There are two types of communication available for communication between the operator device (e.g. smartphone) and endpoint (e.g. PLC control). For gateway communication, functions such as push messages and a connection via the Internet are available. In direct communication, the HMI communicates directly with the endpoint.
In gateway communication, the data exchange between the operator device and the endpoint runs via a Windows computer. The Unified-E App Manager software turns the computer into a gateway and is responsible for encryption and user authentication.
The App Manager is ultimately responsible for the data exchange and forwards the app requests to the respective endpoints.
The following different types of communication are possible between the gateway and the operator device:
The smartphone communicates with the gateway indirectly using a messaging service. Advantage: The gateway does not need to accept incoming HTTPS connection requests, and additional configurations on the router or firewall are therefore not necessary.
The smartphone communicates directly with the gateway, which is connected to both the Internet and the local (production) network. This type of communication requires setting up port forwarding at the router or firewall.
This mode is used when the gateway is not connected to the Internet. Therefore there are a some limitations: Local push messages are currently only supported on Android devices, and an offline license key must be explicitly requested under "My Account".
Licensing takes place per operator device registration on the gateway PC. When using push messages, annual service fees are charged.
For direct communication, the operator device is in the same network as the controller. The data required for the visualization is transmitted directly from the controller to the operator device. An additional software or a gateway is not required.
The operating app is created with the "Unified-E App Designer" software and then installed on the operating unit using the client application or the base "Unified-E" app.
For Windows operator devices and for gateway communication, additional adapters are available, eg. Eg SQL, Web, Beckhoff.
Further details can be found on our website under "Downloads".
A direct license is required per machine. This allows the machine to be operated with any operating devices such as smartphones or tablets.