OPC Server
The OPC Server bridges the gap between third-party Microsoft® Windows®-based applications and process control hardware. Using the latest standard in process data exchange — OPC (OLE for Process Control), OPC Server users can easily and automatically access dynamic process information, integrating third-party applications with the Ovation® or WDPF® control system.

OPC is a real-time data interchange protocol that is based on an open standard and a consistent method of accessing data from plant devices. OPC, OLE (Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding) for Process Control, was designed by an open foundation to meet the general needs of industry. These predefined standards allow any OPC client software to communicate with any OPC Server, regardless of the type of device.

The OPC standard enables users to easily integrate plant data with any plant analysis applications, regardless of the type and source of data. The OPC interface does not require a custom interface or driver in order for an external application to access a plant's process control device. OPC Server software can be developed once, and then can be reused by any business, SCADA, HMI, or custom software package. The OPC specification provides for future developments in technology and functionality, allowing OPC components to meet the emerging needs of industry.

OPC Server Features:

• Allows external OPC Client applications such as SmartProcess™ to read current plant information for plant performance analysis
• Provides the ability to use a third-party OPC compliant software to send new point information on the DCS highway
• Provides continuous automatic update of information without user request
• Transfers data to client application on an exception basis to maximize throughput
• Time stamps and assigns a quality rating to data (good, fair, poor, bad and timed-out) to inform the operator of data reliability
• Interfaces between different types of distributed control systems, enabling operators to see all process information
• Supports data access requests only, no historical, alarm, or event information is accessible through the OPC Server
• Maintains a log of system errors and major operations in a user-configured location. This log can be used to diagnose problems and analyze plant performance

ODBC Server
ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) allows historical plant process data to integrate directly with any type of ODBC-enabled application. Many off-the-shelf, third-party desktop applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, and database application development tools are ODBC-enabled.

The ODBC Server can immediately import historic process data directly from the control system to the desktop application, eliminating the effort and error of manual data entry. Performance data from the DCS historian can be combined with accounting or other information, allowing plant managers to compare expected plant performance.

ODBC has become the standard for connecting applications to both local and remote databases. Structured Query Language (SQL) has emerged as the standard language for accessing and filtering data. With these standards now in place, it is possible for applications to access the historical databases in different systems without requiring the use of a proprietary data link. This standardized approach reduces development costs, and ensures a reliable, easy to use interface to access critical historic plant performance data.

ODBC Server Features:

• Delivers critical historic process data to multiple client applications
• Uses SQL queries to filter data at the server, reducing network traffic
• Provides an easy way for plants to develop their own customized OPC client applications using any current Microsoft® Windows® development environment
• Supports applications that combine historic DCS data with other data sources, such as lab or product cost analysis.

Web Viewer
The Web Viewer provides process data to a desktop computer that is connected to the company LAN/WAN through a direct connection, or an off-site dial-up or Internet connection. By using the Internet to deliver plant process data to any location, the Web Viewer reduces support costs and reduces response time. On-call support professionals can troubleshoot plant control systems from any location, without traveling to the plant.

The Web Viewer makes DCS information both accessible and portable by using Java™ applets to communicate and transfer process data from the plant network directly to the desktop. PCs use Web browsers to dynamically display and update live Ovation® and WDPF® process values, process data, graphic displays, and trends to the desktop computer.

Because access to plant information is read-only, control functions are disabled and no proprietary hardware or software is required for the Web Viewer client workstation. Desktop PCs use a Java-enabled browser to access live DCS data via the Internet or company intranet.

Web Viewer Features:

• Provides real-time process control data to management, engineering, maintenance, or administrative personnel-when and where they need it
• Provides connectivity via the Internet or company intranet
• Provides read-only access to all process data — all control functions are disabled
• Interfaces with process point database, displaying process diagrams, live and historical trending, historical point review and point information
• Converts DCS graphics to Java objects, displaying dynamic, real-time process point data in HTML-coded web pages
• Supports multiple points of access including an option for a dial-up, company intranet, or standard Internet connection
• Formats data into custom report styles for quick analysis and decision-making
  

NetDDE Server
The NetDDE Server bridges the gap between Windows-based applications and process control systems. NetDDE (Network Dynamic Data Exchange) is a real-time data interchange protocol that is based on an open standard and a consistent method of accessing data from plant devices. An extension to Microsoft's DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange), NetDDE is a protocol to transfer data between programs across the LAN/WAN.

NetDDE enables users to easily integrate plant data with any third party NetDDE enabled software, regardless of the type and source of data. NetDDE does not require a custom interface or driver in order for an external application to access a plant's process control device.

NetDDE Server Features:

• Reads current plant information for plant performance analysis using external NetDDE-enabled applications such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access
• Writes new point information on the DCS highway using third-party NetDDE-enabled software
• Transfers 1000 data items each second, providing continuous automatic update of information without user request
• Maximizes throughput by transferring data to client application on an exception basis
• Interfaces between different types of DCS systems, enabling an operator to see all process information
• Maintains a log of all system errors and major operations in a user-configured location. This log can be used to diagnose problems and analyze plant performance
6/13/07aults to the Microsoft® Windows® Event Log.