Date: Febuary 2026
💡 Improving Network Visibility and Control on the Plant Floor
Subject: Improving Network Visibility and Control on the Plant Floor
Do you—or someone you know—struggle with knowing what is connected to your facility’s network? Do you always know if devices are reachable or if critical services like SNMP are active? Many plants face incomplete or outdated documentation, unknown IP addresses, and unmonitored devices, which often makes troubleshooting reactive rather than proactive.
Using Siemens SINEC NMS, a network management system for monitoring and managing industrial networks, together with WinCC, an industrial SCADA system for visualizing and controlling plant operations, I’ve developed a solution that provides full visibility and control over the network at RK Controls in Commerce, California. Over the past several months, this structured approach has addressed key challenges such as device connectivity, reachability, and proactive monitoring, giving both engineering and operations teams a clear, real-time view of network activity.
Two SINEC NMS servers were deployed to monitor multiple VLANs across the 20,000-square-foot plant floor, supporting office computers and centralized servers, training equipment, automation devices, and guest Wi-Fi networks. Over 20 routers and managed Ethernet switches were added to ensure robust connectivity across all networks, while five Siemens SCALANCE W Wi-Fi access points provide full wireless coverage. A centralized WinCC Professional server interfaces with both SINEC NMS servers via OPC UA to collect and display data, giving engineers, operators, and technicians real-time visibility into all network devices, their reachability, and SNMP communication. Approximately 4,000 power tags and 1,000 internal tags are monitored, with multiple VB scripts providing color-coded indicators for device status. This integrated system allows engineers to analyze detailed network diagnostics through the SINEC web interface, while operators and technicians can view plant-wide network health directly within WinCC. By providing immediate awareness of communication failures before they impact production, this practical, scalable approach transforms network monitoring from a hidden IT function into a visible operational tool that supports maintenance, production, and engineering teams alike.
If your facility struggles with undocumented IP addresses, unclear device status, or reactive troubleshooting, this architecture could provide significant value. I would be happy to discuss the implementation approach, share lessons learned, and explore how a similar solution could benefit your operations.
🌠 Wishing You Successful Automation!
Date: October 2025
💡 Experience the Next Generation of Industrial Innovation
We’re excited to invite you to an Open House at RK Controls and EDS (Engineered Drive Systems) — your trusted partner in UL 508A-certified control panels, enclosed VFDs, and electrical distribution solutions.
Immerse yourself in live demonstrations and hands-on labs—engage with the latest in AI, IIoT, and industrial automation.
Connect with industry experts, gain insider insights, and discover what it takes to stay ahead of the technology curve.
Come meet our team, tour our new Los Angeles facility, and see firsthand how we build reliable, high-performance control panels and drive systems for the Water/Wastewater, Industrial, and Municipal Markets.
The industrial world is moving fast—can you afford to fall behind? This is your chance to see the latest breakthroughs in AI, IIoT, industrial automation, and cybersecurity firsthand. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain insider knowledge, sharpen your skills, and lead the future instead of watching it happen.
Event Details:
Date and Time: Thursday, October 30th, 2025, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: RK Controls - EDS2130 Leo Ave, Commerce, CA 90040
Lunch will be provided
Date: March 2024
💡 Enhancing Connectivity for Control and Monitoring Systems
Stay updated with the latest innovations and solutions!
Introducing a solution for optimizing networking configurations, seamlessly integrating SIMATIC S7-1200 controllers and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
Here's a glimpse into a innovative approach:
In the core of your control infrastructure lies the SCADA server, orchestrating control and monitoring
across all network-connected devices, including the pivotal SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers. Traditionally,
SCADA systems operate on a pull mechanism, where the server periodically requests data from devices.
However, this method can strain the network, especially with numerous devices in play.
Enter Siemens' TeleControl Basics—an ingenious solution revolutionizing data transfer by adopting a push
system. This enables devices to autonomously send data to the SCADA system based on predefined
conditions, optimizing network resources by transmitting data only when significant changes occur, such
as a 3% shift in device status.
A standout feature of TeleControl Basics is its integrated buffering system, ensuring data integrity by
securely storing information locally on devices in case of communication disruptions. Once communication
is restored, buffered data seamlessly transmits to the SCADA server, safeguarding critical information.
Our proposed system layout involves deploying SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers, each equipped with a
comprehensive setup including a radio, router, and TeleControl configuration. These controllers will
intricately connect to TeleControl controllers, enabling efficient data transfer to TeleControl
communication modules. Data will then be transmitted via radio to the central control room.
Inside the control room, a master radio, integrated into the main network, will receive data from
stations and relay it to a dedicated TeleControl server, aggregating information from all devices. The
WinCC SCADA system will act as the central hub, providing comprehensive insights into remote site
statuses.
This proposed networking configuration is engineered to boost operational efficiency, reduce network
strain, and ensure data integrity, offering a robust solution for your control and monitoring needs.
We're open to any queries or discussions you might have.
Feel free to contact us for further information.