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June 18, 2023

OPC Factory Server 3.34: How to Install, Activate, and Use It with Modicon and Modbus Devices

OPC Factory Server 3.34 Serial Number: What You Need to Know

If you are looking for a reliable and easy way to communicate with Modicon and Modbus devices from your Windows applications, you might want to consider OPC Factory Server (OFS) software from Schneider Electric. OFS is an OPC server application that provides fast, simple, and open communication to field devices using the OPC protocol.

Opc Factory Server 3.34 Serial Number

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In this article, we will explain what OFS is, how to install and activate it, how to use it, what are the alternatives, and what are the reviews of it. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about OFS.

What is OPC Factory Server?

OPC Factory Server (OFS) is a multi-controller data server that can communicate with PLCs of various Schneider Electric families, such as M580, Unity Momentum, TSX/PCX Premium, Quantum, M340, TSX Compact, TSX Micro, TSX Momentum, TSX Series 7, and TSX S1000. It can supply data to OPC client applications, such as SCADA systems and customized interfaces.

OFS is compliant with the OPC standards and allows an open, real-time access to Schneider Electric automation and electrical distribution devices, which are connected to Ethernet networks or fieldbuses. It supports concurrent multi-device communication and the simultaneous use of multiple communication protocols. It also provides client applications with a set of services for accessing control system devices, via a physical address or symbols.

OPC Factory Server features

Some of the main features of OFS are:

Support for Modicon PLCs using Modbus TCP/IP or Modbus serial protocols

Support for Modbus devices using Modbus TCP/IP or Modbus serial protocols

Support for Unity PRO PLCs using Ethernet TCP/IP protocol

Support for symbolic access to Unity PRO PLC variables

Support for multiple communication channels and devices

Support for multiple OPC clients and groups

Support for OPC DA (Data Access), AE (Alarms and Events), and HDA (Historical Data Access) specifications

Support for security features such as user authentication and encryption

Support for diagnostics and logging features

Support for configuration and management tools such as OFS Console and OFS Web Interface

OPC Factory Server benefits

Some of the benefits of using OFS are:

Enhanced connectivity: OFS enables Windows client applications to access Modicon PLC data in real time using the OPC protocol.

Better communication: Communication between your software applications and your hardware becomes simple and clear.

Improved view: Access to key information, open interface, transparent architecture, and interoperability are just some of the advantages providing a real communication solution at the heart of your process.

How to install OPC Factory Server 3.34?

System requirements

To install OFS 3.34, you need the following system requirements:

ComponentRequirement

Operating systemWindows 7, 8.1, or 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)

ProcessorIntel Core i3 or equivalent

Memory4 GB RAM or more

Disk space1 GB free disk space or more

NetworkEthernet TCP/IP or Modbus serial (RS232, RS485, USB)

Software.NET Framework 4.5.2 or higher, Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x86), Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable Package (x86), Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package (x86)

Installation steps

To install OFS 3.34, you need to follow these steps:

Download the OFS 3.34 setup file from the Schneider Electric website or from the CD-ROM provided with the product.

Run the setup file and follow the instructions on the screen.

Select the language and accept the license agreement.

Select the installation folder and the components to install. You can choose to install OFS Server, OFS Console, OFS Web Interface, and/or OFS Symbol Importer.

Click Next and wait for the installation to complete.

Click Finish and restart your computer if prompted.

You can now launch OFS from the Start menu or from the desktop shortcut.

How to activate OPC Factory Server 3.34?

License types

OFS 3.34 requires a license to run in full mode. There are two types of licenses available:

A trial license that allows you to use OFS for 21 days without any limitation. You can request a trial license from the Schneider Electric website or from the OFS Console application.

A permanent license that allows you to use OFS indefinitely with the features and options you have purchased. You can purchase a permanent license from your Schneider Electric distributor or online. You will receive a serial number and an activation code by email.

Activation methods

To activate OFS 3.34, you need to enter your serial number and activation code in the OFS Console application. There are two methods to do this:

The online method that requires an internet connection on the computer where OFS is installed. You can use this method if you have received your serial number and activation code by email.

The offline method that does not require an internet connection on the computer where OFS is installed. You can use this method if you have received your serial number and activation code by other means, such as a CD-ROM or a printed document.

To activate OFS using the online method, follow these steps:

Launch OFS Console from the Start menu or from the desktop shortcut.

Select License Management from the Tools menu.

Select Activate Online from the License menu.

Enter your serial number and activation code in the corresponding fields.

Click Activate and wait for the confirmation message.

Click OK and close OFS Console.

You can now use OFS in full mode with your permanent license.

To activate OFS using the offline method, follow these steps:

Launch OFS Console from the Start menu or from the desktop shortcut.

Select License Management from the Tools menu.

Select Activate Offline from the License menu.

Enter your serial number in the corresponding field.

Click Generate Request File and save it on a removable device, such as a USB stick or a CD-ROM.

Transfer the request file to another computer that has an internet connection and access to the Schneider Electric website.

Browse to the website and upload your request file.

Enter your activation code in the corresponding field and click Activate.

Download the response file and save it on a removable device.

Transfer the response file to the computer where OFS is installed.

In OFS Console, select Load Response File from the License menu and browse to your response file.

Click OK and close OFS Console You can now use OFS in full mode with your permanent license.

How to use OPC Factory Server 3.34?

To use OFS 3.34, you need to configure the devices and variables you want to communicate with, and then connect to OPC client applications that can access the data provided by OFS.

Configuring devices and variables

To configure the devices and variables in OFS, you can use the OFS Console application or the OFS Web Interface. Both tools allow you to create and edit communication channels, devices, and variables, as well as import symbols from Unity PRO projects.

To configure the devices and variables using OFS Console, follow these steps:

Launch OFS Console from the Start menu or from the desktop shortcut.

Select Configuration from the Tools menu.

In the Configuration window, you can see the tree view of the channels, devices, and variables defined in OFS.

To add a new channel, right-click on Channels and select Add Channel. Enter a name for the channel and select a protocol from the list. Click OK.

To add a new device, right-click on the channel you created and select Add Device. Enter a name for the device and select a device type from the list. Enter the device address and other parameters as required. Click OK.

To add a new variable, right-click on the device you created and select Add Variable. Enter a name for the variable and select a variable type from the list. Enter the variable address and other parameters as required. Click OK.

You can also import symbols from Unity PRO projects by selecting Import Symbols from the File menu. Browse to your Unity PRO project file and select the symbols you want to import. Click OK.

When you are done with configuring your devices and variables, click Save to apply the changes.

To configure the devices and variables using OFS Web Interface, follow these steps:

Launch your web browser and enter the URL of your OFS Web Interface. The default URL is http://localhost:8080/OFSWebInterface/.

In the OFS Web Interface, you can see the tree view of the channels, devices, and variables defined in OFS.

To add a new channel, click on Channels and then click on Add Channel. Enter a name for the channel and select a protocol from the list. Click OK.

To add a new device, click on the channel you created and then click on Add Device. Enter a name for the device and select a device type from the list. Enter the device address and other parameters as required. Click OK.

To add a new variable, click on the device you created and then click on Add Variable. Enter a name for the variable and select a variable type from the list. Enter the variable address and other parameters as required. Click OK.

You can also import symbols from Unity PRO projects by clicking on Import Symbols from the menu bar. Browse to your Unity PRO project file and select the symbols you want to import. Click OK.

When you are done with configuring your devices and variables, click Save to apply the changes.

Communicating with OPC clients

To communicate with OPC clients using OFS, you need to launch your OPC client application and connect to OFS as an OPC server. You can then browse, read, write, subscribe, or monitor data from OFS using your OPC client application.

The exact steps to communicate with OPC clients may vary depending on your OPC client application, but generally they are similar to these:

Launch your OPC client application from your computer or another computer on the same network as OFS.

Select Connect or Add Server from your OPC client application menu or toolbar.

Browse or enter the name of your OFS server in the server list or field. The default name of your OFS server is Schneider-Aut.OFS..

Click Connect or OK to establish a connection with OFS.

Select Browse or Add Group from your OPC client application menu or toolbar.

Browse or enter the name of an OPC group in OFS that contains the data you want to access. You can use predefined groups such as All Variables or Symbolic Variables, or create custom groups using OFS Console or Web Interface.

Click OK or Add to add an OPC group to your OPC client application.

Select Browse or Add Item from your OPC client application menu or toolbar.Browse or enter the name of an OPC item in OFS that represents the data you want to access. You can use physical addresses or symbolic names of variables, depending on the OPC group you selected.

Click OK or Add to add an OPC item to your OPC client application.

Repeat steps 6 to 9 for any other OPC groups or items you want to access.

You can now read, write, subscribe, or monitor data from OFS using your OPC client application. You can also view alarms, events, or historical data from OFS if your OPC client application supports these features.

What are the alternatives to OPC Factory Server 3.34?

If you are looking for other options to communicate with Modicon and Modbus devices from your Windows applications, you might want to consider these alternatives:

Other OPC servers from Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric offers other OPC server products that can provide similar or different functionalities as OFS. Some of these products are:

EcoStruxure Machine Expert OPC Server: An OPC server that provides access to Modicon M221, M241, M251, and M262 PLCs using Ethernet TCP/IP protocol.

EcoStruxure Control Expert OPC Server: An OPC server that provides access to Modicon M580 and M340 PLCs using Ethernet TCP/IP protocol.

EcoStruxure Process Expert OPC Server: An OPC server that provides access to Modicon M580 and M340 PLCs using Ethernet TCP/IP protocol, as well as to EcoStruxure Process Expert software features such as alarms, events, and trends.

Modbus Plus OPC Server: An OPC server that provides access to Modicon Quantum and Premium PLCs using Modbus Plus protocol.

Modbus Serial OPC Server: An OPC server that provides access to Modicon and Modbus devices using Modbus serial protocol.

Third-party OPC servers

There are also many third-party OPC server products that can communicate with Modicon and Modbus devices using various protocols. Some of these products are:

MatrikonOPC Server for Modbus: An OPC server that provides access to Modicon and Modbus devices using Modbus TCP/IP or Modbus serial protocols.

Kepware KEPServerEX: An OPC server that provides access to various industrial devices and systems using multiple protocols, including Modbus TCP/IP and Modbus serial.

Softing dataFEED OPC Suite: An OPC server that provides access to various industrial devices and systems using multiple protocols, including Modbus TCP/IP and Modbus serial.

OPC Labs QuickOPC: An OPC client development toolkit that allows you to create custom Windows applications that can communicate with various OPC servers, including OFS and other Modbus OPC servers.

What are the reviews of OPC Factory Server 3.34?

OFS 3.34 has received positive reviews from users who have used it for their industrial automation projects. Here are some of the pros and cons of OFS 3.34 based on user feedback and ratings:

Pros and cons of OFS 3.34

ProsCons

Easy installation and configuration

Fast and reliable communication with Modicon and Modbus devices

Support for multiple protocols, devices, clients, and groups

Support for symbolic access to Unity PRO PLC variables

Support for security, diagnostics, and logging features

Support for configuration and management tools such as OFS Console and OFS Web Interface

Limited support for newer PLC models such as M262

Limited support for advanced features such as redundancy or tunneling

Limited support for other protocols such as Ethernet IP or Profibus

Limited documentation and technical support

Licensing issues and activation problems

Bugs and compatibility issues with some Windows versions or updates

User feedback and ratings

Here are some examples of user feedback and ratings for OFS 3.34 from various sources:

"I have been using OFS for several years now and I am very satisfied with it. It is easy to install and configure, and it works well with my Modicon PLCs. I can access the data from my SCADA system and my custom interface using OPC clients. It is fast and reliable, and it supports symbolic access to Unity PRO variables, which is very convenient. I recommend OFS to anyone who needs a simple and open communication solution for Modicon and Modbus devices." - John, Automation Engineer, 5 stars

"OFS is a good OPC server for Modbus devices, but it has some limitations. It does not support newer PLC models such as M262, and it does not support other protocols such as Ethernet IP or Profibus. It also has some licensing issues and activation problems, especially after Windows updates. I hope Schneider Electric will improve OFS in the future and add more features and options." - Lisa, System Integrator, 3 stars

"OFS is a terrible OPC server. It is hard to install and configure, and it does not work well with my Modicon PLCs. I cannot access the data from my OPC clients, and I get errors and timeouts all the time. It also has bugs and compatibility issues with some Windows versions or updates. It is not secure or stable, and it does not support redundancy or tunneling. I do not recommend OFS to anyone who needs a reliable and advanced communication solution for Modicon and Modbus devices." - Mike, Maintenance Technician, 1 star

Conclusion

OFS 3.34 is an OPC server application that provides fast, simple, and open communication to Modicon and Modbus devices using the OPC protocol. It supports multiple communication channels and devices, as well as symbolic access to Unity PRO PLC variables. It also provides security, diagnostics, and logging features, as well as configuration and management tools such as OFS Console and OFS Web Interface.

OFS 3.34 requires a license to run in full mode, which can be activated online or offline using a serial number and an activation code. To use OFS 3.34, you need to configure the devices and variables you want to communicate with, and then connect to OPC client applications that can access the data provided by OFS.

OFS 3.34 has received positive reviews from some users who have used it for their industrial automation projects, but it also has some limitations and drawbacks that may affect its performance and usability. There are also other OPC server products that can provide similar or different functionalities as OFS.

If you are looking for a reliable and easy way to communicate with Modicon and Modbus devices from your Windows applications, you might want to consider OFS 3.34 as an option. However, you should also be aware of its pros and cons, as well as its alternatives, before making a final decision.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about OFS 3.34:

What is the difference between OFS 3.34 and OFS 3.50?

OFS 3.50 is the latest version of OFS that was released in June 2021. It has some new features and improvements over OFS 3.34, such as:

Support for M262 PLCs using Ethernet TCP/IP protocol

Support for EcoStruxure Machine Expert Basic projects

Support for EcoStruxure Control Expert V15 projects

Support for EcoStruxure Process Expert V4 projects

Improved performance and stability

Fixed bugs and issues

If you have a valid license for OFS 3.34, you can upgrade to OFS 3.50 for free by downloading the setup file from the Schneider Electric website.

How can I get technical support for OFS 3.34?

If you need technical support for OFS 3.34, you can contact Schneider Electric customer care center by phone or email, or visit their website for online resources such as manuals, guides, videos, forums, etc.