operational and information technologies. This aspect of OPC underscores its versatility and adaptability in varying technological environments.
OPC Expert allows Excel to receive OPC data, enabling users to read and write that data within Excel. It provides support for OPC DA, OPC HDA, and OPC UA (DA and HA), covering a wide range of data automation standards. OPC Expert's functionality is not limited to data exchange; it also facilitates complex calculations and the generation of real-time and historical OPC data reports. Its compatibility with both OPC DA and UA servers makes it a versatile tool for Excel users needing to work with OPC data.
The integration of OPC plugins, such as OPC Expert, into Excel reduces system integration costs. They provide plug-and-play connectivity that simplifies the process of integrating applications. In addition, OPC servers enhance the ease with which applications can be combined. The open exchange of information between cooperating applications is another significant benefit, as is the ability of OPC to access data at every level of the enterprise, allowing for a comprehensive data management solution.
OPC Expert is an example of an OPC plugin that streamlines the process of handling OPC data within Excel. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies interactions, making it user-friendly and efficient. ExpertRTD is another example of an OPC plugin designed for Excel, specialized in reading 1D array OPC data. It is particularly useful when dealing with data from OPC DA and UA servers in Excel, as it can read 1D array data efficiently.
OPC plugin for Excel, including OPC Excel Reporter and OPC Expert, is a client that transforms Excel into a reporting tool for process and equipment data. It enables Excel to receive, report, and analyze real-time and historical data from various data sources like PLCs, DCSs, and Historians.
The OPC plugin can connect to real-time (OPC DA) or historical (OPC HDA) data sources, and with OPC Expert, it can also connect to OPC UA (DA and HA) standards. It allows linking Excel sheets and cells to PLC I/O points and supports connections to multiple data sources.
Yes, with OPC Excel Reporter, you can create scheduled or ad-hoc reports with ease using its report scheduler. OPC Expert also allows for the automation of data transfer between Excel and other systems, increasing the efficiency and quality of data reporting.
Yes, OPC Excel Reporter and OPC Expert enable Excel to write data back to any OPC server, allowing users to change setpoints and control processes directly from Excel.
OPC Excel Reporter is compatible with VBA, signed for high-security environments, and supports multiple versions of Office and Windows. It includes software updates and 24/7 support for 1 year. OPC Expert supports Excel versions from 2003 to 2019 and is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit releases.
For seamless OPC integration with Excel, plugins like Skkynet Vine and OPC Expert are essential tools that enhance data access and manipulation. Skkynet Vine connects to OPC data via Cogent DataHub, allowing for local and remote data access in Excel. OPC Expert stands out with its drag-and-drop interface, support for OPC DA, HDA, and UA protocols, advanced data manipulation, and capabilities to handle real-time, historical, and array data. Both plugins ensure secure and efficient data integration, offering advanced features for complex calculations, reporting, and trend generation without the need for DDE. While these plugins offer robust solutions for OPC-Excel integration, consider using Sourcetable to streamline your data import process directly into spreadsheets. Sign up for Sourcetable to bypass the need for plugins and get started with a more direct and integrated approach to data management.