HiOPC Expert Edition from Hirschmann Electronics enables industrial Ethernet users to incorporate network monitoring into their HMI environment, using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) technology. SNMP is the standard protocol developed to manage and monitor Ethernet nodes (server, workstations, routers and switches, etc) on an IP network.

Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control (OPC) collects data from processes within the manufacturing area and reports back to an operator console or human-machine interface (HMI). Combining OPC and SNMP to gain access to devices and network components creates opportunities for advanced maintenance programs. HiOPC is a gateway using both methods and translates SNMP information into an OPC format. The gateway was designed for numerous network devices from various manufacturers. Since all the relevant OPC tags are already pre-built, these components can be installed simply and quickly into an existing SCADA system. Using HiOPC, an operator determines an overall status for each network device from the large number of available parameters.

The major benefits of using HiOPC for end users result from an efficient integration in the existing hardware/software of the plant. Personnel who are not trained network administrators can operate the network conveniently. The devices are displayed in a form that reflects the automation environment and not as a list of hard-to-understand IP structures. The network status can easily be included in performance analysis, which is of primary importance, since the network itself is an essential part of the control system.