KEPServerEX Adds ThingWorx Native Client to Integrate Programmable Logic Controllers and Sensors Quickly

Since PTC acquired Kepware, back when the ball dropped on 2015, its development team has been working hard to tie the interoperability knot between the ThingWorx Internet of Things (IoT) platform and the Industrial IoT (IIoT) communication environment KEPServerEX.

(Image courtesy of PTC.)

For instance, a few months after the acquisition, PTC announced a ThingWorx agent for the KEPServerEX. It used a binary protocol to pass the IIoT data to the ThingWorx platform, where it could then be processed through control and analytics algorithms and added to dashboards.

Now with the release of KEPServerEX v5.21, the team has beefed up the connectivity with ThingWorx. The release includes a native client interface for ThingWorx. The interface is designed to connect industrial things, such as programmable logic controllers, remote thermal units, sensors and more, to the IoT.

“At PTC, we are firmly committed to ensuring that the solutions across our entire IoT portfolio are intuitive and highly interoperable,” said Rob Gremley, group president at PTC. “Customers who choose to standardize on technology from PTC can trust that we are going to provide a seamless experience. This latest release from Kepware is a testament to that commitment.”

Using Kepware’s library of over 150 communication drivers, engineers will be able to set up real-time, bidirectional connections between the ThingWorx IoT platform and industrial equipment.

“The integration provided through the new ThingWorx native client interface gives customers and ThingWorx application developers access to even more options for connectivity and control—streamlining operational efficiencies and delivering better results,” said Tony Paine, platform president at Kepware.

Another tool that aims to improve interoperability of the PTC IIoT portfolio is the KEPServerEX Extension for ThingWorx. This tool will help engineers configure their ThingWorx applications to KEPServerEX. Additionally, the tool will configure connected device templates from the server to the IoT platform so that users can have an easier time reading, writing, interacting with and searching for the things.

Users will be able to download the KEPServerEX Extension for free from the ThingWorx Marketplace or when installing the server.

The Kepware v5.21 release also includes:

18 server updates;
New software plug-ins and
Additional IIoT drivers.

To learn more about how Kepware fits into PTC’s portfolio read “PTC Expands Their Industrial Automation via the Internet of Things.”