How to import a "recipe" over network, either to PLC or HMI

[JasonO]

Hello,

We are looking at a machine upgrade project, for which we will probably use a BRX PLC + 3 HSIO modules, to automate setup functions on an old truss saw.

Here's the part we're trying to figure out:
The customer would like to be able to import a cutlist of parts from the office over the network, and then select which part to setup the machine for. I don't yet have the details on how the cutlist is formatted, but I expect it's probably a CSV file. The list would include a row for each part needed for the truss, with the quantity required, and the dimensions. I've attached a picture of the paper cutlist that they work off currently.

For example:
Row 1: Part#,Length,Angle1,Angle2
Row 2: W1,6-4,45,45
Row 3: W2,4-3,36,54,
and so on

I think this could be done by the PLC, using FTP and FILE functions, but it seems like that will be quite cumbersome to set up, and inflexible to use.

What I'd really like would be a way for the machine operator to open a file selection dialog and choose the CSV file he wants. Obviously that would be an HMI function. And of course the C-More HMIs that I typically use won't be able to do that, as far as I know.
So I'm looking for recommendations. Is there another brand of HMI that would allow me to import recipes? (not in the design software, but from the actual HMI) Should I consider going to a solution like AVEVA Edge, or Ignition? If I can find a good solution, I will probably have more customers that will want to be able to send jobs from the office to the machine. This is just something I haven't done before, so I'm not sure which way to go with it.

Thanks!
~Jason

[Controls Guy]

I've done similar before in DAQ Factory PC based HMI/control product.  Doing something not too radically different right now in fact.  Have a look. There's a free demo.

[RBPLC]

How much Python do you know? You can use Python/PyModbus to open the .csv and send over Modbus values to the BRX. Depending on how many parameters, you could use the HMI to store a profile on the BRX and have the ability to recall the saved profile from the HMI.

[JasonO]

I thought I'd post an update here on my project since I'm basically done with it.

I ended up buying a panel PC from Advantech with Ignition Edge preinstalled. There was a bit of learning curve to Ignition, but I'm happy with how it turned out. The Ignition panel communicates with my BRX PLC via Modbus TCP. The BRX does all the control, and then there are 5 Click PLCs used as remote I/O. That's the fun of setting up high speed motion when the HSIO modules were backordered.