GE has implemented and released a Global Discovery Server (GDS) based on Part 12 of the OPC UA standards. The GDS, used in conjunction with GE’s Proficy software, automatically discovers OPC UA devices on your network and connects to them; no configuration is needed. GDS automates the previously manual and complex processes associated with connectivity and certificate management—saving a significant amount of time and money. The technology supports both the push and pull of certificates.
“We have been working closely with the OPC Foundation to help design this specification so that customers can reap the benefits of connected systems and the ability to manage asset performance,” said Jim Walsh, president and general manager of GE Intelligent Platforms Software.
GE’s decision to standardize on OPC UA within its businesses provides a foundation for cloud-based systems and asset performance management.
GE’s OPC-UA enabled devices include the PACSystems RX3i and RXi and controllers. Other GE products adopting the standard include: ADAPT3701, GE Oil & Gas’ System 1 condition monitoring software, 8 Series for primary or backup protection for underground and overhead medium voltage feeders, and 3 Series multifunctional feeder relays.
“Companies around the world are working with multiple OS platforms across their organizations,” Walsh continued. “By standardizing on OPC UA, GE is alleviating the issues involved with multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS and Android.”
“With hundreds of thousands of nodes needing to migrate from OPC DA to OPC UA, users are looking for tools to leverage enterprise connectivity and security in as close to a plug-and-play fashion as possible,” said Craig Resnick, VP, ARC Advisory Group.
GE’s OPC UA-enabled software can also aggregate data from legacy systems and equipment to eliminate islands of information. Even for devices that are unaware of OPC UA, the GE server can still manage certificates and trust lists for those devices, using Proficy Agent, which acts on their behalf.
GE
www.ge.com
Filed Under: ENGINEERING SOFTWARE, MORE INDUSTRIES, MOTION CONTROL