PLC/Equipment integration with SAP MII/ME

[neha1609]

Hi Experts,

We are working on integration scenarios. Scenarios are like below:

1) Integration with OPC UA--> SAP PCo--> SAP MII

2) File generated by tester --> SAP PCo--> SAP MII

In both integration scenario we are using SAP PCo. I have being asked to look for option without SAP PCo/direct integration to SAP MII. What is integration possibility without PCo?

For direct connection, some options I know:

1) OPC UA methods can be used to connect to SAP MII but custom development is required for this.

2) If file is added for example FTP location then MII can read files.

Please let me know your comments.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Neha

[agentry_src]

Why do you want to leave PCo out of the integration? Seems odd that the tool for that specific type of integration would not be used...

Sort of like trying to use something other than a Phillips head screwdriver to drive home a Phillips head screw? Sure it can be done, but why would you want to?

[Kevin_Hunter · Accepted solution]

Hi Neha, to echo Mikes comment why do you want too? But that aside, lets discuss the possibilities.

Scenario 1 - To connect to an OPC Server your going to need an OPC Client which you are either going have to develop your own, or use a 3rd party tool such as the paid for options deviceWise, Kepware etc or you could go the opensource route with NodeRed etc. Once you have received the data in the 3rd party tool you could send it to MII using webservices. All of these options will involve custom development (time and money) when you have free usage rights to use PCo which does all of this already. Note: deviceWise can send data directly to MII as standard however only in one direction.

Scenario 2 - Yes you can use FTP and check for files but how scaleable is this approach and you also need to consider how you are going to manage the security. You could also possible pass the file to MII using a webservice if your data source is capable of doing it.

So the short answer to your questions is from a technical point of view, yes it is possible but I would really like to understand why you want to.

Thanks

Kevin

[michael_koerner3]

Hello Neha,

for No 2 going directly to MII is a viable solution (while PCo is still a good option), however No 1, connecting to an OPC UA server, should be done via PCo.

There are non-SAP alternatives, but they all involve an additional component like PCo between the OPC server and MII. Those could be options if you want the OPC client to run on Linux/RPi.

Best regards, Michael

[neha1620]

Thank you Michael.

[neha1620]

Hi Kevin and Mikes,

Currently we do use PCo for integration in both cases. We know advantages and flexibility PCo offers.

While working on this integration, management team also wants to explore options without PCo.

I m aware of cons not using PCo ,With this questions I just want to confirm/ get more pointers for pros of integration using PCo.

Thank you all for your comments.

Regards,

Neha