Connecting Procemex OnePlatform with a paper mill systems
Procemex OnePlatform combines Web Inspection System and Web Monitoring System information in one environment. To make this information part of the mill’s wider production process, OnePlatform can exchange data with systems such as MES, QCS, DCS, ERP, databases, and winder control systems.
Depending on the application and the mill’s existing infrastructure, information can be transferred using interfaces such as OPC DA or OPC UA, REST APIs, file transfer, database connections, and industrial communication protocols. Data can flow both to and from the Procemex system.
Identifying production runs and reels
OnePlatform can receive production information such as reel number, reel name, paper grade, customer roll names, and production- or order-related identifiers from the mill’s MES, QCS, or ERP system.
This ensures that inspection results, monitoring videos, and events are connected to the correct production run. Operators can therefore search, review, and report information using the same reel and grade identifiers that are used elsewhere in the mill.
Typical interfaces include OPC, REST API, XML or other file formats, and database connections.
Connecting inspection data to mill information systems
The Web Inspection System can provide defect information to MES and other mill-level systems. The transferred information may include defect summaries, defect counters, defect characteristics, and defect map data.
Depending on the selected interface, defect and break images can also be made available. This allows quality information from Procemex OnePlatform to be used in production reporting, quality analysis, and downstream decision-making.
REST APIs, database views, and configurable file exports provide different ways to access this information. OPC can be used for summary information such as defect counters, while more detailed defect information is transferred through other interfaces.
Transferring web break and event information
The Web Monitoring System can receive production identifiers and event-related information from external systems. It can also send web break information back to an ERP, MES, or other production information system.
For example, a break event can be linked to the relevant reel, production run, order, or recorded break reason. This provides better traceability and makes monitoring information easier to combine with other production data.
Information can be transferred through customer-specific file formats, XML files, or database connections.
Supporting winder operations
OnePlatform can also exchange information with winder control and production planning systems. The Procemex Automatic Winder Target Control application can receive reel numbers and cut plans from MES or QCS systems.
During winding, the system can communicate the distance to the next defect target to the winder control system. This enables the winder to slow down, stop, or perform another selected action at the correct position.
Several communication methods are supported, including OPC, REST API, file transfer, TCP-based protocols, and selected PLC communication protocols.
Providing data for reporting and long-term storage
Customers can access selected Procemex data through read-only database views. These views can be used to transfer inspection and production information to the mill’s own reporting, analytics, or long-term storage environment.
The Procemex database is designed as a measurement database rather than as the customer’s permanent data archive. For long-term storage and wider business analytics, the required information should therefore be transferred to the customer’s own database or data platform.
Data can also be exported automatically in formats such as CSV, tab-delimited files or XML. Configurable exports allow the transferred information to be adapted to the mill’s reporting requirements.
Integrating with modern digital platforms
REST APIs provide a flexible way to read and write information between OnePlatform and other applications. They can be used for production data, system properties, events, and defect information.
Event subscriptions can also be handled through WebSocket communication, allowing another system to receive information when an event occurs or at a specified interval. For larger quantities of defect data, a dedicated database REST API provides efficient access to commonly used defect information in JSON format.
Flexible integration for different mill environments
No two mills have exactly the same system architecture. OnePlatform therefore supports several integration methods rather than requiring a single fixed interface.
Commonly used options include:
- OPC DA and OPC UA
- REST API
- XML, CSV and other file-based transfers
- FTP and shared folders
- ODBC and read-only database views
- Modbus TCP, Profinet and Profibus
- Customer-specific link applications
The most suitable method is selected according to the required data, existing mill systems, cybersecurity requirements, and the direction of information transfer.
OnePlatform as part of the mill’s information flow
By connecting inspection and monitoring information with the mill’s MES, QCS, ERP, DCS, and winder systems, OnePlatform becomes part of the complete production information flow.
The result is more consistent production data, improved traceability, and easier access to quality and process information across the mill. Instead of operating as an isolated inspection system, OnePlatform can provide relevant information to the systems and people that need it throughout the production process.
Contact Procemex to discuss your mill integration requirements
