Protocol gateway
A gateway translates your machine's proprietary or serial interface into an open protocol and provides the data securely.
Retrofit & machine connectivity
Making existing machines ready for Industry 4.0
A new machine costs a lot of money. A new interface often costs a fraction of that. We bring your proven equipment into connected production with modern interfaces, without replacing it.
Why retrofit?
Upgrade instead of buying new
Many machines in mid-sized companies are mechanically good for decades. What they lack is a connection to the digital world. That is where we come in.
- Protect investments. Depreciated machines stay productive and become a data source.
- Create transparency. Output, states, faults and energy use become visible in real time.
- Handle obsolescence. Discontinued controllers, PCs or panels are replaced with modern solutions.
- Integrate. Standardised interfaces such as OPC UA or MQTT connect the machine to MES, ERP and the cloud.
Typical projects
What we implement in existing machines
New user interface
Outdated HMI software is replaced with a modern, web-based interface that runs on any device.
Control in software
With our Cloud PLC, automation runs on standard IT instead of scarce PLC hardware.
Recover data
Where documentation no longer exists, we analyse the communication and make the machine data usable again.
Add monitoring
Additional sensors and data acquisition provide condition data for maintenance and quality assurance.
Connect securely
Encryption, authentication and network segmentation make sure connectivity doesn't become an entry point.
Protocols
We speak old and new industrial languages
- OPC UAThe vendor-independent standard for machine-to-machine communication
- MQTTLightweight messaging, ideal for IoT and unreliable networks
- EtherCATReal-time fieldbus for fast, synchronised data transfer
- DDSReal-time middleware for scalable data exchange
- ZenohEfficient protocol from sensor to cloud
- CANopenProven standard in machine building and automotive
- ASAM MDF4Measurement data format from vehicle and ECU development
- Protocol not listed?Proprietary interfaces and legacy fieldbuses are our daily business. Just ask us.
Process
From assessment to connected machine
- 01
Assessment
We look at the machine, controller and existing interfaces on site and clarify your goals.
- 02
Feasibility
A short technical proof of concept shows which data we can reach reliably.
- 03
Implementation
Gateway, software and interfaces are built in iterations and tested on the real machine.
- 04
Commissioning
We commission the solution with you, train your team and remain your point of contact.
Which machine do you want to connect?
Tell us which machine, protocol or idea is on your mind. We'll get back to you with an honest assessment of what's possible.