x4Trace separates the lines into divisions. Each division can be the whole line or part of it. When you design the flow, you can select which line/division executes the operation. This division works in collaboration with the terminal and the operator.

Architecture of line/division. Line/Division can handle devices. You can add all of the production devices, but the implementation of the drivers is your task. If the PLC handles all of the devices, this is a simple task because you can reach all of the data via PLC. The Siemens PLC communication is already implemented.

What does your line do? The “Line module” is the behavior of the line. There are some built-in line modules, but you can customize a new one. The code of line modules is open source. The behavior means, for example, that if you have a camera on the line, the camera reads the code at the end of the operation.

Process controller “line module”: This built-in “line module” communicates with an S7 PLC or any PLC via Modbus protocol. It sends data to the PLC and receives production data. Basically, all of the data is accessible on all PLC-connected devices, which communicate via DB/Modbus with x4Trace. If there is measured data or a read code like a part number, the PLC saves the values into DB, and x4Trace can read them, when the PLC signs, the product can be passed. The PLC can also set the operation’s result.