Softing announced the completion of its acquisition of Delta Logic. The former company specializes in the provision of industrial communication technologies and solutions, and Delta Logic’s developed portfolio is expected to enhance Softing’s offering across areas such as programmable logic controller (PLC) connectivity, legacy, and modern industrial system interoperability, industrial system configuration, and expansion and edge and industrial internet of things (IIoT) solutions.
The culmination of Softing and Delta Logic’s hardware and software technologies is expected to enhance security, connectivity, and productivity for automated industrial systems. Image used courtesy of Softing
Towards Future-Proof Automation Systems
Delta Logic provides programming tools, protocol converters, and diagnostic software to Softing’s customer base, enabling communication between PLCs (from Siemens and other manufacturers) and PC-based systems.
Delta Logic's innovations supplement Softing's emphasis on ensuring seamless data flow between industrial systems. Softing could boost interoperability across various automated systems by utilizing protocols such as Modbus, PROFIBUS, Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, and Modbus.
Furthermore, Softing's developing Industrial IoT solutions offering may be bolstered by Delta Logic's capabilities in real-time data extraction from manufacturing equipment, which would help close the gap between information technology and operational technologies. Softing's capacity to expedite installation and minimize downtime would also be improved by Delta Logic's diagnostic and commissioning capabilities. Combining Softing's current portfolio with Delta Logic's specialist communication solutions is expected to place both businesses in a prime position to address the increasing need for standardized, dependable, and future-proof automation systems, especially considering their respective strong market positions across Germany and other locations within Europe.
Delta Logic’s ACCON AGLink
ACCON AGLink is an adaptable software library that allows PCs to communicate with Siemens controllers (S7, S5, SINUMERIK, and LOGO!) quickly and reliably. It is designed to operate across several operating systems and computer languages, which enhances data access, time synchronization, and rapid diagnostics for developers. The ACCON AGLink features a modular design to support integration within new and current systems, saving teams time and money throughout development. ACCON AGLink is ideal for industrial situations that require minimum communication latency between PCs and controllers.
ACCON NetLink PRO OPC UA Server
The ACCON NetLink PRO compact is a small yet powerful adapter for connecting PCs to Siemens S7 PLCs and SINUMERIK machine controls. It supports MPI (Multipoint Interface), PROFIBUS, and PPI (Point-to-Point Interface) protocols as well as network connectivity via TCP/IP. The adapter has both USB and Ethernet ports, allowing for versatile setup choices to suit a variety of system architectures. Built-in galvanic isolation enhances safety by shielding linked devices from electrical interference, and firmware upgrades assure the device's reliability and uptime in long-term industrial operation.
Delta Logic’s ACCON OPC UA Server is designed to meet the specifications of the Siemens S7 and SINUMERIK controller environment. Image used courtesy of Delta Logic
The ACCON OPC UA Server solution facilitates information exchange between Siemens S7 PLCs, SINUMERIK controllers, and other systems. It is based on the OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) specification and allows for secure, platform-neutral data transmission in industrial settings. The server may simply link to systems such as MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and cloud-based services. The ACCON OPC UA Server, with its strong encryption, is designed to safeguard and expedite data transfer over intricately linked industrial networks.
Joint Managing Directors of Softing Thomas Hilz and Thomas Rummel stepped in to assume management of Delta Logic in April this year, and full integration of Delta Logic is expected by the end of this year.
This acquisition strengthens Softing’s position as a leader in the provision of industrial communication solutions, opens up new market opportunities, and provides an expanded sales network for Delta Logic’s products.
Featured image used courtesy of Softing
