Machine connectivity for older machines: retrofit without PLC changes
Your oldest machines often run the most reliably, only their data goes nowhere. SYMESTIC's IoT Box delivers machine connectivity for them: it taps the digital signals via plug and play, without changing the PLC, and makes these machines visible in under 3 hours.
No interface does not mean no data
Even a machine without OPC UA has signals: running, stopped, cycle, part complete. The IoT Box reads exactly those signals. Nobody has to change anything on the PLC for that.
How the retrofit works
Mount.
Your electricians mount the IoT Box themselves on the machine's digital outputs.
Mounted by your electricians
Transfer.
Via the plant network or over cellular, in which case entirely without touching your network.
Plant network
over your existing network
Cellular
without touching your network
Analyze.
The machine appears in SYMESTIC like any modern one: with state, cycle, part count, stops and OEE.
Eccentric press
Built 1994
State
running
Pieces
1,284
OEE
81%
What is included
Connection via digital signals, vendor-independent
For machines from the 1990s to today
Optional cellular, no plant network
No changes to the PLC
Modern machines in parallel via OPC UA, all in one data model
IoT Box as a one-time purchase, no server of your own
What our customers achieve
3 weeks
all lines at the site live
without
PLC intervention
GMP-regulated pharmaceutical packaging: all lines at the site live in 3 weeks, without touching the PLC.
Frequently asked questions
Can older machines without an interface be connected?
Yes, via their digital signals. The IoT Box reads states and cycles without changing the controller.
Do I need an electrician from SYMESTIC for this?
No. Your own electrician can mount the IoT Box.
What if we are not allowed to use the plant network?
Then the IoT Box transmits over cellular, without touching your network.
Bring your oldest machine.
In the live demo, we show how it would be connected. 30 minutes, free of charge.
Christian Fieg
Head of Sales · SYMESTIC
Over 25 years in the manufacturing industry · Six Sigma Black Belt · global MES rollouts in automotive
“I will also tell you in the conversation if SYMESTIC does not fit your production. That saves us both time.”
What you take away from the call
Book a demo with Christian
30 minutes · Microsoft Teams · no obligation
No preparation needed. All that helps is: which machines do you run, and which ERP do you use?
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