Abstract: A device for communicating with low level controllers and sensors located on the production floor of an enterprise directly from the top level of the enterprise. The device comprises a controller which interfaces with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) via the backplane into which the PLCs are plugged. Users are able to define triggers that specify the circumstances under which data points within the PLCs are transported to the enterprise level where they may be stored in a database or sent directly to enterprise application via one of a number of possible transfer protocols. The invention also includes a software client which allows users to set up transfer triggers and view data points on the PLCs in real time.

Abstract: A device by which RFID data can pass from the RFID reader, or from the plant floor PLC and reader, to business applications at the enterprise level. The RFID tag date is easily integrated into a PLC for integration with other equipment. The security of the overall system is maintained by only allowing tag information to be available to authenticated users by means of active or passive tags and the use of certificates and encryption during the data transmission. Multiple RFID reader device drivers can be customized to support any number of readers available in the marketplace, with each RFID reader including its own data structure, protocol and handshaking methodology for communication. Additionally, a set of run time and configuration tools is provided which allow for an easier integration of RFID tag data into the enterprise architecture for use by other business applications.

Abstract: A system for providing connectivity to employer networks for support personnel and consultants who regularly work at customer locations. A secure network mechanism is provided to connect these users at the customer locations with their respective employer networks for the purpose of accessing e-mail, reference material, specialized application databases at their company, etc. Multiple VPNs are provided for the transmission within a customer location and for transmission to the employer servers to maintain security and control at the customer location and across the Internet connection. The customer location may inspect data and control what leaves their facility, while the consultant employer network is allowed to control user access to their own network. Name server information is also transferred between the disparate networks so that a consultant looking for a common server name in his own employer network gets the correct connection instead of the local customer's server connection.