Now you can monitor the performance of your OPC server or any computer on your network using the latest OPC DataHub feature: the System Monitor. You decide what system parameters to monitor, such as CPU usage, free disk space, available memory and whether critical processes are still running. This information is collected by the DataHub as regular point data that can be shared across a network or the Internet in real-time.

Consider the possibilities:

• Monitor computer memory, CPU, disk space, running processes, and any other parameter.
• Send email and SMS alert messages when system resources drop too low or critical processes shut down.
• Collect data from computers on local networks as well as remote locations over the Internet.

Minera San Cristobal, one of the largest silver-zinc-lead mining projects in the world, is using the OPC DataHub to connect OPC-enabled expert systems and video systems with plant control systems. They accomplish this by bridging the OPC servers, aggregating their data streams, and tunneling the data across the network.

"It didn’t take long at all to get the system configured," said Sr. Mario Mendizabal, Production Engineer at Minera San Cristobal. "Since it is tunneling across the network, we avoided DCOM settings and networking issues entirely. The connection is completely secure, and rock-solid."

A Canadian company uses the OPC DataHub to send SMS text messages to operator cellphones whenever an alarm condition is triggered. This give the operators more freedom to work outside of the control room and still be notified as soon as attention is required.

Note: this can be used with the System Monitor (above) for remote monitoring.