What is OPC?

OPC is a software integration standard that facilitates interoperability between products from various vendors. It aims to reduce engineering and integration costs and risks, thereby increasing manufacturing competitiveness and profitability. As a standard adopted internationally, OPC has been pivotal in operational technology and information technology since its introduction in August 1996. The OPC Foundation has been instrumental in developing multiple OPC specifications, including OPC Data Access 2.0, which ensures real-time communication of data and is compatible with Windows systems.

Beyond its role as a software tool, OPC also denotes a type of service. Specifically, OPC provides right of way and real estate services. This service aspect of OPC was expanded when TranSystems, a company that offers similar services and employs professionals across over 50 U.S. offices to address community challenges, acquired OPC.

In terms of data, OPC standards like OPC Xi promote platform independence and support complex information modeling, which is crucial for modern operational and information technologies. This aspect of OPC underscores its versatility and adaptability in varying technological environments.

OPC Plugins for Excel

Introduction to OPC Expert

OPC Expert allows Excel to receive OPC data, enabling users to read and write that data within Excel. It provides support for OPC DA, OPC HDA, and OPC UA (DA and HA), covering a wide range of data automation standards. OPC Expert's functionality is not limited to data exchange; it also facilitates complex calculations and the generation of real-time and historical OPC data reports. Its compatibility with both OPC DA and UA servers makes it a versatile tool for Excel users needing to work with OPC data.

Benefits of OPC Plugins

The integration of OPC plugins, such as OPC Expert, into Excel reduces system integration costs. They provide plug-and-play connectivity that simplifies the process of integrating applications. In addition, OPC servers enhance the ease with which applications can be combined. The open exchange of information between cooperating applications is another significant benefit, as is the ability of OPC to access data at every level of the enterprise, allowing for a comprehensive data management solution.

Examples of OPC Plugins

OPC Expert is an example of an OPC plugin that streamlines the process of handling OPC data within Excel. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies interactions, making it user-friendly and efficient. ExpertRTD is another example of an OPC plugin designed for Excel, specialized in reading 1D array OPC data. It is particularly useful when dealing with data from OPC DA and UA servers in Excel, as it can read 1D array data efficiently.

Common Use Cases

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  Creating custom human-machine interfaces (HMIs) within Excel for monitoring and controlling processes
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  Automating the generation and distribution of production, quality, and performance reports
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  Performing advanced data manipulation for real-time trending and analysis of process data
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  Logging data from multiple sources such as PLCs, DCSs, and historians into Excel for record-keeping and analysis
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  Developing real-time dashboards to calculate, trend, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OPC plugin for Excel and what does it do?

OPC plugin for Excel, including OPC Excel Reporter and OPC Expert, is a client that transforms Excel into a reporting tool for process and equipment data. It enables Excel to receive, report, and analyze real-time and historical data from various data sources like PLCs, DCSs, and Historians.

How does the OPC plugin for Excel connect to data sources?

The OPC plugin can connect to real-time (OPC DA) or historical (OPC HDA) data sources, and with OPC Expert, it can also connect to OPC UA (DA and HA) standards. It allows linking Excel sheets and cells to PLC I/O points and supports connections to multiple data sources.

Can I create automated reports using the OPC plugin for Excel?

Yes, with OPC Excel Reporter, you can create scheduled or ad-hoc reports with ease using its report scheduler. OPC Expert also allows for the automation of data transfer between Excel and other systems, increasing the efficiency and quality of data reporting.

Is it possible to write data back to the OPC server using the OPC plugin for Excel?

Yes, OPC Excel Reporter and OPC Expert enable Excel to write data back to any OPC server, allowing users to change setpoints and control processes directly from Excel.

What kind of support and compatibility does the OPC plugin for Excel offer?

OPC Excel Reporter is compatible with VBA, signed for high-security environments, and supports multiple versions of Office and Windows. It includes software updates and 24/7 support for 1 year. OPC Expert supports Excel versions from 2003 to 2019 and is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit releases.