Upload and Compare agents
The Upload and Compare agents is an application that provides a wide range of powerful capabilities. It can act as an interface between subnets with different address spaces, support load balancing for jobs, and, depending on the data type, remove the need for a separate editor license.
Asset compatibility
You can back up and compare all automation devices and software applications supported by octoplant with the Upload and Compare agents.
Capabilities
The agent application can perform the following tasks:
- Execute jobs that are configured in octoplant
- Create network transitions (e.g. when changing protocol from TCP/IP to Profibus)
- Backup HMIs, such as WinCC from Siemens
- Access the resources of the computer on which it was set up
- Use editors that are required to perform uploads and/or comparisons on a third-party computer
Implementation benefits
Load distribution and scalability
The agent application can relief the main server by receiving and processing jobs that have been directly assigned to it. The result of an outsourced backup is then automatically forwarded to the main system and transferred. An agent supports all integration environments, which means that the most complex structures can be implemented.
The server takes on a delegation role. Upload jobs that exceed the server’s processing capabilities or require unavailable editor licenses are delegated to agents, which execute the tasks and return the results to the server.
As the agent provides the functionality for uploads and comparisons, it is possible to separate these functionalities, so that one computer system performs the upload using the agent and another performs the comparison. In principle, the larger the customer and the larger the production environment under consideration, the more likely it is that networks are separated and that an agent offered will bring worthwhile benefits in at least one form.
Bridging different network protocols
The agent application can also build bridges between networks whose participants are subject to different, mutually incompatible protocols (for example, TCP/IP and Profibus). The agent can now also reach the Profibus devices and can transfer their uploads to the TCP/IP network in the direction of the octoplant server.
Backing up HMI and SCADA Systems during runtime
The Upload and Compare agents application is also developed to back up HMI systems and SCADA system WinCC from Siemens during runtime. This functionality requires special capabilities, as the system is normally in operation (runtime) and therefore the files from the integrated databases are subject to constant access.
With the agent application, you can run backups without shutting down the operator station. This avoids downtime.
Installation and update
During the octoplant server installation routine, the agent setup is stored in the server archive. This setup supports the SmartUpdate process and can also be used to install agents on designated systems, such as engineering stations, HMIs, or industrial PCs.
When the Upload and Compare agents application is installed on a target system, two new services are automatically configured: VDog UploadAgent and VDog CompareAgent.
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