Drag and Drop Live Process Data into Excel with OPC
DataHub
Excel users can now drag and drop live data from their
production systems directly into a spreadsheet for real-time
analysis and dynamic reporting. New technology supports 2-way
continuous data transfer between OPC and Excel, with no special
plug-ins or macros required.
Georgetown, Ontario (March 28, 2006) The new OPC DataHub from Cogent Real-Time
Systems feeds live data from any OPC-based production system
into an Excel spreadsheet to perform real-time data analysis
or generate dynamic summary reports. Data generated by Excel
spreadsheets can also be sent back to the production system,
all without the need for complex macro programming or special
Excel plug-ins.
"Connecting Excel to OPC has never been easier," said
Mr. Andrew Thomas, president of Cogent. "You just select your
points and drag them into an open spreadsheet. Release the
mouse button, and they start updating."
The OPC DataHub links any number of OPC servers across a
standard network or Internet connection to any Excel worksheet.
The data flow can be configured as one-way or bidirectional, and
optimized to reduce network traffic in large applications.
Spreadsheets saved with links to the OPC DataHub are
automatically updated with the most recent values as soon as
they are opened, making production reporting accurate and
consistent.
"This technology is useful for managers and planners as
well as engineers," said Mr. Thomas. "Now they can view live
reports and real-time production analysis from data linked
directly to the source. The numbers update continuously as
production conditions change in real time."
In addition to connecting Excel to OPC servers, the OPC
DataHub also links to other applications and operating systems.
It can be used to bridge between OPC servers or connect to
relational databases like SQL Server or Oracle. The OPC DataHub
also provides customizable web access to process data, making it
accessible from a web browser anywhere in the world.
The OPC DataHub builds on Cogent's established middleware
technology, first introduced in 1995 and currently in use in
thousands of systems worldwide. This technology allows users to
seamlessly integrate data across multiple Windows, Linux and QNX
platforms.
Founded in 1995, Cogent Real-Time Systems is
the leader in real-time cross-platform data integration between
Windows, Linux and QNX. Customers include the Bank of Canada, Cadbury
Chocolate and the European Space Agency. Cogent leverages its
experience in real-time data communications to provide the next
generation of OPC products.
