PLCDataReader

The PLCDataReader is a simple and cost-effective way to write Excel files with your Siemens PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). These can be e.g. protocols or measurement data. The DataReader is a program of our PLC Data Tools.

The program runs in the background, so that the Computer can be used for other things. Via a tray menu entry you can view the status and change the configuration. You can make the most important settings in just a few steps. This includes the PLC connection, the memory options and the assignment of PLC data to the Excel cells or rows. Done! Now you can program the S7 to fit. We support you with an example program for TIA-Portal.

You can realize a multiple applications with the PLCDataReader. All data stored in the data blocks of the PLC can be written to Excel tables or CSV files. The process is completely controlled by the S7 PLC. By means of so-called triggers. These trigger conditions can be set somewhere in the PLC program.

As a result, e.g. such an Excel file could be generated:

An Excel file designed by you can be specified as a template in the program configuration.

You can completely determine the appearance and content of the Excel files yourself. Simply assign data block addresses to Excel columns. Would you like to handle master data, such as machine names, separately? No problem. You can easily define so-called header data by assigning columns and rows. If you have a lot of repetitive data: We make it easy for you! You can define blockwise repeating structures once. These are then written X times.

Simple assignment of PLC data blocks / addresses to Excel cells / columns.

Should the file name be specified by the PLC? Or should it contain date and time? Or both at the same time? Everything is possible! See directly in the preview how the result of your settings will look like.

Flexible storage options allow you to save Excel files in different scenarios.

You would like to generate Excel protocols of your machines or plants? Simply configure the desired triggers and place them on the new trigger window. This enables the machine or plant operator to generate quality reports or other documents based on machine data at the touch of a button.

This function offers the user the possibility to start triggers from the user interface of the PLCDataReader instead of from the PLC.

How does that work exactly? In PLCDataReader a window with buttons is configured. The window enables the operator of the plant to write the trigger in the control DB himself. A PLC program change is therefore not necessary. Only the control data block must be present in the S7.

This makes it possible to generate reports and protocols at the push of a button from the data of a Siemens S7 PLC.

With the help of our configuration center you always keep the overview. The connected S7 PLCs, their connection status and further information are displayed clearly and unambiguously. So you can also manage a large number of PLCs without problems.

A small brewery controls its brewing process by means of a Siemens S7-1500 PLC. To monitor the quality, measured values and brewing parameters are recorded several times a day in an Excel file. This enables the customer to monitor the brewing process and thus, for example, to view and compare the effects of recipe changes in Excel.

A manufacturer of screws has received a new order for a customer in the automotive industry. This order requires the manufacturer to carry out a 100% inspection of all parts produced, i.e. to check every screw before delivery. The test results must be recorded. As he already has a modern plant for the production of the screws, almost all data is available in the PLC. Now all he needs is our software, which reads the data from the PLC and writes them into an Excel table. The screws have 5 properties each, which are recorded in a column. For each newly produced screw a new row is created in Excel with the 5 measured values. When the batch is completed, a new file is created.