3 Easy-to-use Software Packages for Data Logging

Date: 2015-03-18

3 Easy-to-use Software Packages for Data Logging

Data logging is the process of gathering data from sensors with a time and date stamp for analysis.  It involves recording samples of real world physical information over time. A data logging system can be used to collect various types of information including temperatures, electrical currents, voltage, sound frequencies, vibrations, light intensities, and pressure measurements.  Writing a program from scratch could take some time so choosing an easy to use data logging software is a fast and efficient way to analyze data.  Software like InduSoft, eLogger, and EZ Data Logger can be easily incorporated into existing data acquisition systems, remote monitoring and control systems to show the status of equipment, send email or text alarms based on conditions, log and analyze data, implement control demands and to generate reports.

With data logging software, you can run programs on computers and controllers based on information received from remote data acquisition modules.  You can also see the real-time status of instrumentation and devices you are monitoring. Data logging software can be set to send alarms via email or SMS when unusual circumstances are detected. You can also implement logic control operations and generate comprehensive reports with some data logging software packages.

Data logging software can be applied to various applications ranging from complex large scale factory automation to simple home automation systems. Human Machine Interfaces (HMI's) are the part of a machine that you can physically interact with.  HMI devices like the ICP DAS TPD-430 touchscreen PLCs  can be used with SCADA software to display real-time energy consumption data from energy monitoring systems.

eLogger, EZ Data Logger, and InduSoft are three different easy to use Data Logging sofware packages. eLogger is an easy-to-use free software to implement HMI and data logger on Windows CE .NET 5.0 based Programmable Automation Controllers like WinPAC and ViewPAC for simple I/O monitoring and controlling systems. It offers very easy to use interface, which saves you time and cost. eLogger can quickly and easily develop an application with flexible I/O configuration. The developing process can be completed in just 5 simple steps: configuring I/O modules, configuring data logger, designing HMI layout pages, uploading the project to the controller, running it. It doesn’t require software programming knowledge so anyone can do it. And if users want to add more powerful functions, eLogger also provides a flexible “shared memory” interface to allow your VS.NET and ISaGRAF programs to work with it.

For small remote I/O systems, users can use the free EZ Data Logger software, which is a PC Based Data Logging, Data Acquisition, Control and Monitoring Software that can be applied to small remote I/O Systems with up to 64 I/O tags. It supports DCON, Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, Modbus TCP (supports IP and Domain name) protocols. It supports multiple COM Ports and TCP/IP connections and can work with any applications like temperature monitoring, energy monitoring systems, machine monitoring systems, etc. The email and SMS alarm function is another feature of EZ Data Logger, which can send alarms to users at users’ request. With its user-friendly interface, users can quickly build a data logging system without any programming skills. Advanced EZ Data Logger is also available for more advanced applications. It supports up to 1024 I/O tags, 10 SMS or E-mail alarm contacts, up to 10 web cameras, and up to 256 virtual channels.

For more advanced automation and control systems, InduSoft SCADA software can be used for data logging, sending alarms, displaying data over a web page, and generating customized reports. InduSoft Web Studio is a powerful, integrated collection of automation tools that includes all the building blocks needed to develop modern Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and embedded instrumentation and control applications. InduSoft Web Studio’s application runs in native Windows NT, 2000, XP, CE and CE .NET environments and conforms to industry standards such as Microsoft .NET, OPC, DDE, ODBC, XML, and ActiveX. ICP DAS USA provides the InduSoft bundled driver to integrate InduSoft software and ICP DAS products (I-7000, I-8000 and I-87K) for SCADA systems. There are also OPC、DDE and ActiveX development toolkit provided to cooperate with InduSoft. Besides, the VxComm software of ICP DAS can be performed to link to Internet/Intranet modules in an easy way. DCON Utility of ICP DAS can be used to configure network module for easy use and maintenance.

Maria Santella, Sales Manager
MariaL@icpdas-usa.com    1-888-971-9888 ext 105      
ICP DAS USA, Inc. http://www.icpdas-usa.com

ICP DAS USA is a manufacturer of Industrial Data Acquisition, Data Communication, Automation & Control and Test & Measurement products; specializing in: PLC Hardware, Touch Screen hmi Devices, Programmable Automation Controllers, Distributed I/O modules, Power Meters, Protocol Converters, Industrial Ethernet Switches, PCI and ISA boards, and much more! We provide free technical support and system integration services at your needs.