Industry 4.0 is the term used for the 4th industrial revolution that will bring about more intelligent machines, more connected devices (IIoT), and provide for better informed, data-driven decisions. It is projected to revolutionize several factors of standard business operations including supply chain management and eliminate many boundaries that exist between Operational Technology (OT) i.e. factory floor systems, and Information Technology (IT) i.e. business applications.
By combining the most affordable and user-friendly PLC in the industry, with one of the most popular open-source software tools in the industrial sector for developing IIoT applications, the CLICK PLUS CPU paired with the C2 Node-RED module can easily supercharge your OT/IT convergence and turn Industry "4 point oh" into Industry "4 point WHOA!"
Many Node-RED applications in industrial automation utilize off-the-shelf micro-controllers paired with industrial PLCs. This combination is not only susceptible to failure due to non-industrialized micro-controller boards but can be a pain when configuring the PLC and micro controller to communicate and share data. Using the C2-NRED slot module with the CLICK PLUS CPU eliminates the need for external micro-controllers and simplifies communications/data sharing.
The C2-NRED module has its own processor ensuring the main CPU remains unburdened but has direct access to the memory of the PLC and all the statuses needed to easily create a working application. The user can even determine which controller (PLC or C2-NRED or both) will control the process and several Node-RED nodes are available for working specifically with the CLICK PLUS PLC.
Adding the C2-NRED module to your CLICK PLUS controller will guarantee long lasting access to the Node-RED user friendly flow-based interface and extensive node library for your Industrial IoT applications.
Node-RED is a visual programming tool for connecting physical hardware devices, APIs, and online services together as part of the Internet of Things. Node-RED's low-code, drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create complex flows without writing code. Node-RED has a large library of built-in nodes for various tasks, including input/output, data processing, logic, and social media functions. Node-RED is an open source tool and there is a huge assortment of downloadable nodes available online at https://flows.nodered.org/ including those designed to work with the C2-NRED module. Users can also write custom JavaScript to meet unique requirements, extending the platform's functionality.
NODE-Red Essentials Video Series
The FREE CLICK PLC programming software integrates Node-RED functions, bridging automated control with advanced IIoT applications
Visually connect nodes to create "flows" that define how data is processed
A vast collection of pre built nodes allow you to connect numerous devices, APIs, and online services
Node-RED has had millions of downloads and is being applied in many applications, both commercial and industrial. One example is an OEM who makes cotton gins. This OEM used low-code Node-RED programming to connect weather data with their machinery's operations. Their system adjusted processes based on real-time humidity and rain forecasts vital to the cotton industry and even sent text alerts to operators. The Node-RED platform is extremely flexible and offers virtually unlimited possibilities, whether used for simple communication or for complex data analysis.
Create interactive and customer-specific HMI dashboards that can be accessed with any browser.
Easily integrate plant-floor data into existing business systems/databases, e.g., MES or ERP systems like SAP or Oracle.
Access cloud-based services or website APIs for a wealth of information (weather reports, energy/raw material costs, etc.) that can be used to optimize your processes.
OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is a long-standing communication protocol used throughout industry and provides a standardized way for industrial systems, regardless of manufacturer, to communicate and share data. OPC UA provides several benefits, including:
The C2-OPCUA module when added to a CLICK PLUS CPU allows the simplicity and reliability of CLICK PLCs to be deployed in many more applications. This module integrates the CLICK PLUS CPU seamlessly into an OPC UA network, exposing all of the CLICK I/O and internal registers making the entire CLICK system an intelligent remote I/O rack. With over 158 I/O, that makes the CLICK PLUS with this module one of the lowest cost OPC UA systems available. The industrial rated on-board C2-OPCUA module also improves reliability and reduces overall system costs by eliminating the need for an external OPC UA server device.
The FREE CLICK programming software stores the C2-OPCUA module configuration into the PLC project for simple project management. Rely on the proven CLICK CPU logic to control the operation, while making use of the C2-OPCUA for connectivity to advanced IT platforms. This combination makes CLICK PLUS a smart and simple solution for plant floor and business system integration.
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