Field Testing the S4 Open:
OPC-N2 Router
About
1˝ years ago, we began a beta testing program with the S4 Group.
Utilizing the Metasys system in our own facility we were able to ferret
out many of the N2 bus idiosyncrasies. Our system had the added
complexity of running the N2 Bus on both copper and fiber. This testing
has been invaluable not only because we have improved the product but
also because we have learned a great deal along the way. S4 personnel
have been very responsive to our feedback and have taken our discoveries
seriously. They understand how important it is to keep a facility
running during the critical integration process. Unfortunately, over
the years we have felt our customers’ pain as a result of down time and
control sequence failures. This alone was a critical factor in why we
felt it was important to support S4’s efforts.
In our
opinion, the S4 Open: OPC-N2 Router is one of the safest ways to migrate
a Metasys system to open standards. There are several other products on
the market that allow integration of a Metasys system, but they
typically leave the NAE, NCM or Metasys front end in place. Others make
a driver for the N2 bus, but they typically have a controlled
distribution model. Also, with the straight N2 driver solution the
integrators must replace the JCI network controller on the fly. This
can be difficult if the integrator is not well versed in the inner
workings of GPL and Metasys. The S4 router allows the JCI network
controller to be removed, but it allows integrator to replace it in
parallel with their integration deployment. After installing the S4
Open: OPC-Router between the network controller and the N2 bus, the
router exposes all of the N2 data up to OPC without any interruption to
the Metasys system. This parallel deployment capability is especially
nice because your customers can leave the JCI network controller running
while the integrators develop new programming to replace JCI’s. Once
the programming replication is done and the new system is working
reliably, the integrator can simply turn off the JCI network controller
and the transition is complete.
The BAS
market continues to espouse seamless integration; however, the reality
is that no integration project with a legacy system is seamless. The S4
Open appliance promises to change that paradigm by allowing the legacy
system to remain online until the integrator chooses to take it down.
Installing the S4 Open:OPC-N2 Router allows customers the ability to
migrate to any BAS or SCADA system that maps OPC. We feel very strongly
that our customers deserve choices for products and services; we strive
to earn their business every day.
---
John Greenwell, President CEPORT,
LLC
OPC-N2 Router Field Test
