Blogs

5 min read

Software Toolbox at the ProveIt! Conference - Takeaways

Tanja Gehling

Mar 03, 2026

It was that time of year again, time to prove it at the ProveIt! Conference. I'll be honest, when we attended the premier of the conference last year, I was sceptic. Would this event be different ...

IT/OT OmniServer Connectivity TOP Server OPC Router Industry 4.0 System Integrators Collaboration Industrial AI N3uron

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5 min read

Software Toolbox: Full Stack Industrial AI Starts with the Right Foundation

Jay David

Feb 18, 2026

Industrial AI is no longer experimental. It is becoming a competitive differentiator. Yet many initiatives stall, not because the value is unclear, but because the foundation is missing. In ...

Device Connectivity IT/OT REST & Web Services OPC Integration OPC Conversion OPC Redundancy OmniServer Connectivity OPC Server TOP Server Business Intelligence OPC Router Industry 4.0 System Integrators Collaboration Industrial AI

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5 min read

NEW Release - DataHub V11.0.4

Jessica Dillon

Jan 22, 2026

As Cogent DataHub continues to evolve, version 11.04 delivers a focused set of enhancements that build on the powerful foundation introduced with the V11 major release. This update prioritizes ...

Cogent DataHub System Integrators New Release

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5 min read

Kepware Edge for Linux: What It Is & Where It Fits

Ryan Royse

Jan 22, 2026

If you've been following along with our latest blog posts, you've probably heard Kepware Edge mentioned alongside the newly released version 7 of TOP Server. The question you may have now is: where ...

TOP Server System Integrators Kepware Edge

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5 min read

What you liked to hear / read from us in 2025

Tanja Gehling

Jan 02, 2026

As we leave 2025 behind us and welcome 2026, it’s clear that industrial connectivity and digital transformation continue to be front and center. All year long, Software Toolbox’s technical blog ...

System Integrators

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5 min read

Don’t Let a Data Grinch Ruin Your Digital Transformation

Tanja Gehling

Dec 11, 2025

In today’s industrial world, data is king - but only if it’s accessible, accurate, and connected. Unfortunately, many organizations face a sneaky intruder: the Data Grinch. Unlike its Christmas ...

System Integrators

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5 min read

TOP Server V7 Has Arrived – So What’s New?

Ryan Royse

Dec 04, 2025

By now, you’ve probably heard that TOP Server V7 has officially landed. Maybe you’ve seen the announcements or caught a quick overview along the way. But if you find yourself wondering, “Okay, but ...

TOP Server System Integrators Kepware Edge

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5 min read

Breaking down Historical Data Silos with Cogent DataHub

Connor Mason

Nov 20, 2025

In the ever-growing digital landscape of manufacturing operations, single use solutions & applications may solve issues, but also create their own data silos. These silos present multiple ...

OPC UA OPC DA Database & Historian Cogent DataHub Exploring OPC UA System Integrators

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5 min read

OPC Wizard: Rapidly Add OPC UA Server Capability to your Custom Software

Nicole Knox

Nov 06, 2025

Your organization has a custom developed application that performs important tasks, and you need to provide access to that software from an HMI, SCADA, Historian, MES, or other system acting as an ...

OPC UA OPC Wizard End User & Operator

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5 min read

How TOP Server Helps You Avoid Manufacturing Nightmares

Ryan Royse

Oct 30, 2025

While Halloween and this time of year offers a few good scares, our customers in manufacturing face year-round nightmares that are far less fun: connectivity issues that stop production and ...

TOP Server System Integrators

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5 min read

Getting Started with OmniServer and Barcode Scanners

Jessica Dillon

Oct 16, 2025

OmniServer is a universal data acquisition application designed to bi-directionally exchange data with a wide range of Ethernet, serial, or USB devices that use “non-standard protocols” such as weigh ...

OmniServer OmniServer Did You Know System Integrators

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5 min read

Reports At Your Fingertips: Introducing the LGH File Inspector Industrial Graphic for AVEVA InTouch HMI

Zachary Parham

Oct 09, 2025

Since 2016, LGH File Inspector has been the trusted tool for AVEVA™ InTouch HMI users who need quick, reliable access to their historical data. Whether it’s pulling files from network drives, ...

Wonderware LGH AVEVA InTouch End User & Operator

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5 min read

How to Reduce Downtime with Predictive Maintenance and Machine Learning

Kyle Persyn

Oct 02, 2025

Downtime is expensive — sometimes costing thousands of dollars every minute, a line sits idle. Traditional maintenance approaches often fall into one of two traps: reacting after something breaks or ...

Predictive Maintenance OPC Router System Integrators Machine Learning

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5 min read

Why use an OPC Server Development Toolkit?

Ganesh Kalipershad

Sep 25, 2025

As technical consultants at Software Toolbox, we are often approached by users who need to expose data from a software application they have written, or are writing, to communicate from systems they ...

OPC UA OPC OPC Server Development Tools OPC Toolkit Benefits OPC Wizard System Integrators

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5 min read

OPC UA Session Timeouts Explained: Configuration, Best Practices, and Why They Matter

Kyle Persyn

Sep 18, 2025

When your industrial operations depend on continuous OPC UA client-server communication, even short disruptions can ripple into major consequences. OPC UA session timeouts act as a built-in ...

OPC UA Exploring OPC UA System Integrators

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5 min read

Tutorial: Fortify Data Integrity by Adding Store and Forward to PI Historian Logging

Nicole Knox

Sep 04, 2025

Welcome back to our blog! In our previous post, Protecting Historical Data Integrity Using Store & Forward, we walked through several architectures that leverage Cogent DataHub to securely ...

Cogent DataHub AVEVA System Integrators Store and Forward

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5 min read

Visualizing Real-Time Process Data in Power BI Using OPC Router’s REST Plug-in

Kyle Persyn

Aug 27, 2025

Are you looking for a simple way to bring live process data into Power BI for dashboards and visualization? OPC Router’s REST plug-in provides a flexible and secure way to push data from your ...

REST & Web Services OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Broadening Perspectives: Key Lessons from OT SCADA CON 2025

John Gonzalez

Aug 21, 2025

Software Toolbox attends a wide variety of customer and networking events throughout the year. Each one gives us valuable opportunities to connect with our customers, exchange ideas with peers, and ...

IT/OT OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

How to Unlock the Value of Your Flow Measurement Data

Jay David

Aug 14, 2025

In today’s fast-evolving oil and gas industry, accurate and reliable Electronic Flow Measurement (EFM) data is critical for custody transfer, regulatory compliance, and optimizing production. Yet ...

Oil & Gas EFM System Integrators

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5 min read

Protecting Historical Data Integrity Using Store & Forward

Jessica Dillon

Jul 31, 2025

Welcome back to the Summer of IoT Blog Series. In this blog we’ll explore how Cogent DataHub’s External Historian and built-in Store and Forward features ensure efficient data flow without risking ...

Database & Historian Cogent DataHub Summer of IoT System Integrators Store and Forward

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5 min read

Simplifying OPC Router Deployment with Docker Containers

Abrey Austin

Jul 24, 2025

Welcome to the Summer of IoT! As part of our Summer of IoT blog series, we spotlight practical ways to simplify and accelerate your digital transformation journey. In this second post, we’re diving ...

MQTT & IoT OPC Router Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

UNS Without the Overhaul: Modernizing Industrial Data with Software Toolbox

Ryan Royse

Jul 17, 2025

Welcome to the launch of Software Toolbox’s Summer of IoT blog series for 2025. In the coming posts, we’ll explore how our solutions support the evolving world of the Industrial Internet of Things ...

Data Integration IT/OT Cogent DataHub OmniServer TOP Server OPC Router Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Expert Guide: 7 Areas to Unlocking More Value from Industrial Data

Jay David

Jul 10, 2025

On June 26, 2025, Software Toolbox hosted a live panel discussion that brought together three industry subject matter experts. They explored how organizations can unify data across legacy and modern ...

Device Connectivity IT/OT Oil & Gas Video Tutorials Industry 4.0 System Integrators Collaboration

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5 min read

Delivering Stronger Client Solutions Through Collaboration

Tanja Gehling

Jun 26, 2025

Shared Challenges, Shared Progress In an industry defined by precision, tight timelines, and rapid innovation, collaboration isn’t optional — it’s essential. That may seem counterintuitive, ...

System Integrators Collaboration

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5 min read

Empowering System Integrators Is Our Thing

Tanja Gehling

Jun 19, 2025

We’re in your corner, not your lane At Software Toolbox, we deeply value the partnerships we have with our System Integrators. Their deep industry knowledge and hands-on expertise are key to ...

System Integrators

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5 min read

Bridging the Gap Between the Shop Floor and SAP — Without Custom Code

Kyle Persyn

Jun 12, 2025

Integrating with SAP: A Simple Guide Using OPC Router In many industrial environments, getting real-time data from machines into SAP can feel like a complex, code-heavy challenge. Whether triggering ...

Data Integration OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Pharma User Boosts Reporting, Gains 250+ Hours with LGH File Inspector

Jay David

Jun 05, 2025

A major pharmaceutical company struggled with manual, error-prone data extraction for monthly compliance reporting within their utilities department. The team was reliant on fragile Excel macros ...

Case Studies LGH System Integrators

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5 min read

Historical Data Reporting Made Easy with Dream Report and TOP Server

Zachary Parham

May 29, 2025

If you’ve ever had to dig into historical data, you know that being able to easily access and understand it is key for gaining insights and decision making. Without the right tools, retrieving and ...

Database & Historian TOP Server Reporting Video Tutorials Dream Report System Integrators

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5 min read

Success Story: How a UK Retailer Improved Logistics with Real-Time Data

Jessica Dillon

May 22, 2025

A leading UK retailer, serving millions of customers through an extensive store network, set out to modernize aging infrastructure in its high-throughput distribution centers. Burdened by legacy ...

Case Studies OmniServer TOP Server System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Get Started with the OPC Server Remote Config Client

Abrey Austin

May 15, 2025

As the Industry 4.0 movement transforms industrial automation, engineers and system administrators are tasked with managing more devices, across more locations, and under tighter security policies. ...

TOP Server Video Tutorials KEPServerEX OPC Server Remote Config System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: How to configure Cogent DataHub as an MQTT Broker

Connor Mason

May 08, 2025

In the Industry 4.0 movement we are in today, companies going through the digital transformation process have to turn data into information and get it in the structures people want, how they want it ...

Cogent DataHub Video Tutorials MQTT & IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Securing Oil and Gas Data Exchange with Software Toolbox Solutions

Jay David

May 01, 2025

In the oil and gas industry, data drives everything—from production optimization to regulatory compliance and remote asset management. But in an environment with geographically dispersed assets, ...

Cogent DataHub TOP Server Oil & Gas EFM OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Earth Day to Every Day: Driving Sustainability with JSON RESTful Data

Sarah Eckhoff

Apr 24, 2025

Happy belated Earth Day! We hope you took the time on Tuesday to enjoy the great outdoors or made a plan to get outside this weekend. Perhaps you did neither and instead decided to put your reusable ...

REST & Web Services OPC Router Earth Day Sustainability System Integrators

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5 min read

How Remote Configuration Can Help Your Business Go Green

Zachary Parham

Apr 17, 2025

While security and ease of project execution are often the focus when discussing remote configuration, they’re just the beginning. In this post for our 2025 Environmental Sustainability blog series, ...

Cogent DataHub OPC Router Earth Day Sustainability OPC Server Remote Config System Integrators

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5 min read

Harnessing Waste Heat for a Greener Future

Zachary Parham

Apr 10, 2025

When it comes to Earth Day, conversations often center on renewable energy and reducing raw materials—but true sustainability goes far beyond solar panels and recycling bins. One of the most ...

OmniServer TOP Server OPC Data Logger OPC Router Earth Day Sustainability System Integrators

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5 min read

Standardizing Connectivity to Advance Sustainability

Jay David

Apr 03, 2025

How a Common Data Infrastructure is Helping Amcor Meet its Net Zero Goals We are celebrating World Earth Day all month long and recognize that sustainability is not just about using eco-friendly ...

Case Studies TOP Server Earth Day Sustainability System Integrators

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5 min read

How Maximizing Uptime Drives Business for Machine Builders & End Users

John Gonzalez

Mar 27, 2025

For OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), delivering high-performance machinery is an absolute requirement. However, their true measurement of success lies with ensuring long-term reliability and ...

Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

Standardizing Device Communications for Oil and Gas Operations

Jay David

Mar 20, 2025

Oil and gas is a complex, high-risk, high-reward industry affected by factors like operational challenges, frequent system configuration change, buying/selling of field assets, environmental risks, ...

Oil & Gas System Integrators

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5 min read

Don't Sleep on Web Services: How RESTful APIs Improve Integration

Nicole Knox

Mar 13, 2025

Each year, National Napping Day recognizes our need for rest the day following the return of daylight saving time, when many of us shift our clocks forward one hour. If you are one of the many who ...

REST & Web Services System Integrators

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5 min read

A Look Ahead: What to Expect from Software Toolbox in 2025

John Weber

Mar 06, 2025

Now that we’ve proved it at the recent ProveIt! 2025 Conference, I want to give our technical teams a break from providing our usual deep technical content. They will be back next week for sure, but ...

Industry 4.0 System Integrators

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5 min read

Did we prove it at ProveIt! ?

Tanja Gehling

Feb 27, 2025

Last week Software Toolbox was one of the 39 vendors exhibiting and presenting at the ProveIt! Conference in Dallas (check out the other ones we'll be at). We hardly noticed the freezing cold Texas ...

Industry 4.0 System Integrators

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5 min read

From Plant Floor PLC to SAP: Real-Time Connectivity

Kyle Persyn

Feb 20, 2025

A global beverage manufacturer sought to modernize its data workflows by integrating operational technology (OT) with enterprise systems. Specifically, they needed to transfer real-time data from ...

Case Studies Data Integration TOP Server OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

The Top 5 Practical Reasons to Attend Industry Events This Year

Tanja Gehling

Feb 13, 2025

There is nothing like talking to each other in person and establishing that individual connection Do you get tons of invitations to various events and wonder “Why should I go? Is this worth my time? ...

IT/OT System Integrators

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5 min read

Cogent DataHub V11 Provides Secure Remote Configuration Built In

Kyle Persyn

Feb 06, 2025

Although Cogent DataHub is best known for its wide range of connectivity interfaces, its intuitive design for configuring and using its features—both locally and remotely—is equally important for ...

Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

Unlock Oil and Gas Operational Excellence - Software Toolbox Solutions

Seann Gallagher

Jan 30, 2025

Streamline Operations, Improve Visibility, Enable Compliance, and Drive Success In the highly regulated and fast-paced oil and gas industry, leveraging real-time, secure data is crucial for improving ...

Cogent DataHub TOP Server Oil & Gas EFM OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

2025 Automation & Control Software Learning Resources

Tanja Gehling

Jan 16, 2025

Over the last several years, it has become a beloved tradition to start the new blog year with a review of the most popular content the team at Software Toolbox put together to build your automation ...

Automation 101 System Integrators

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5 min read

Demystifying Modbus Function Codes

Ryan Royse

Jan 09, 2025

When working with Modbus communication, understanding the key concept of function codes is essential for ensuring efficient and accurate data exchange. Sometimes a device manual might only refer to ...

TOP Server Modbus System Integrators

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5 min read

How to Seamlessly Connect Your Process Data to Amazon IoT Core

Kyle Persyn

Dec 19, 2024

IoT, IIoT, MQTT, Big Data, and The Cloud—these tools and technologies are shaping the future of various industries. But how do you actually bring your critical process or control data into the cloud ...

Cogent DataHub MQTT & IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Prepared for DNP3 EFM Export from the Emerson FB Automation Platform?

Zachary Parham

Dec 12, 2024

When you hear "EFM data", you probably think of well-known Oil & Gas devices like ABB TotalFlow, Fisher ROC, or OMNI Flow and their native protocols, or perhaps Enron Modbus. However, the Oil ...

TOP Server Oil & Gas EFM System Integrators

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5 min read

How to Simplify OPC Server Redundancy with Cogent DataHub

Kyle Persyn

Dec 05, 2024

Redundancy is a broad concept, as explored in our Demystifying Redundancy Blog. In this post, we narrow the focus on how to manage redundant OPC servers—a critical topic for ensuring reliable process ...

Redundancy Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

Reading from CONNECT Data Services with OPC Router

Nicole Knox

Nov 21, 2024

Welcome back to our Data Storage Deep Dive series! In our previous post, we demonstrated how Cogent DataHub can integrate with AVEVA PI System to push data to CONNECT Data Services. However, with ...

OPC Router Data Storage Deep Dive System Integrators

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5 min read

4 Ways to Address Security Challenges with DataHub Tunneling

Connor Mason

Nov 14, 2024

Secure data transmission between the Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) layers is a critical concern in industrial automation. Traditional methods often expose critical ...

Data Tunneling Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

Modbus Block Sizes for Faster, Smarter Data Collection

Ryan Royse

Nov 07, 2024

When working with Modbus devices and TOP Server, one critical factor that can significantly influence communication efficiency is the concept of block sizes. Optimizing block sizes for your ...

TOP Server Modbus System Integrators

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5 min read

Data Integration with AVEVA PI System and CONNECT Data Services

John Gonzalez

Oct 31, 2024

Welcome back to our Data Storage Deep Dive Series, where we continue to explore innovative ways to integrate our industrial automation software solutions with enterprise-level historians. In one of ...

Cogent DataHub Data Storage Deep Dive System Integrators

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5 min read

Security Learning Resources: Staying Safe in the World of IIoT

Zachary Parham

Oct 24, 2024

Risk is often defined as the likelihood that something will occur multiplied by the impact it would have. In the world of automation, some of those possible impacts are unexpected downtime, loss of ...

Security Cogent DataHub OPC Data Client TOP Server OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Leveraging Entra ID in Docker Containers for OPC Router

Kyle Persyn

Oct 17, 2024

In today’s industrial environments, securing and streamlining data communication is essential. If you're not familiar with OPC Router, it’s a powerful software solution that integrates various ...

OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Using TOP Server with AVEVA InTouch via SuiteLink

Lauren Conrad

Oct 10, 2024

Software Toolbox has provided AVEVA™ (formerly Wonderware) users, integrators, OEMs, and channel partners in over 100 countries with best-in-class connectivity solutions since 1996. Many of you will ...

TOP Server SuiteLink InTouch System Integrators

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5 min read

Integrating Canary Historian with OPC Router via RESTful API

Nicole Knox

Oct 03, 2024

Welcome back to our Data Storage Deep Dive series, where we have been exploring the possibilities of integrating our variety of industrial automation software solutions with historians to allow for a ...

OPC Router Data Storage Deep Dive System Integrators

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5 min read

Configure TOP Server and KEPServerEX Remotely and Securely

Blake Giler

Sep 26, 2024

The TOP Server® from Software Toolbox and KEPServerEX® from the Kepware division of PTC® are well known connectivity solutions for extracting industrial automation data from PLCs and other devices, ...

TOP Server KEPServerEX OPC Server Remote Config End User & Operator

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5 min read

Software Toolbox Helps You Fly Higher with Canary Historian

Connor Mason

Sep 19, 2024

Welcome to the next installment of our Data Storage Deep Dive series! For years, Software Toolbox has been synonymous with terms like “device connectivity” and “data integration” thanks to our ...

Cogent DataHub OmniServer TOP Server Data Storage Deep Dive System Integrators

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5 min read

Data Storage Deep Dive: Your Intro to Unlocking Historical Data

Ryan Royse

Sep 12, 2024

Welcome to the kickoff post of our Data Storage Deep Dive blog series! In this series, we will explore the crucial role of data storage solutions and Historians in industrial automation. Over the ...

Cogent DataHub TOP Server OPC Data Logger Flow Dream Report OPC Router Data Storage Deep Dive System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Publishing with OmniServer’s New MQTT Client Plug-In

Jessica Dillon

Sep 05, 2024

OmniServer is a universal data acquisition software application designed to bi-directionally retrieve information from a wide range of Ethernet, serial, or USB devices that use 'non-standard' ...

OmniServer System Integrators

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5 min read

DataHub V11: Enhancing Remote Config Access Security with MFA/TOTP

John Gonzalez

Aug 29, 2024

Building on last week’s Cogent DataHub v11 Security Enhancements Deep Dive blog, this post dives into a practical application of these security enhancement by focusing on the implementation of ...

Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

Cogent DataHub V11 Security Enhancements Deep Dive

John Gonzalez

Aug 22, 2024

As briefly shared in our blog “Cogent DataHub V11 Features to Be Excited About”, Cogent DataHub has expanded its security configuration and options in the v11 release, offering even greater ...

Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Application Reports for OPC Router

Zachary Parham

Aug 15, 2024

Though you may have never needed to contact Software Toolbox for support, it’s always smart to be ready for any challenges that might arise. That’s why it’s helpful to know the resources you have at ...

Technical Support OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

OPC UA PubSub and MQTT with the OPC Data Client Development Toolkit

Kyle Persyn

Aug 08, 2024

If you've been keeping up with our Summer of IoT blog series, you've likely noticed our in-depth exploration of Software Toolbox solutions and the use of MQTT for IoT applications. In this latest ...

OPC Data Client Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Cogent DataHub V11 Feature Enhancements: User Experience

Blake Giler

Aug 01, 2024

As part of our ongoing Summer of IoT Blog Series, this week we will continue to review the exciting new release of Cogent DataHub Version 11. In a previous post, Cogent DataHub V11 Features to Be ...

Cogent DataHub Summer of IoT End User & Operator

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5 min read

Put OPC UA PubSub, Companion Specs, and More to work with OPC Router

Nicole Knox

Jul 25, 2024

As OPC UA has grown in it's adoption, more device vendors are implementing OPC UA interfaces on their PLCs and other devices to increase interoperability. OPC UA has been proven to be an adaptable ...

OPC Router Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Securing your MQTT Data Access in Cogent DataHub V11

Connor Mason

Jul 18, 2024

Continuing our Summer of IoT blog series, we'll delve into the exciting new release of Cogent DataHub V11. For those that may have missed our previous post on Cogent DataHub V11 Features to Be ...

Cogent DataHub MQTT & IoT Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Streamline Your IoT Operations with the New OmniServer MQTT Plug-In

Jessica Dillon

Jul 11, 2024

Welcome back to our Summer of IoT blog series! This week, we are excited to announce the release of OmniServer Version 3.4.0.1 which in the professional edition, now includes MQTT client capability, ...

OmniServer MQTT & IoT Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Cogent DataHub V11 Features to Be Excited About

Connor Mason

Jun 27, 2024

As we continue our Summer of IoT blog series, this week we'll turn our focus to the V11 release of Cogent DataHub, a powerful platform known for its ability to seamlessly connect to a wide range of ...

Technical Support Cogent DataHub Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Expanding your IoT Impact with the TOP Server MQTT Client Driver

John Gonzalez

Jun 20, 2024

Welcome back to our Summer of IoT blog series! In this third installment, we continue our journey through the fascinating world of IoT, delving deeper into the transformative technologies Software ...

TOP Server MQTT & IoT Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Integrate Industrial Data with HiveMQ using OPC Router

Zachary Parham

Jun 13, 2024

Welcome back to our Summer of IoT blog series! We hope that last week’s introduction to the series created excitement as we continue to explore how our IoT solutions can help you achieve even greater ...

Video Tutorials MQTT & IoT OPC Router Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

IoT and You – Kicking off the Summer of IoT

Ryan Royse

Jun 06, 2024

Welcome to the kickoff of Software Toolbox’s Summer of IoT blog series! Over the next few blog posts, we’ll discuss how our products can play a role in the exciting world of Internet of Things (IoT), ...

Cogent DataHub OPC Data Client TOP Server Flow OPC Router Summer of IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Data Collection from BACnet Controllers

Lauren Conrad

May 30, 2024

Originally developed by the American Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, BACnet (short for Building Automation and Control Network) is a communications protocol primarily used in ...

TOP Server Video Tutorials End User & Operator

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5 min read

OPC Router V4 – Report Downtime for your Connections

Kyle Persyn

May 23, 2024

In the ever-changing landscape of industrial control, the ability to establish connections and facilitate efficient data exchange between different technologies is crucial. With digital ...

Technical Support OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Flexible Control of Real-Time Device Polling Schedules

John Gonzalez

May 16, 2024

The TOP Server OPC server is known for its ability to collect real-time data from a wide range of devices, using off-the-shelf industry standard protocols. However, challenges arise when not all ...

Technical Support TOP Server End User & Operator

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5 min read

Your OPC Client Toolkit Should Keep Connectivity Simple, Right?

Nicole Knox

May 09, 2024

Sometimes we are approached by users and integrators with very specific business demands, and an off-the-shelf OPC client solution isn't always the answer to their problems. As they explore the fully ...

Technical Support OPC UA OPC OPC Data Client OPC Toolkit Benefits System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: DataHub Item Imports Made Easy

Connor Mason

May 02, 2024

Cogent DataHub enables users to integrate diverse data sources quickly and efficiently within their industrial automation ecosystems. By providing multiple ways to consume, organize, and deliver ...

Technical Support Cogent DataHub End User & Operator

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5 min read

Enabling Sustainability through all Levels of the Automation Pyramid

Zachary Parham

Apr 25, 2024

Software Toolbox’s solutions play a pivotal role throughout multiple renewable energy sectors. However, our solutions don't only help with the day-to-day creation of renewable energy but also the ...

Cogent DataHub OmniServer TOP Server OPC Router Earth Day System Integrators

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5 min read

Energy Efficiency Success Story: Cloudy with a Chance of Unified Data

Sarah Eckhoff

Apr 18, 2024

Happy early Earth Day! And welcome back to our Environmental Sustainability series, where we explore the pivotal role of innovation in safeguarding our planet. In this third installment, our focus ...

Cogent DataHub Earth Day System Integrators

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5 min read

Empowering Sustainability in and through the use of Cloud Data Centers

Zachary Parham

Apr 11, 2024

There is significant growth in companies offloading their applications, data management, files, and content to cloud hosted systems. While this is great for a multitude of reasons, have you wondered ...

Cogent DataHub TOP Server Flow OPC Router Earth Day System Integrators

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5 min read

Revolutionizing Sustainability with Circular Economy and OPC Standards

Sarah Eckhoff

Apr 04, 2024

In this first installment of our 2024 Environmental Sustainability Blog Series, we’re going to piggyback on last year’s Waste Reduction blog post, and take things a step farther – how can you ...

OmniServer TOP Server Earth Day System Integrators

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5 min read

Did You Know? How to Use Character Translations in OmniServer

Jessica Dillon

Mar 28, 2024

Those of you who are aware of OmniServer will already know that it is primarily used to retrieve information from devices that use 'non-standard' protocols to communicate, such as weigh scales, ...

Technical Support OmniServer System Integrators

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5 min read

Modbus Offset vs. Addressing: Why Does It Matter?

Ryan Royse

Mar 21, 2024

Have you ever been confused on the difference between Modbus offsets and addresses? I’m sure you may have configured different Modbus devices from different manufacturers who follow different ...

Technical Support TOP Server Modbus End User & Operator

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5 min read

DataHub – 3 Ways to Transform Database Writes

Kyle Persyn

Mar 14, 2024

If you’re an existing user or you’ve been keeping up with our previously released Cogent DataHub blogs, you’re already aware that Cogent DataHub is renowned for its extensive connectivity options to ...

Technical Support Cogent DataHub Database System Integrators

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5 min read

Using TOP Server's Advanced Tags Plug-In: Calculations & Data Bridging

John Gonzalez

Mar 07, 2024

TOP Server is widely used in automation for data collection from your industrial control systems. One of the many benefits of using TOP Server is that it ensures data integrity – meaning that the ...

Technical Support TOP Server End User & Operator

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Data Collection from DNP3 RTUs & Devices

Lauren Conrad

Feb 29, 2024

DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol) is a communications protocol primarily used for communications between a client application such as HMI, SCADA, or Historian and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or ...

TOP Server Video Tutorials System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Getting Started with OPC Router Project Development

Nicole Knox

Feb 22, 2024

OPC Router is a powerful tool that can be used to easily integrate large quantities of data from a variety of sources using its modular configuration, adding value to a variety of industrial, ...

Technical Support OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Logging OPC Data with Custom Time Formats

Connor Mason

Feb 15, 2024

When logging data to a database or text file, the way that data is presented is essential due to the implications it has for who, or what, is reading this data to make decisions. Without the correct ...

Technical Support OPC Data Logger System Integrators

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5 min read

OPC Data Client and NuGet: The What, Why, and How

Zachary Parham

Feb 08, 2024

Software Toolbox has been a fixture in the automation industry since 1996, offering software tools and components from project conception to completion. Our expert staff is committed to helping ...

Technical Support OPC Data Client System Integrators

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5 min read

Automating Data Entry from Test Stand & QC Devices as Keyboard Input

Jessica Dillon

Feb 01, 2024

Unlike off-the-shelf OPC servers and drivers that talk to specific devices or protocols and no others, OmniServer can be configured to talk to virtually any device or combination of serial, USB, or ...

Technical Support OmniServer System Integrators

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5 min read

2024 Automation & Control Software Learning Resources

John Weber

Jan 25, 2024

Welcome to our most popular blog post of the year! Each year we publish this blog post to help you learn, grow, and support empowering you to improve your business. This post is our 7th annual ...

Automation 101 System Integrators

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5 min read

DataHub – 5 Quick Steps to Writing to a Database Table

Kyle Persyn

Jan 18, 2024

If you've been keeping up with our previously released Cogent DataHub blogs, you're already aware that Cogent DataHub is renowned for its extensive connectivity. However, it's worth emphasizing that ...

Technical Support Cogent DataHub Database System Integrators

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5 min read

Why Are My Data Values Wrong? - Exploring Modbus TOP Server Settings

Ryan Royse

Jan 11, 2024

In the world of industrial automation and control systems, communication protocols play a crucial role in ensuring seamless data exchange between devices. Modbus started as a protocol used in ...

Technical Support TOP Server Modbus System Integrators

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5 min read

Data Exchange File Formats: Exploring ETL Tools with OPC Router

Nicole Knox

Dec 21, 2023

To achieve operational and business goals, many industrial automation system architectures are designed to push and pull data from a multitude of sources and destinations that come with a variety of ...

Technical Support OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Exploring Cogent DataHub's Alarm & Notifications Plug-In

John Gonzalez

Dec 14, 2023

Cogent DataHub is primarily known for its extensive connectivity to OPC DA, OPC UA, OPC A&E, Databases, Historians, Excel, ODBC, DDE, Linux, Modbus and more. However, it is worth noting that this ...

Technical Support OPC Alarms and Events Alarms & Notifications Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

OPC Data Client 2023.2 Adds Python.NET Support

Kyle Persyn

Dec 07, 2023

Developers that have leveraged our OPC Data Client toolkit for their custom OPC client development needs know that we’ve historically supported Python as a COM development language, but that had ...

OPC Data Client Development Tools System Integrators

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5 min read

Exploring MQTT – Understanding Quality of Service (QoS) with DataHub

Connor Mason

Nov 30, 2023

MQTT continues to grow in popularity and implementation within the industrial automation community. For those who are still new and learning about this protocol, MQTT is a light-weight transfer ...

Technical Support Cogent DataHub MQTT & IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Exploring TOP Server's Out-of-the-Box Security Features

Kyle Persyn

Nov 16, 2023

Whether you're running a production system in manufacturing, oil and gas, building automation, or energy, safety and uptime are of the utmost importance, especially with cybersecurity attacks ...

Technical Support TOP Server System Integrators

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5 min read

Using OPC Router to Log OPC Data to JSON Files Without Code

Jessica Dillon

Nov 02, 2023

In today's business landscape, the exchange and storage of data plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and robust operations. Whether operating in sectors like Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, ...

Technical Support OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

TOP Server Troubleshooting Scenario: Device Side Communication Issue

Nicole Knox

Oct 26, 2023

Your operations visibility relies on real-time data from machinery, systems, and field devices. When there are communications issues resulting in loss of or inaccurate data, addressing issues ...

Technical Support TOP Server System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Real-Time Collection for GE Ethernet Controllers

Lauren Conrad

Oct 19, 2023

The GE Ethernet family of PLCs and PACs is one of the most popular controllers across many automated industries. If you're reading this, you likely have at least one GE Ethernet controller being used ...

TOP Server Video Tutorials End User & Operator

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5 min read

Exploring the Five OmniServer Diagnostics Tools

Ryan Royse

Oct 12, 2023

We all love it when things go according to plan, but realistically that’s not always the case. Inconsistent device documentation and confusing protocol specs can make custom protocol implementation ...

Technical Support OmniServer System Integrators

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5 min read

Exploring the OmniServer Configuration User Interface

Ryan Royse

Oct 05, 2023

If you’ve worked with OmniServer before, you’re probably familiar with its pivotal role in extracting data from devices that use a 'non-standard' communication protocol. These devices encompass a ...

Technical Support OmniServer System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Getting Started with DataHub WebView

John Gonzalez

Sep 28, 2023

Today's industrial automation users have a need for fast, responsive, easy-to-configure Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) that can economically deliver a rich user experience and make sure critical ...

Technical Support Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

The What, Why, Where, and How of DataHub Scripting: An Intro to Gamma

Zachary Parham

Sep 21, 2023

DataHub is a solution in Software Toolbox’s portfolio of software that integrates various IT and OT data sources, and is particularly strong in working with a wide range of OPC standards, secure ...

Technical Support Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Blog: OT Data Integration to/from InfluxDB

Dawid Sadie

Sep 07, 2023

Round-trip InfluxDB Integration using OPC Router Software Toolbox offers a variety of tools for integrating with InfluxDB. Today we focus on OPC Router, a solution that enables visual workflow ...

MQTT & IoT OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Revisiting TOP Server Redundancy with Communication Paths

Jessica Dillon

Aug 31, 2023

In a prior blog post regarding redundancy, we learned how critical it is to plan for redundancy in the Industrial Automation space. We covered how the TOP Server Media-Level Redundancy Plug-In ...

Technical Support Redundancy TOP Server End User & Operator

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5 min read

O’ Server, Where Art Thou? SLIK-DA/UA and OPC UA Discovery Servers

Ganesh Kalipershad

Aug 24, 2023

If you're a SLIK-DA/UA OPC Server development toolkit user with your own custom OPC UA Server applications or have worked with any of our other OPC UA enabled solutions, you may have noticed ...

Technical Support SLIK-DA System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Flexible Options for Tag Management in TOP Server

Haley Waddell

Aug 17, 2023

Tags, nodes, points, items, symbols – in our industry, we often see these terms thrown around, but in most instances, we’re all talking about the same thing. From the TOP Server OPC Server's ...

Technical Support TOP Server End User & Operator

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Making TOP Server Config Changes While Active

John Gonzalez

Aug 03, 2023

Have you ever wondered why certain features in TOP Server work the way you experience them, or how something might work in certain scenarios? Well this blog post tries to answer a few of those type ...

Technical Support TOP Server End User & Operator

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5 min read

Video Blog: Automating LGH File Inspector Queries

Zachary Parham

Jul 27, 2023

LGH File Inspector for AVEVA InTouch (formerly Wonderware) enables easy, scalable, fast access to local daily historical data files (*.lgh files) logged by AVEVA InTouch applications without the ...

LGH Video Tutorials System Integrators

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5 min read

OPC Router Configuration Management Overview, Methods & Tips

Nicole Knox

Jul 20, 2023

When working with OPC Router, especially as you build larger and more powerful projects to integrate OPC, web services, databases, ERP, SAP, and other systems in your Industry 4.0 initiatives, it’s ...

OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

OPC Router Power Tips - Using OAuth 2.0 with REST APIs

Rodrigo Restrepo

Jul 13, 2023

In the ever-changing landscape of industrial control, the ability to establish connections and facilitate efficient data exchange between different technologies is crucial. With digital ...

REST & Web Services OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Ensuring Data Availability with the TOP Server Redundancy Plug-In

Jessica Dillon

Jun 29, 2023

The engineering definition of redundancy is “the inclusion of extra components which are not strictly necessary to functioning, in case of failure in other components.” In the Industrial Automation ...

Technical Support Redundancy TOP Server System Integrators

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5 min read

OPC Data Client 2023.1  Adds .NET 7 support, OPC UA security management improvements & more examples

Ganesh Kalipershad

Jun 22, 2023

With the release of the OPC Data Client 2023.1 toolkit, custom OPC client developers will benefit from improvements targeted at platform support, developer productivity, and custom application end ...

OPC Data Client Development Tools System Integrators

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5 min read

Getting Started with LGH File Inspector

Zachary Parham

Jun 15, 2023

As a continuation of our Tech Support Corner blog series, this post will look at how to set up a query in LGH File Inspector, how to export LGH data, and some of the configurable options available in ...

Technical Support LGH AVEVA InTouch System Integrators

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5 min read

Building Better Data Foundations for Manufacturing Decisions

Dawid Sadie

Jun 08, 2023

In this video blog post, Jeff Knepper from Flow Software and I engage in a discussion about the issues that users and integrators often face. Drawing from our experience, we dive into the challenges ...

Industrial Decisions Flow System Integrators

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5 min read

Leveraging Visual Studio for Efficient OPC Router Scripting

Rodrigo Restrepo

Jun 01, 2023

OPC Router is a standards based tool for data integration from the shop floor through all levels even up to ERP systems, with a visual workflow engine, scalable configuration templates, and ...

REST & Web Services OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

A Tribute to Kevin Rutherford from his Software Toolbox Family

John Weber

May 25, 2023

In today's blog post, I reach out to you in tribute to Kevin M. Rutherford, our dear friend and colleague. It is with an exceptionally heavy heart that I am writing to share that Kevin passed away ...

System Integrators

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5 min read

What Can You Count On When Working with Software Toolbox?

Haley Waddell

May 11, 2023

Having expectations, for both oneself and others, plays a vast role in motivation, success and the overall experience one has in virtually any situation. As can be expected, when you're reaching out ...

Wonderware Technical Support AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial - Logging Dynamic JSON Data to SQL or MES

Rodrigo Restrepo

May 04, 2023

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a file format that has become fairly common in the industrial automation industry for storing data or information (including such things as configuration files). ...

Device Connectivity OPC UA OPC REST & Web Services OPC DA Video Tutorials OPC Router OPC Router Basic Training System Integrators

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5 min read

Software Toolbox Solutions Commonly Used in Renewable Energy Sector

Sarah Eckhoff

Apr 27, 2023

Firstly, Happy Belated Earth Day to all that celebrated on Saturday! Currently, renewable energy generates around 20% of all electricity in the US. This percentage increases daily - you may have seen ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support AVEVA Earth Day Sustainability System Integrators

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5 min read

Industrial Software Solutions and Oil and Gas Environmental Compliance

Zachary Parham

Apr 20, 2023

When people think of environmental sustainability, in general, they often do not think of the oil and gas industry. But the fact of the matter is that oil, natural gas and other hydrocarbons are a ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support AVEVA Earth Day Sustainability System Integrators

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5 min read

The Economic Impact of Environmental Sustainability

Sarah Eckhoff

Apr 13, 2023

Environmental sustainability is built on the principle that everything humans need for both survival and our well-being triggers a reaction in the environment. The pillars of sustainability are based ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support AVEVA Earth Day Sustainability System Integrators

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5 min read

Waste Reduction in Automation Using OmniServer

Zachary Parham

Apr 06, 2023

Here at Software Toolbox, we strive to be the “One Responsible Partner” for our clients - a motto we see as soon as we enter the door every morning. That extends beyond just our amazing sales and ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OmniServer AVEVA Earth Day Sustainability End User & Operator

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5 min read

Did You Know? OmniServer Byte Order to Display Item Values Correctly

Kevin Rutherford

Mar 30, 2023

As someone who has worked with non-standard device connectivity using OmniServer for almost 18 years, I've encounter most of the subtle nuances of certain protocols that a user might need to ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Protocols OmniServer Connectivity OPC Server OmniServer Did You Know System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Three Ways to Mass Create TOP Server Static Tags

Ganesh Kalipershad

Mar 23, 2023

It's common for members of the Software Toolbox Technical Team to encounter instances where users need to configure thousands of static tags for the devices in their TOP Server projects. We have even ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support TOP Server AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Understanding DNP3 Polling Behavior Basics

Kevin Rutherford

Mar 16, 2023

The DNP3 protocol is commonly used in water/wastewater and other utilities related industries. It's common for RTUs used in these industries to support both DNP3 and Modbus (and possibly other ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support Protocols Automation 101 TOP Server System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Update: New Releases, DCOM Alternatives & Tech Tips

John Weber

Mar 09, 2023

This week's post is a technical update to share news about updates released for DataHub and OPC Data Logger, reminders about the value of the Tech Support corner, and your last warning about DCOM ...

DCOM Technical Support Cogent DataHub System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Configuring TOP Server as a Modbus Device/Server

Ganesh Kalipershad

Mar 02, 2023

With Modbus having been around since 1979, I’m sure you have had some interaction with it or at least awareness of it if you work in the automation industry. Our TOP Server is very widely used for ...

Wonderware Technical Support Protocols Automation 101 TOP Server Modbus System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Client/Server Roles & Read Types with TOP Server

Nicole Knox

Feb 23, 2023

A common misconception about TOP Server as an OPC server is that TOP Server will poll your device/devices automatically with no OPC client connected. So, when you are getting started with TOP Server, ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA OPC OPC DA OPC Server TOP Server AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Using TOP Server with OPC UA Discovery Servers

Zachary Parham

Feb 16, 2023

If you're a TOP Server user with OPC UA client connections to TOP Server, you may have noticed a section in the OPC UA Configuration Manager titled "Discovery Servers". Possibly you're using an OPC ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA TOP Server AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Let's Take a REST...API and Integrate a Wide Variety of Data

Kevin Rutherford

Feb 09, 2023

So, no, we're not actually taking a rest - we're looking at what REST the acronym means from a practical perspective. But perhaps after reading this, if you're looking to connect to a RESTful API, ...

OPC UA OPC REST & Web Services Connectivity System Integrators

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5 min read

TOP Server for AVEVA V6.13 Features to Be Excited About

Kevin Rutherford

Jan 26, 2023

In keeping with ongoing continuous improvement initiatives, TOP Server for AVEVA V6.13 adds several enhancements and resolves known issues for over 20 drivers and plug-ins. In this post, we'll cover ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity TOP Server AVEVA End User & Operator

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5 min read

2023 Automation & Control Software Learning Resources

Kevin Rutherford

Jan 19, 2023

Welcome to our most popular blog post of the year! This post is our 6th annual sharing of references to learning resources including new whitepapers, our ever hot Tech Support Corner, a new AVEVA ...

Automation 101 System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: AVEVA InTouch to DataHub via OPC UA Expands Options

Kevin Rutherford

Jan 12, 2023

Users of AVEVA™ software are already familiar with the native connectivity options they have for interfacing with different systems and devices. AVEVA users often turn to Cogent DataHub® for ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA Cogent DataHub AVEVA AVEVA OPC UA Client System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: AVEVA InTouch to OmniServer via OPC UA Expands Options

Kevin Rutherford

Dec 15, 2022

Most AVEVA™ users are already familiar with the native connectivity options they have for interfacing with different systems. AVEVA users have turned to OmniServer for many years to integrate non-PLC ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA OmniServer AVEVA AVEVA OPC UA Client System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: AVEVA InTouch to TOP Server via OPC UA Expands Options

Kevin Rutherford

Dec 08, 2022

Most AVEVA™ users are already familiar with the native connectivity options they have for interfacing with different systems. Many AVEVA users have also turned to TOP Server over the years, both for ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA TOP Server AVEVA AVEVA OPC UA Client System Integrators

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5 min read

Using OPC Router for Real-Time Process Updates to Microsoft Teams Chat

Kevin Rutherford

Dec 01, 2022

It's pretty common these days for companies to use Microsoft Teams™ for internal communications within and between departments and maybe even between IT and OT segments in an organization. This has ...

Technical Support OPC UA OPC Alarms & Notifications Process Alerts Process Alert OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Real-Time Collection for Siemens S7 TCP/IP Ethernet

Lauren Conrad

Nov 17, 2022

If you're reading this, you likely have at least one Siemens S7 PLC on your network being used in your industrial process and need to integrate data from that process. And if you're still using ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity TOP Server Video Tutorials AVEVA End User & Operator

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5 min read

OPC Router Adds MQTT SparkplugB, More Cloud Options, Flexibility

Kevin Rutherford

Nov 10, 2022

OPC Router includes a wide range of features that you may already be taking advantage of. The product is regularly updated to add additional useful features and tools, and to resolve any known ...

Device Connectivity OPC UA Database OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

AVEVA System Platform to OPC Router Connectivity Options via OPC UA

Kevin Rutherford

Nov 03, 2022

AVEVA™ users have a range of native connectivity options for interfacing with different systems. OPC Router also supports connectivity to variety of different systems that users sometimes need to ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA OPC Router AVEVA AVEVA OPC UA Client

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5 min read

Did You Know Google IoT Core is Shutting Down? Start Preparing Now!

Zachary Parham

Oct 27, 2022

If you have been following our blog for a while or have been exploring IoT platforms available in the market, you may know that the Google Cloud Platform combined with the Google IoT Core is a ...

OPC UA OPC OPC DA Cogent DataHub Connectivity MQTT & IoT OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Faster LGH File Inspector ROI: More Flexibility & Up to 86% Reduction in Query Times!

Zachary Parham

Oct 20, 2022

The LGH File Inspector software solution enables rapid query and export of Wonderware InTouch LGH files to Excel & CSV for analysis and reporting. Following on the recent LGH File Inspector v3 ...

Wonderware CSV LGH AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Real-Time Collection for Modbus Devices

Lauren Conrad

Oct 13, 2022

Modbus is one of the most widely used protocols around the world, implemented as the communications protocol by many different vendors for integration with other systems. If you're reading this, you ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Connectivity TOP Server Video Tutorials Modbus System Integrators

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5 min read

Did You Know? Using Special Characters in OmniServer Protocol Messages

Kevin Rutherford

Oct 05, 2022

As someone who has worked with non-standard device connectivity using OmniServer for over 16 years, I consider myself well-versed in some of the more obscure nuances of certain protocols that a user ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Protocols OmniServer Connectivity OPC Server OmniServer Did You Know System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial - Email Reports / Alerts from OPC & Other Data Sources

John Gonzalez

Sep 29, 2022

It's important for any enterprise to have actionable data in the timeliest fashion for making decisions. Minimizing downtime and increasing performance are important to the profitability of any ...

Device Connectivity OPC UA OPC OPC DA Alarms & Notifications Video Tutorials OPC Router OPC Router Basic Training System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Real-Time Collection for AB Logix Family Controllers

Lauren Conrad

Sep 22, 2022

Allen-Bradley's Logix family of PLCs and PACs is one of the most popular controllers across many automated industries. If you're reading this, you likely have at least one Logix controller being used ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Connectivity TOP Server Video Tutorials ControlLogix End User & Operator

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5 min read

Converting Non-OPC UA System Data for OPC UA Clients with OPC Router

Kevin Rutherford

Sep 15, 2022

OPC Router provides connectivity to a wide range of data sources including ERP systems such as SAP, a variety of relational and other databases, conversion of file data including CSV, XML, JSON and ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Understanding TOP Server Channel & Device Limits

Zachary Parham

Sep 08, 2022

Our team often gets questions about the extent to which our products can be used. It’s important to differentiate between technical versus practical limits when discussing what is and is not ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support TOP Server AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Using TOP Server Simulated Device Mode

Connor Mason

Sep 01, 2022

If you're a TOP Server user, you're likely accustomed to connecting to a device configured in TOP Server that is sending real-time data through one of its many available drivers. But did you know you ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support TOP Server AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Using DataHub Advanced MQTT Parsing

Win Worrall

Aug 25, 2022

Cogent DataHub® is a gateway that enables a wide range of connectivity interfaces for different data sources such as OPC UA, OPC DA, ODBC, DDE and so much more. Included in those available interfaces ...

Device Connectivity OPC Gateway Cogent DataHub Video Tutorials MQTT & IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

AVEVA System Platform to TOP Server via OPC UA Expands Connectivity

Kevin Rutherford

Aug 18, 2022

Many AVEVA™ users are probably already aware of the native connectivity options they have for interfacing with different systems. Many AVEVA users have also turned to TOP Server over the years, both ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA TOP Server AVEVA AVEVA OPC UA Client

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Understanding TOP Server Device Scan Modes

Jessica Dillon

Aug 11, 2022

If you are reading this post, chances are you have configured your TOP Server project and are communicating with your devices successfully. Perhaps, you also have a client application successfully ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support TOP Server System Integrators

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5 min read

AVEVA System Platform to OmniServer via OPC UA for Non-PLC Devices

Kevin Rutherford

Aug 04, 2022

AVEVA™ users already have a wide range of connectivity options for interfacing with different systems. For many years, OmniServer has been expanding that connectivity to include non-standard, non-PLC ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA OmniServer AVEVA AVEVA OPC UA Client

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5 min read

AVEVA System Platform OPC UA Client to DataHub OPC UA Server for Expanded Connectivity

Kevin Rutherford

Jul 28, 2022

AVEVA™ users already have a wide range of connectivity options for interfacing with different systems. Cogent DataHub® also supports an extensive selection of connectivity to different systems that ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC UA Cogent DataHub AVEVA AVEVA OPC UA Client System Integrators

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5 min read

Enabling Rapid Interoperability Between OPC UA & MQTT Sparkplug B

John Weber

Jul 21, 2022

Ongoing digital transformation and operational visibility initiatives continue to demand the integration of different systems using different technologies. With increased adoption of secure OPC UA ...

OPC UA OPC OPC Gateway Cogent DataHub MQTT & IoT Sparkplug B System Integrators

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5 min read

Understanding OPC UA Certificates and Certificate Authorities

Zachary Parham

Jul 14, 2022

If you use OPC UA, you are likely at least somewhat familiar with OPC UA certificates. OPC UA client and server applications typically have Application Instance Certificates to provide ...

Security OPC UA OPC Automation 101 Exploring OPC UA End User & Operator

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5 min read

Accessing AVEVA System Platform with TOP Server via OPC UA

Kevin Rutherford

Jun 30, 2022

Are you an AVEVA™ System Platform user but you also have some other client or system (HMI, SCADA, other) and need that system to access data from System Platform? It's a use case that sometimes ...

Wonderware Technical Support OPC UA OPC Conversion TOP Server SuiteLink AVEVA End User & Operator

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5 min read

Accessing AVEVA System Platform with OPC Router via OPC UA

Kevin Rutherford

Jun 23, 2022

A common use case that we encounter with many AVEVA™ users is the need to share data from System Platform with some other client or system (HMI, SCADA, other). It's not uncommon for a company to be ...

Wonderware Technical Support OPC UA OPC Conversion OPC Router AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

DCOM Hardening & Your Alternatives to Eliminate Security Risk & Stress

Kevin Rutherford

Jun 16, 2022

If you’re reading this post, you’ve almost certainly at least heard of DCOM. And, possibly, you’re one of many who have struggled over the years with the trials of configuring remote OPC Classic ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity OPC Tunnel DCOM Technical Support OPC UA OPC DA MQTT & IoT System Integrators

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5 min read

Access AVEVA System Platform's OPC UA Server w/ DataHub OPC UA Client

John Weber

Jun 09, 2022

Are you or have you ever been in a situation where you were working with both an AVEVA™ solution and some other client or system (HMI, SCADA, other) and needed to share data? Perhaps your company ...

Wonderware Technical Support OPC UA OPC Conversion Cogent DataHub AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner - Top 6 Tips For First Time OmniServer Users

Kevin Rutherford

Jun 02, 2022

For users that have never worked with OmniServer, it can be intimidating thinking about how to take information out of a device manual or protocol document and convert that into an OmniServer ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support Protocols OmniServer Connectivity OPC Server OmniServer Did You Know System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Real-Time Collection for Siemens S7 Plus Ethernet

Kevin Rutherford

May 26, 2022

If you're reading this, you likely have at least one Siemens S7 PLC on your network being used in your industrial process and need to integrate data from that process. And, like many of our Siemens ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity TOP Server Video Tutorials AVEVA End User & Operator

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Tech Support Corner: How to Script Wireshark Capture

Rodrigo Restrepo

May 19, 2022

As you may be aware, Wireshark is an incredibly useful freeware tool for capturing network traffic on a computer. Our support engineers find it to be invaluable for troubleshooting Ethernet ...

Technical Support Automation 101 End User & Operator

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OPC Router Adds OPC UA Pub/Sub, UA Cloud Library & Docker Sample

Kevin Rutherford

May 12, 2022

OPC Router already includes a wide range of features that you may already be taking advantage of. You're likely also aware that OPC Router is regularly updated to add additional useful features and ...

Device Connectivity OPC UA Database OPC Router System Integrators

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Tech Support Corner: Using PowerShell to Troubleshoot TCP Ports

Rodrigo Restrepo

May 05, 2022

Do you find yourself in need of troubleshooting a TCP connection, but your IT department has everything locked down, so you're unable to install third-party Troubleshooting tools without permission? ...

Wonderware Technical Support Automation 101 End User & Operator

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Integrating LGH File Inspector via InTouch Scripting

Kevin Rutherford

Apr 28, 2022

A key feature of any HMI package is the ability to not only show the current state of your control system, but to then store that information for historic purposes. But being able to easily access ...

Wonderware LGH AVEVA InTouch System Integrators

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Did You Know? How to Simulate Devices with OmniServer

Kevin Rutherford

Apr 21, 2022

If you're familiar with OmniServer, you likely already know how OmniServer is commonly used to retrieve information from devices that use ‘non-standard’ protocols to communicate such as weight ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Protocols OmniServer OmniServer Did You Know System Integrators

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How to Easily Integrate Your OPC Router Data with Google Cloud IoT

Zachary Parham

Apr 14, 2022

The Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is Google’s cloud solution that brings all of Google’s cloud computing services together. Google’s own services, such as Google Search and YouTube, run on the GCP, but ...

OPC UA OPC OPC DA Connectivity MQTT & IoT OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Running / Maintaining Cogent DataHub as a Service

Nicole Knox

Apr 07, 2022

Great job! You managed to configure Cogent DataHub® to fit your needs, and now you are ready to run it in a production environment, but you are left with one question – “How in the world do I run ...

Security Technical Support OPC UA OPC Cogent DataHub xml System Integrators

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OPC Data Client 2022.1 .NET 6, Win1021H2 Support, New Examples & More

Ganesh Kalipershad

Mar 31, 2022

Following on the recent OPC Data Client 2021.3 release a few months ago, the OPC Data Client toolkit has been updated again to give developers more options, help them deal with Microsoft technology ...

OPC UA OPC OPC Data Client Development Tools System Integrators

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Quick Start - AVEVA System Platform to TOP Server via OPC DA

Zachary Parham

Mar 24, 2022

TOP Server for AVEVA™ users are probably aware that TOP Server supports several methods for connecting AVEVA™ software solutions. TOP Server simultaneously supports SuiteLink, OPC DA Classic and OPC ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OPC DA TOP Server System Integrators

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Licensing Enhancements - LGH File Inspector for AVEVA/Wonderware

Win Worrall

Mar 17, 2022

The LGH File Inspector software solution enables rapid query and export of Wonderware InTouch LGH files to Excel & CSV for analysis and reporting. With Version 3.0, the licensing architecture has ...

Wonderware CSV LGH System Integrators

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5 min read

DataHub V10: Integrating Data Sources with AVEVA Insight

Win Worrall

Mar 10, 2022

Cogent DataHub® (from our developer partner/publisher Skkynet) provides a wide selection of connectivity options to OPC DA, OPC UA, OPC A&E, Databases, Excel, ODBC, DDE, Linux, Modbus. As you may ...

Technical Support OPC UA OPC Database & Historian Cogent DataHub AVEVA System Integrators

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Video Tutorial: Using DataHub to Convert OPC Classic A&E to OPC UA A&C

Win Worrall

Mar 03, 2022

Cogent DataHub enables a wide range of connectivity interfaces for different data sources such as OPC UA, OPC DA, ODBC, DDE and so much more. This makes DataHub a flexible gateway commonly used for ...

Device Connectivity OPC UA OPC OPC Alarms and Events OPC Gateway Alarms & Notifications Cogent DataHub Video Tutorials System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Troubleshooting AVEVA SuiteLink Connections

Connor Mason

Feb 24, 2022

Software Toolbox has a long-standing history of offering supplemental solutions that fit right in with AVEVA™ (formerly Wonderware®) projects. Many of you will be familiar with our TOP Server for ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support OmniServer TOP Server SuiteLink AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Understanding the Different TOP Server Components

Jessica Dillon

Feb 17, 2022

If you are reading this post, chances are that you are somewhat familiar with TOP Server as well as how to configure it to communicate with various devices. Perhaps, you are also familiar with how to ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support TOP Server System Integrators

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5 min read

DataHub V10: Integrating Data Sources with AVEVA Historian

Win Worrall

Feb 10, 2022

Cogent DataHub is known for its extensive connectivity to OPC DA, OPC UA, OPC A&E, Databases, Excel, ODBC, DDE, Linux, Modbus. As you may have already learned, the DataHub Version 10 now includes ...

Technical Support OPC UA OPC Database & Historian Cogent DataHub AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Five Ways OPC Router Bridges the Gap Between ERP and Plant Floor

Kevin Rutherford

Feb 03, 2022

For various reasons, many organizations still have one or more disconnects between the PLCs and other control devices closest to the ultimate process and the upstream systems responsible for ...

Device Connectivity OPC UA IT/OT OPC Gateway OPC Router ERP System Integrators

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5 min read

2022 Automation & Control Software Learning Resources

Kevin Rutherford

Jan 27, 2022

2021 furthered the transformations of 2020 as industry worldwide continued to adapt to succeed in the face of new challenges such as supply chain, a growing labor shortage, and exploding customer ...

Automation 101 OPC Router Basic Training DataHub Training System Integrators

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Key New Features - OmniServer V3.2.0.12

Kevin Rutherford

Jan 20, 2022

Updates are made to Omniserver several times a year, adding useful features and tools, as well as resolving any known issues as part of our continuous improvement process. In this post, I will cover ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Alarms & Notifications OmniServer System Integrators

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Integrate Popular Historians with DataHub V10

Win Worrall

Jan 13, 2022

Cogent DataHub is known for its extensive connectivity to OPC DA, OPC UA, OPC A&E, Databases, Excel, ODBC, DDE, Linux, Modbus. The latest Version 10 release expands connectivity to include a wide ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity OPC UA IT/OT Database & Historian Cogent DataHub OSIsoft AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

TOP Server for AVEVA V6.11 Features to Be Excited About

Kevin Rutherford

Jan 06, 2022

In keeping with ongoing continuous improvement initiatives, TOP Server for AVEVA V6.11 adds drivers, as well as enhancing existing drivers and resolving known issues for over 30 drivers and plug-ins. ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity TOP Server AVEVA End User & Operator

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5 min read

Top 6 Key Features in DataHub V10

Win Worrall

Jan 04, 2022

Cogent DataHub is known for its extensive connectivity to OPC DA, OPC UA, OPC A&E, Databases, Excel, ODBC, DDE, Linux, Modbus. The latest Version 10 release adds a huge amount of new or expanded ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity OPC UA IT/OT Cogent DataHub MQTT & IoT AVEVA System Integrators

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: Secure UA Authentication with Cogent DataHub

Win Worrall

Dec 16, 2021

If you've seen our other, more detailed posts (specifically our Exploring OPC UA post and the DataHub OPC UA video how-to) on getting Cogent DataHub working with OPC UA clients and servers, you are ...

Security Technical Support OPC UA OPC Cogent DataHub xml End User & Operator

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Tech Support Corner: Optimizing with ControlLogix Protocol Modes

Connor Mason

Dec 02, 2021

If you’re a user of the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Ethernet driver in TOP Server for AVEVA, you may be familiar with the different protocol modes available during device configuration. The three ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support TOP Server ControlLogix System Integrators

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OPC Data Client 2021.3 - Windows 11, Server 2022, Examples & More

Ganesh Kalipershad

Nov 18, 2021

Following on the recent OPC Data Client 2021.2 release a few months ago, the OPC Data Client toolkit has been updated again to further extend it's OPC UA client functionality. The new updates provide ...

OPC UA OPC OPC Data Client Development Tools System Integrators

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5 min read

How MariaDB Compares to MySQL

Kevin Rutherford

Nov 11, 2021

In a recent blog post about MongoDB, we discussed how non-relational database differ from relational databases like SQL and MySQL. The fact of the matter is, relational databases are widely used and ...

OPC ODBC Database OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

OPC Router Adds Docker Support, Remote Config, InFluxDB 2 & More

Kevin Rutherford

Oct 27, 2021

If you're already taking advantage of the wide range of features in OPC Router, you're likely aware that OPC Router is regularly updated to add additional useful features and tools, and to resolve ...

Device Connectivity Database OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Key New Features - OmniServer V3.2.0.11

Kevin Rutherford

Oct 14, 2021

As you may be aware, OmniServer is updated several times a year to add additional useful features and tools, and to resolve any known issues as part of our continuous improvement process. In this ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Alarms & Notifications OmniServer System Integrators

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5 min read

MongoDB and How a NoSQL Database is Different

Kevin Rutherford

Sep 30, 2021

I think it's safe to say that when we're discussing databases in the context of industrial process control, SQL Server is where most of our brains tend to jump. The proliferation of SQL (and other ...

OPC ODBC Database OPC Router System Integrators

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5 min read

Video Tutorial: Ignition SCADA to TPI Vibration Monitors w/ OmniServer

Kevin Rutherford

Sep 16, 2021

OmniServer's connectivity and data parsing capabilities are its primary job; however, they are only part of how OmniServer helps with integrating non-standard devices with Inductive Automation's ...

Device Connectivity OPC UA OPC OmniServer Video Tutorials Ignition End User & Operator

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5 min read

Tech Support Corner: 5 Tips for Using OPC Quick Client

Kevin Rutherford

Sep 02, 2021

If you're a TOP Server for AVEVA (formerly Wonderware) user, you've certainly connected to a device configured in TOP Server using the included OPC Quick Client at one time or another. But if you've ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity Technical Support TOP Server End User & Operator

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5 min read

Easier Backup and Project Migration with OmniServer V3.2.0.10

Kevin Rutherford

Aug 19, 2021

You may be aware that OmniServer is updated several times a year to add additional useful features and tools, and to resolve any known issues as part of our continuous improvement process. In this ...

Wonderware Device Connectivity OmniServer OmniServer Did You Know System Integrators

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5 min read

Exploring OPC UA - Configuring OPC Router OPC UA Client & Server

Kevin Rutherford

Aug 05, 2021

Continuing our Exploring OPC UA blog series, we're still going into the specifics of OPC UA security configuration in key Software Toolbox solutions that are OPC UA capable. In this ninth post of the ...

Security OPC UA OPC Automation 101 Exploring OPC UA OPC Router System Integrators

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Exploring OPC UA - Configuring OPC Data Client for OPC UA Servers

Kevin Rutherford

Jul 22, 2021

If you've been following our ongoing Exploring OPC UA blog series, we've been covering key Software Toolbox solutions and the specifics of configuring OPC UA security and connectivity. In this eighth ...

Security OPC UA OPC Automation 101 OPC Data Client Exploring OPC UA System Integrators

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5 min read

How to Easily Integrate Your Data with Google Cloud IoT Core

Zachary Parham

Jul 08, 2021

IoT, IIoT, MQTT, Connectivity of Things, Big Data, The Cloud - by now, you've heard these terms in some way, shape or form. Perhaps you're working on a project requiring you to push and/or pull ...

OPC UA OPC OPC DA Cogent DataHub Connectivity MQTT & IoT System Integrators

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